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Aligne is a female-founded, sustainable fashion house, which burst on the fashion scene circa 2020, and has soared in popularity. 

The other year the Leo Linen waistcoat was a sell-out success for Aligne, and it barely stayed on the virtual shelves – even now it’s only available in limited sizes. The brand has expanded its collection, and there are plenty of new in pieces that will take us from the office to date nights, and every occasion in between. 

We predict the summer 2025 version of the Leo waistcoat will be the Ulysses Broderie Organic Cotton Shirt and the Chelsea Broderie Organic Cotton Shorts, which can be worn as a summery co-ord or as separates you mix and match with other items. 

In recent weeks we have had a taste of British summer, so we have slowly been dusting off our summer wardrobe to slip in on those balmy days. Aligne’s co-ord is exactly the set our wardrobe is missing. 

Aligne Ulysses Broderie Organic Cotton Shirt

Crafted from 100% organic cotton, the lightweight design is breathable and gentle on the skin, which is ideal for the warmer months. It features short sleeves, a dropped shoulder, and a boxy fit. It also boasts a short collar, button front fastening, as well as broderie detail on the front and sleeves.Available in extra small to extra large sizes.

BUY NOW FOR £115

Aligne Chelsea Broderie Organic Cotton Shorts

The shorts are crafted from the same 100% organic cotton fabric, feature an elasticated waistband and drawstring detail.It also boasts the same broderie detailing as the shirt on the hem of the shorts, and has side slip pockets. Available in XS to XL sizes.

BUY NOW FOR £89

The shirt and shorts are sold separately, which is ideal for those who want to shop the full set, or opt for the separates to mix and match with other pieces.

Both pieces have been crafted from 100% organic cotton, which is lightweight, breathable and gentle on the skin. 

The shirt has been described as a ‘bowling style silhouette’ on the brand’s website as it features short sleeves, a dropped shoulder, a boxy fit, short collar, as well as a button front fastening. The feature that stands this cotton short out from a crowd is the broderie detail running vertically down the shirt, as well as on the sleeves. 

The shorts feature the same broderie detail around the lower hem. The slip on shorts are mid-length, which is ideal to keep you cool on summer days, but also provide enough coverage. The elasticated waist provides a snug fit, and makes these shorts easy to slip on and off. Plus, they have slip pockets, which is always a game changer. 

Aligne’s shirt and shorts are both available in sizes extra small to extra large. Style them together with sandals, or trainers, for off duty days, or slip on over your swimwear. You can even wear the shirt buttoned up to the top, or leave open when layered over your swimsuit. 

We have seen the fashion firm sporting the set already on social media, but that’s not the only reason we predict this set will sell out.  The high quality fabric of Aligne’s creations, stylish cut, combined with the versatility of this co-ord makes it a reliable set you can throw on in the summer and feel instantly chic. 

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‘I feel fine but my wife made me come in.’

Those 10 little words are apparently a red flag for doctors, often indicating something may be seriously wrong with a patient’s health.

Dr Sam Ghali shared on X: ‘I don’t care what anyone says, [this phrase] has a positive predictive value for something bring really f**king wrong that approaches 100%.’

Other healthcare professionals agreed, with one writing: ‘Person who appears to be completely healthy from the outside: “My wife made me come in.”

‘Get ready for literally every single thing to be wrong all at once.’

X user Cindy Schell added: ‘I worked as a triage nurse for several years for thoracic surgeons. More often than not it was the wife or girlfriend who called about a problem their partner was having.’

Dr Simon Hundeshagen pointed out why this could be such an effective indicator for health issues. ‘It’s because family members or spouses sometimes notice subtle signs or changes that the patient may not recognise or may be downplaying.’

Others shared their experiences of this happening to them. X user Stephen Fleming shared: ‘When I was 10, my dad “felt funny” at dinner. My mum wrestled him into an ambulance over his vociferous objections. He had a massive heart attack in the ER.

‘If he hadn’t been there, he’d have died at the dinner table, and I would’ve grown up without a father! Thanks mum.’

Why don’t men make a big deal about their health?

One in 10 British men can’t even remember the last time they saw a doctor, according to a Numan survey.

Nearly half of men had their last appointment with a doctor at least six months ago, with 40% not having seen a healthcare professional in more than a year.

