Table of contents for 17 July 2025 in Chat

The incredible pictures of Liliya’s newborn twins on p6 took my breath away. Little Abigail and Micaela were born conjoined, connected by their heads. The story is a medical miracle, proven by another amazing image she shares – the gang of 40-plus medics it took to surgically separate them! And then there’s the fab photo of the two little girls now, so cheeky. It’s a lovely read, I’m sure you’ll agree. Have a great week,…

Stroking my belly protectively, I glanced at my husband, Anatoliy, then 34. His eyes were fixed on the road, getting us to the hospital. ‘Please be OK,’ I thought to my tiny bump. It was June 2019, and I was 9 weeks pregnant. Already parents to three boys, Timofey, then 8, Timyr, 6, and Vladislav, 4, we were excited to be expecting again. But three years earlier, I’d had a miscarriage. And now, I’d spotted blood in my knickers again. Arriving at hospital, I was rushed for an ultrasound. ‘Is the baby OK?’ I asked the sonographer. ‘Babies,’ she smiled. ‘It’s twins!’ Stunned, I looked at Anatoliy as a grin spread across his face. In minutes, we’d gone from fearing we were losing a baby to gaining an extra one!…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What does actor Gwyneth Paltrow say is her number one tip for hosting an event? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Quicker (6) 12 Cyclone (9) 13 Dutch cheese (4) 14 Upright (8) 15 Daughter of a sibling (5) 16 Fashionable (6) 17 Difficulty (7) 18 Look into (11) 20 Viper (5) 22 Daniel _, star of the Harry Potter films (9) 24 Gem found in oysters (5) 28 Look after children (7) 29 Spectacles (7) 32 Turn to ice (6) 34 Prepare for a performance (8) 36 Type of curry (8) 37 _ Coyle, member of Girls Aloud (6) 39 Small stone fruit (7) 40 Teri _, Desperate Housewives star (7) 45 Grown-up (5) 47 Put into another language (9) 48 Heroine of Beauty and the Beast (5) 51 Not simple (11) 53 Thrown…

Q I have a lump in my neck that’s growing and my GP said it’s a Warthin’s cyst. They are not worried, but I am – what is it? Janice, Peterborough A If your doctor has said it’s a Warthin’s cyst (sometimes called a Warthin’s tumour), it’s usually benign (non-cancerous). Warthin’s cysts are most often found in the parotid gland – a salivary gland near the jaw and ear. They are made up of fluid and tissue, can slowly grow over time and are more common in people over 40, with a higher incidence in smokers. They rarely turn into cancer. If the cyst becomes large, uncomfortable or bothersome, it can often be removed with surgery. It’s normal to feel worried, but it’s a good sign that your doctor isn’t…

As I rolled over in bed, I squeezed my eyes shut. Tried to force myself to fall asleep. Only I couldn’t stop the same thought ping-ponging around my head. There’s still cake in the kitchen, it reminded me. It was October 2020 and earlier that evening, I’d picked up a Viccy sponge from the corner shop. My partner Mark, then 44, and sons Jack, 20, and Joe, 22, had each had a sliver after our shepherd’s pie tea. I’d gobbled down two whopping great slices. And knowing there was still a chunk left felt like torture. Sighing, I threw back the covers and padded downstairs to the kitchen, leaving Mark fast asleep. Polishing off the last quarter of sponge, I brushed the crumbs off my chin before heading back to…

House or wedding? Q My partner and I are engaged and planning our wedding for next year. But we’ve just seen a house that could be our dream first home. Trouble is, we can’t afford both. I’d always imagined an extravagant big day, but the thought of losing this house makes me panic. Tania, 32 A Is this really such a big choice, petal? A wedding is one day, a house is forever. If you plump for the fancy wedding, you’ll have a ring on your finger but an empty bank account. You’ll have to start over again, saving for a deposit. That will take years! Put a roof over your head before a veil. You can fill your house with lovely pics of your wedding when you get round…