It’s a problem that spans continents, with the majority (65%) of American men saying they avoid seeking medical attention for as long as possible, citing reasons like being too busy or hoping ailments will heal on their own, according to a Cleveland Clinic study.

For Tommy Kelly, who previously shared his story with Metro, he put his eating disorder down to grief and didn’t realise he could even have an eating disorder as a man.

While he did head to the doctors, he wasn’t able to advocate for himself and at 20 years old, he had a heart attack as a result of it remaining untreated.

Graeme Souness was also adamant he was just tired and out-of-sorts, when he became unable to drink one glass of wine or pint of beer without a headache coming on.

In reality, he had coronary heart disease and needed a triple bypass.

The double standard

Many women may be raising their eyebrows right now, given the medical misogyny and gaslighting experienced in many women’s doctors appointments.

It seems the female opinion seem carries weight when talking about men’s health issues but not their own, with 84% of women feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, according to the 2022 Women’s Health Strategy for England.

A recent report by Benenden Health and the Fawcett Society also found 35% of women believe their negative healthcare experiences are influenced by their gender.

In response to Dr Sam Ghali, X user Maggie said: ‘And yet, if that same woman comes in saying there’s something wrong with her, y’all will roll your eyes and tell her she should lose weight and stop being anxious. Ask me how I know.’

‘What’s the female equivalent,’ another asked. ‘Because everything I see is we don’t get taken seriously, when it is serious.’

Nicole, another X user, added: ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if doctors were as concerned about how women aren’t taken as seriously as men are.’

Ultimately both men and women struggle to access healthcare, just for different reasons, but there are small steps you can take to feel less ignored.

How to advocate for yourself at your GPs

Preparing for Your Appointment

Preparing for your appointment should involve gathering evidence and jotting down your symptoms, as advised by Dr Elise Dallas, a GP specialising in women’s health at the London General Practice. 

Dr Dallas emphasises the importance of knowing your personal medical history, including contraceptive and gynaecological history, stress levels, current medications, and family medical history. She suggests, ‘Consider your ideas, concerns, and expectations before the appointment.’ GPs are trained to address these aspects using the ICE model (patients’ ideas, concerns, and expectations). Understanding what matters most to you can greatly assist your healthcare provider in providing effective care.

Staying Informed

Educate yourself about your health condition. Keeping up with the latest research and treatments can empower you to make informed decisions. Health journalist Sarah Graham advises: ‘If you suspect a particular condition, it’s valuable to ask: “Could it be this?’” This question prompts doctors to elaborate on their thought process, fostering a collaborative relationship and mutual understanding between you and your healthcare provider.’

Bringing a Supportive Person

If you’re anxious or might miss important information, bring someone you trust to support you. They can help take notes, ask additional questions, and advocate for you if needed. ‘I’m a very vocal advocate. I’m pretty feisty,’ disabled journalist Lucy Webster says. ‘But I still take my dad because he is a white, non-disabled man, despite being nearsighted, and they take him seriously. It’s not me failing to advocate for myself; that is how I advocate for my health.’

Listen to Yourself

Trust your instincts during the appointment. ‘Always remember that you are the expert in your body,’ Lucy adds. ‘Doctors might have medical degrees, training, and expertise. But they don’t live in your body, you live in your body. You will know if it feels different.’

Finding Support Groups

Joining a support group or contacting a specialised charity can connect you with others who have similar health conditions. They can offer recommendations for healthcare providers and share effective strategies. Alesha De-Freitas, director of policy, research and advocacy at the Fawcett Society tells Metro: ‘The participants of our study found support groups and charities really valuable. They felt less isolated.’

Taking Notes 

During the appointment, take notes to remember important details and instructions. You can also ask your doctor to document significant conversations for accountability. Lucy suggests: ‘If healthcare professionals are dismissing or ignoring what you’re saying, a really effective thing I learned from someone else is to make them write it in their appointment notes. So if you say, ‘I’m in pain,’ and they say, ‘No, you’re not, it’s in your head,’ you can ask them to document that conversation.’

Seeking a second opinion

If something doesn’t feel right, seek a second opinion. Hazard emphasises: ‘It’s our job to meet you where you are. That means there’s no right or wrong way for you to communicate your wants and needs.’ She adds: ‘Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your fears, and if you don’t feel you’re being listened to or respected, you have the right to ask to be seen by someone else.’

Sarah adds: ‘If you still feel like you’re not getting anywhere, you can make a complaint. You can write to your practice manager, or if it’s a specialist, you can write to the hospital’s PALS service – the Patient Advice and Liaison Service.’

Navigating the complexities of healthcare within the NHS, particularly amidst its financial constraints, is anything but easy. While increased funding is essential, it is equally imperative to prioritise training and research to ensure equitable healthcare provision for women.

As we wait for these changes to happen, women can find solidarity by equipping themselves with knowledge, advocating assertively for their needs, and seeking support from trusted allies. As we persist in our pursuit of a healthcare system that is just and inclusive, it is paramount to recognise the importance of our voices and the validity of our experiences. As Lucy noted, ‘we are the ones who know our bodies best’.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Arms, legs and adrenaline pumping, I kept my eyes focussed on the finish line that was now within my grasp.

It was a hot and windy day but the conditions had done little to slow me down. In fact, earlier in the race I’d thought I might be able to finish in the top five.

In the end, in October 2023, I achieved a 7th place finish in the World Cup Triathlon race in Tangier.

As an Olympic Bronze medalist, World Champion and Commonwealth medalist, you might think I’d be disappointed with that result, but you’d be wrong. Because while it won’t go down as my best race, it was one of the most emotional ones of my long career.   

That race took place exactly eight months and three days after I gave birth to my daughter, Emmie. It was my first race as a new mum and my first competition back after nearly two years out of the sport.  

I’m lucky in that I’ve had the support from British Triathlon (and my family) to try to balance motherhood and an elite sports career. But sadly, this is not the case for other women. 

In the ‘normal’ working world, basic maternity rights are covered by law and a company can then choose their own specific policy: Allowing women a longer period of maternity leave or a higher percentage of full pay, for example. 

Yet we are still struggling to get this aligned in elite sport. 

Currently, some contracts are still not protected by maternity clauses, and other people have lost sponsors after not being able to return to the sport. 

It’s why, for some, the choice between being a mum or retiring still exists, and why, for those who do choose to return, finding the time to train and pushing aside the guilt once we have children can be so crippling.

The commitment needed to be a professional athlete is above and beyond that of many jobs. The focus and dedication and self-centred way of living are often what make athletes great and you have to change those things when you become a mother.

You feel torn and question regularly whether you are doing the right thing for you and your family. I’m sure that’s relatable to many working mums, however self-doubt and second guessing oneself kills athletic performance and that’s something I definitely struggled with at times on my own journey back to the top.

Personally, I knew I wanted to have a child after the Tokyo Olympics. Getting to those games had already been a challenge – Covid had made training and travelling a lot more complicated, and I was beginning to struggle with a mysterious shoulder issue – and frankly, I was burnt out.

It felt like the best time to start a family and after that I would see whether I wanted to return to triathlon or not.

My last race ended up being in November 2021, where I came 10th in a World Championship Series event. Then, six months later, I fell pregnant.

While I’d have loved to be active during my pregnancy, I was struggling with significant pain throughout my body – I wouldn’t discover this was rheumatoid arthritis until I was seven weeks postpartum.

With all that going on there also remained the question of whether I would return to professional triathlon or not. I didn’t know whether I would be able to or even if I wanted to.  

The more I thought about it, though, the more I realised I wanted the opportunity to finish my career on my terms. 

By the time Emmie was born in January 2023, my fitness and strength were at the lowest point they had ever been and there was a moment when I wasn’t sure if I would ever get back to a start line.  

Fortunately for me, triathlon is relatively unique in that its roots are founded in equality – being a relatively young sport, women and men have always raced over the same distances and received the same prize money and exposure – and I had the full support of British Triathlon behind me. 

They gave me time, patience and, importantly, flexibility. I was allowed to bring Emmie with me to races and take on solo training in order to work around her needs and childcare arrangements. All this and more allowed me to steadily return to the sport I loved once I felt ready to do so. 

Don’t misunderstand, it was still a long road to get back to racing.  

At times I doubted whether it was worth it, whether I could balance training and life as a mother, if my body would allow me to do it or if I wanted to leave my daughter to jet off to other continents to race.  

Eventually though, I became their first athlete to return to international competition following pregnancy.  

As I stood on the start line on the beach in Tangier, I was nervous. I had absolutely no idea how I would perform again now that my training, lifestyle and even my body were different, but I was also immensely proud to be there.  