Rubbing my sore belly, I winced and popped another painkiller. Aged 28, I’d been struggling with heavy periods and painful cramps for years. Working as a recreational therapist and a single parent to my girls, then 8 and 6, I couldn’t afford to be ill. Recently, a specialist had referred me for keyhole abdominal surgery to find out what was causing my symptoms. Only, the morning of my op, in July 2023, I went to the toilet and sighed. ‘I’ve started my period,’ I explained, calling the hospital. ‘Can I still have my surgery?’ ‘Just use a tampon,’ the nurse advised. The procedure went ahead. Waking up in hospital after the two-hour op, I was groggy and in pain. But I had some answers at least… ‘You have endometriosis,’ a…

Aries 21 March-20 April On 16 July the Moon makes its monthly return. This is a good moment to start a new project, venture or relationship. Focus on what is most important to you. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May As you’re ruled by Venus, planet of creativity and beauty, spend time listening to music or starting a new venture. This will bring a greater sense of fulfilment. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Venus in your sign brings a playful energy. It’s the perfect time to make new connections with people who will give you an exciting, fresh perspective. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July The Sun in Cancer makes you feel sentimental. Plan…

Q Is there a difference between SPF30 and 50? Which should I be wearing on holiday? Georgina Keys, Norwich A Most dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. It shields skin from roughly 97% of UV rays, while SPF50 protects up to 98%. Though the difference between the two is minimal, if your formula is available in SPF50 it’s worth getting your protection up to the highest level. You should also make sure that your SPF is ‘broad-spectrum’, meaning it protects from both UVA (which causes ageing) and UVB (which causes burning). The key is picking a formula that’s lightweight, sits well under make-up and doesn’t clog pores. Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50, £14.99, Boots, ticks all of those boxes. If your skin is dry, you’ll love…

To Mia and Gabriella, When I was little, I used to imagine what my future children would be like. Would you have my brown hair, or my dark eyes? I hoped you’d have my perseverance and strength. What I didn’t want was for you to struggle, like I had. See, at 11 months old, I was diagnosed with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss. Meant I found it almost impossible to hear even really loud sounds. The doctor recommended I use hearing aids and I’d already learned to lip read. But in Sierra Leone, Africa, where I was born, there were no support groups or experts. And as I got older, as hard as I tried, there were some things I couldn’t do. Like speak on the phone to my…

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Picking up my curling tongs, my phone buzzed with a text. Morning beautiful, it read. ‘Someone’s got a secret admirer,’ my salon colleagues teased. It was March 2017 and I’d met John Hookings, then 40, through my daughter Willow, then 16, who knew his son. ‘Let me take you out,’ John had said, after finding out I was single. I wasn’t looking for romance. As well as Willow, I had Milo, then 10 and Jack, 6, to look after, and I worked full-time as a beautician. I didn’t have time for a boyfriend! But John was persistent. ‘Give him a chance,’ the girls in the salon urged. So I gave in. Over dinner he told me all about his job as a bodyguard. ‘My official title is closeprotection officer,’ he…

Blocked nose misery Q For the last three months, my right nostril has been blocked, and I’ve lost my sense of smell. Nothing comes out when I blow my nose and I feel well otherwise. What could it be? Patricia, Oxford A It could be a nasal polyp – a soft, harmless swelling inside your nose. Other causes might be long-term sinus inflammation. Speak to your GP – they might suggest using a steroid nasal spray. If you use it properly, both in the morning and at night every day, it can help shrink any swelling and unblock your nose over time. Sometimes, you might also be referred by your doctor to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for a closer look or a scan. Most causes are treatable…

Cartwheeling, skateboarding and rock climbing were just a few of Bella’s favourite things to do. Bursting with energy, she was like any other teenager. Only, something strange was going on in her body. ‘When I was 15, my heart rate got to 225 laying down,’ she explains. Compared to a normal resting rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, this was off the scale. ‘My whole body was just feeling so weird,’ she says. After a test called an electrocardiogram, or ECG, doctors had an answer. ‘They found something wrong with my heart and diagnosed me with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome,’ she says. A condition causing the heart to beat abnormally fast for periods of time. ‘It’s basically an issue with the electrical system in your heart,’ Bella says. ‘It’s episodes…