Seventh place felt like a huge achievement. Not only had I proven to myself I could be a professional athlete again but it made me excited about what I could still achieve.

From there, I went on to win a major title again – the European Championship – in September 2024.

Winning a medal as a mum in an event I’d targeted all year and a fourth place finish at the World Championships in October was the ultimate high to end on, so at the end of that season I retired for good. 

I felt like I’d come full circle, like I’d made it back to the top in every sense. And now any other woman who had dreams of both a professional sports career and motherhood could see it was achievable because I’d lived it. 

And, I’m pleased to say, progress is steadily being made to pave the way for more mothers and athletes like me.

UK Sport have guidelines that encourage sports to retain elite athletes’ funding should they fall pregnant and give them time to prove they can return to a certain level – which is what British Triathlon used to help me.

And earlier this year, British Triathlon introduced a pregnancy deferral policy for their age group athletes. This means that any athlete (who qualifies to represent GB at European and World Championships in their age group category) that becomes pregnant before a major event can now defer their entry for up to two years. 

This allows space and opportunity to return to triathlon after having a baby at a time that works for them.  

Another new policy allows elite triathletes (including Olympic and Para-athletes) to also retain their funding for two years if they become pregnant and World Triathlon – our international governing body – have also introduced a two-year freeze on rankings.  

All this is a huge step forward, but more still needs to be done. 

It seems crazy to me that women’s maternity rights have only been protected in sport for a few years and even then, the story is mixed across different sports. We must keep pushing forward. 

I never imagined that the six-year-old me – who was inspired by watching the Barcelona Olympics on TV in 1992 and seeing Linford Christie win a gold medal – ever dreamed she’d be World Champion, Great Britain’s first ever female Olympic triathlon medalist, a Commonwealth Games medalist and a European Champion after having a baby, but here we are. 

I’m just fortunate that, in the final chapter of my athletic career, I had a chance to set an example for the women who come after me. It’s that legacy, for Emmie (if she ever wants to follow in her mum’s footsteps) and other young girls that I am most proud of. 

That’s why I will continue to work with others to make sure that choice between being a top-level athlete and a mum is one they should never have to make.   

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

If you’ve made it this far, it’s clear to see that you’re after a new cleaning device for your home.

Something trustworthy, with a hint of revolutionary? Well, you’re going to get just that with Gtech, and the AirRAM Platinum Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum.

This vacuum cleaner is designed to simplify your cleaning tasks while delivering exceptional performance.

Better yet? For a limited time, you can save £100 on the Gtech AirRAM Platinum & Speed Clean Kit bundle.

All you need to do is enter the code: KR27 to get the AirRAM Platinum & Speed Cleaning Kit for only £269.99 (RRP £369.99) saving £100 if you order before 30/6/2025

Just add the AirRAM Platinum to your basket and use the coupon code for the Speed Clean Kit to be automatically added to your basket and the discount applied.

AirRAM Platinum Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum & Speed Cleaning Kit

The Gtech upgraded, award-winning cordless vacuum now features Anti Hair Wrap Technology and innovative Forward Inertia Drive, whilst delivering up to one hour of runtime.

Buy Now for £269.99 (was £369.99) with code: kr27

Now, one of key features of the AirRAM Platinum vacuum is the Anti Hair Wrap Technology, which, as you would expect, prevents hair from tangling around the brush bar – making it ideal for households with pets or individuals with long hair.

This technology, combined with the Forward Inertia Drive, allows the vacuum to move forward effortlessly, reducing the physical effort required during cleaning. Just what we need after a ‘get ready with me’ and that summer hair shed only a horse could achieve.

Another key feature of the AirRAM Platinum is its AirLOC Technology. This nifty system manages to collect large dust and dirt particles as you push the vacuum forward and forms a seal on the backward stroke to pick up embedded hair and fine dust. This ensures a comprehensive clean, leaving your floors immaculate. How cool is that?

The vacuum is also powered by a 22V lithium-ion battery, offering up to one hour of runtime on a single charge – just what we need before our guests arrive, or worse, the in-laws. The battery recharges in less than three hours, and the 4-stage LED display indicates the remaining battery life.

The design of the AirRAM Platinum is both functional and stylish. It includes LED headlights at the front to illuminate dust and debris, ensuring you don’t miss any spots. The vacuum is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, with a low-profile handle that allows you to reach under sofas, beds, and tables.