Grilled chicken pesto salad Try this fresh combo that’s tasty and filling. SERVES 6 PREP 20 MINS, PLUS MARINATING COOK 20 MINS ● 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs ● Zest and juice 2 lemons ● 1tsp Dijon mustard ● 1 garlic clove, crushed ● 30ml olive oil, plus extra for frying ● 1kg new potatoes, large ones halved ● 200g green beans, trimmed ● 100g frozen broad beans, podded (or garden peas) ● Bunch spring onions, sliced ● 100g natural yogurt ● 150g basil pesto ● Handful almonds, roughly chopped ● Basil leaves, to garnish (optional) 1 Mix the chicken thighs, juice of 2 lemons and zest of 1, mustard, garlic and oil. Season well, cover and chill for 1 hr, or longer if making ahead. 2 Boil the potatoes in…

Watching my daughters laugh and play, my heart swelled. Laura, then 14, and Gail, 12, could be fighting one minute and then best friends the next. My two were a handful but becoming a mum was the most rewarding thing to ever happen to me. Later, after tucking them into bed, I sat down with my husband, Larry, then 34. ‘I don’t know how anyone could abandon their kids,’ I said sadly. My own mum, Mary, had left when I was just 2. I’d grown up with my five siblings and my dad, Joe. While I’d longed for Mum to come home, she’d had five more kids then left them, too. Mum flitted in and out of our lives. As I got older, I told myself I didn’t need her.…

E.l.f Sheer For It Blush Tint, £5, elfcosmetics.co.uk Multitasking make-up products really come into their own this time of year – they take up less space in your suitcase, and they make getting ready so easy. This stain can be used on cheeks and lips, providing a pretty wash of colour that’s buildable. It’s available in five striking shades. PS… Prep + Perfect Make-Up Setting Spray, £5, Primark The summer weather, be it heat, humidity, or rain, can cause your make-up to melt, slip or slide, but using a setting spray will help lock your look in place all day. This one is so affordable and is infused with aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin. Because of its soothing skills, it’s also a great way of refreshing your…

Lilie James had a reason to smile. She’d met someone and she seemed happy. It was August 2023, and the pretty and talented 21-year-old was studying for a sports business degree at uni. She was also working part-time as a water polo and swimming coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, near her home in Sydney, Australia. That’s where she’d met Dutch national, Paul Thijssen, 24. Before graduating, he’d studied at the school. Had been a respected sports captain and prefect. Now, he was working in the school’s sports department as a coach. Both sports mad, Lilie and Paul had a lot in common. They made an attractive couple too. Friends described their relationship as ‘casual’. But it seemed that Paul was smitten with Lilie, bragging to pals about their ‘sexual…

Which do you prefer – big night out or cosy night in? Cosy night in. Feet up, film on (anything Marvel or a good whodunnit), a bit of chocolate and a large G&T! Do you have a pet? If not, what would be your dream animal companion? I’m not especially an animal lover, but I’d quite fancy a couple of sheep to wander around my garden. That way, I wouldn’t ever have to mow the lawn! Name one thing that you can do really well. I’m really, really good at talking. I once worked with someone who said I could start a conversation in an empty room. It’s a good thing really as I’ve always worked with people, including as a lifeguard, swimming teacher and now in physiotherapy. What’s your…

Which Muppet plays the ‘Muppaphone’, an instrument consisting of balls of fluff that shout in pain when struck? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Casually look round a shop (6) 2 Huge (8) 3 Long thin pasta (9) 4 (Of a triangle) having two equal sides (9) 5 Gershwin song from Porgy and Bess (10) 6 Quilted bed cover (9) 7 Loud (5) 8 Abominable snowman (4) 9 Land surrounded by water (6) 10 Night-time vision (5) 11 Breakfast food favoured by Paddington Bear (9) 12 Proof (8) 13 Overstate (10) 14 Day before (3) 15 _ Rita, 1983 film (9) 16 Accra’s country (5) Your answer:…

Sizes from 6-26 Tu at Sainsbury's STYLE TIP Small details, big difference – look for ruffles, bows and crochet for a high-end finish on your summer looks. Sizes from 6-22 F&F at Tesco STYLE TIP Tile prints and playful lemons will add a Mediterranean spin to your holiday essentials. Team with block colours. Sizes from 8-24 George at Asda STYLE TIP Bermuda shorts are in so offset the relaxed fit and wear with a form-fitting swimsuit for a beach outfit that’ll get you noticed. Sizes from 8-22 Nutmeg at Morrisons STYLE TIP Embrace nautical chic with classic blue and white stripes. Add pops of red for a colour-coordinated wardrobe.…

Looking out at my classroom of school leavers, their whole life ahead of them, I knew what advice to give. ‘If you do nothing else in life, travel,’ I told them. It was 2019, and aged 56, after teaching for 34 years, I couldn’t wait to take my own advice. I planned on retiring the following year, wanted to see the world. Years ago I’d read an article in a newspaper about a couple travelling the world pet sitting. Looking after other people’s cats and staying in their houses in return. Living the dream, I’d thought. I was separated, had no kids or pets of my own. So, the following year, in 2020, I signed up to a pet-sitting website, paid a £90 annual membership fee and set up a…

Sitting in the kitchen watching my sons eat their tea, I did a double take. It was November 2024 and my boys, Brody, then 3, and Kooper, 20 months, were tucking into their pasta. But as Kooper looked up at me with tomato sauce all round his mouth, there was a strange glint in his eye. Almost like there was a white film over his left eyeball. The lights were low in the kitchen, so I turned the big light on. But the weird reflection disappeared when I did. Strange. ‘It’s probably nothing,’ my partner, Shane, then 34, said when he got home from work that evening. Still, I kept checking. Over the next few weeks, when the lighting was low, I noticed that film again. Kooper didn’t seem at…

3 ways to… save on buying holiday currency Don’t let your spending money cost more than it should when you go away 1 Get the best deal If you prefer to exchange some cash before you set off on your break overseas, shop around in advance. Try using the TravelMoneyMax tool (travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com), which compares foreign exchange rates at about 16 online bureaux. It orders them by how much currency you’ll really get after all fees and charges. Pay with a debit card or cash to avoid a fee. 2 Plastic fantastic Never use your debit or credit cards abroad without checking how much you’ll be charged. For example, some charge a 3% ‘nonsterling transaction fee’, plus a spending charge each time you use it. Some cards charge you for using an ATM, too. However, there…

Boots Dermacare Acne Body Spray, £11.95, Boots If you have blemishes on your body, try this treatment, blended with benzoyl peroxide to purify. The spray bottle means it’s easy to apply to awkward, hard-to-reach areas. Habi A Good Hair Day Biotin Gummies, £10, Boots Taking biotin supplements will help your hair grow quicker and stronger, and these tasty gummies make it easy to make a daily habit. Revolution Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara, £10.99, Superdrug Tubing mascaras create a ‘tube’ around your eyelashes, for instantly longer and thicker-looking lashes. This is a brilliant one that’s available in black, brown and burgundy. Jerome Russell Bstyled Volume Elixir, £6.99, Superdrug Spritz this serum into your roots for an instant and impressive volume boost. It’ll also protect from heat damage, prevent frizz and leave hair shinier.…

Chat winners issue 16 (17 April 2025) £1,001 CASH J Town, Worksop £500 CASH T Havill, Bristol J Ware, Tunbridge Wells £250 CASH C Asplin, Rugeley B Tyson, Cleator Moor £200 CASH G Morton, Bathgate £100 CASH A King, Sheffield A Straw, Warrington B Okines, Etchingham £75 CASH L Herrod, Manchester £50 CASH J Townson, Preston M Hay, Royston D Boswell, Barnsley A Black, Burton upon Trent S Jones, Stroud J Connolly, Bootle £40 CASH D Hamlyn, Torquay £30 CASH C James, Grays A Sharp, Salford £25 CASH J Jones, Liverpool J Baker, Haywards Heath Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £20 CASH E Foster, Milton Keynes D Hatcher, Cranbrook E Smithyman, Rotherham S Rounce, Middlesbrough D Lown, Burgess Hill C Wheatley, Chelmsford A Brownlee, Newcastle upon…