As for the waste disposal system? Well, that’s straightforward, not to mention hygienic; dirt and hair are compressed as you vacuum, so you can easily empty the waste into your bin with a slide of the ejector arm. After seeing just what the Gtech can capture, this is a must for those of us who can’t stand touching dust bunnies or general dirt.

So, for those of you who value convenience, the AirRAM Platinum is a perfect choice. It’s cordless, eliminating the hassle of tangled cables, and the upper handle can be lowered for easy storage. The removable battery allows for discreet charging, keeping your home tidy. Additionally, the vacuum can be paired with the Speed Cleaning Kit, which includes a detachable duster for cobwebs and an attachable handle for stairs and upholstery.

Over 3,000 people have rated the cleaning device the full five-stars, and Mitizi R said it ‘exceeded expectations’, going on to add: ‘An astonishing machine! Surprisingly easy to assemble and, while solid, also light and superbly powerful. Smooth manoeuvrability and the fact that you can see what is being collected, and empty it easily, is brilliant. The best hoover I have ever had. Makes light work of cat hair too.’

Jacqueline C followed by adding: ‘Lightweight & powerful. So easy to carry up the stairs. May need emptying more than a Dyson (or other) but for me the ease of use for a lady of a certain vintage with arthritic joints & a bad back – delighted.’

Somone B also mentioned: ‘Upgraded from our old pull along vacuum to this lightweight always handy gadget. It’s amazing. We use it most days and it’s super satisfying to self-clean. Never realised how much gunk builds up. Highly recommend.’

Overall, the AirRAM Platinum Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum from Gtech is a premium cleaning tool that combines advanced technology, practical design, and user-friendly features. Whether you have a busy household or simply want to streamline your cleaning routine, this vacuum is a valuable investment.

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‘Things are getting better right? I mean for people like you?’   

‘By people like me,’ I reply. ‘Do you mean Disabled people?’  

This is a conversation I feel like I, a physically Disabled woman, am constantly having with my pre-disabled peers.

It’s almost as though I am asked to reassure them that my life is OK and that they shouldn’t feel guilty.

I mean it is 2025 after all and ‘people like me’ are, in many ways, assimilated into mainstream society.   

Perhaps you’ve noticed a co-worker has a limb difference, or your favourite television show proudly showcases cast members from the Disability community.  

Maybe, there are Deaf, Disabled or Neurodivergent classmates at your kid’s school.  

So, things must be better simply because you can see us now more than ever? Yet being more visible after decades of being hidden away by society does not qualify as a better existence or quality of life.   

I want those people who assume my life is better for being more visible to know that they are seeing the world through an enabled gaze.  

The truth is that Disabled people face discrimination daily.  

New research by MoreinCommon has found that 78% of Disabled Britons feel life is harder for Disabled people than non-Disabled people. Over half (51%) think that life in the UK has become harder for us over the past 10 years.  

I want non-Disabled people to think hard about our struggle, but also to think about us positively.  

This is why it’s so important to celebrate the Disability community in all its multifaceted and vibrant colour, and the Scope Awards aims to do this.  

The Scope Awards is a celebration of Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people and a way to ultimately amplify our voices.  

This annual ceremony celebrates those within our society: Disabled people and our allies who place value and pride in our community.   

And there is a lesson in that for everyone who isn’t Disabled. You may know us, but until you listen to us, champion us and give us tangible change and opportunity you are simply objectifying us to feel better about yourself.    

You shouldn’t kid yourself about the reality of discrimination.   

It takes many forms – like in the workplace, with Disabled people twice as likely to be unemployed.   

Scope Awards 2025

Metro is also the official media partner of 2025 Scope Awards that will take this week.

The ceremony will celebrate the work disabled people and organisations are doing to bring about important change.

Hosted by the BAFTA-nominated actor Adam Pearson, unsung heroes, amazing achievements and the incredible accolades of the disabled community are all being honoured at the Kia Oval.

There are 38 nominees for the nine Scope Awards: Accessible Product, Celebrity Role Model, Community Group, Inclusive Workplace, Journalist, Marketing Campaign, Media Moment, Purple Pioneer and Social Media Influencer.

Life also costs significantly more for us. In fact, the average extra cost of being Disabled is estimated at £1,067 according to Scope. Every single month.  

And from governments to people in the street, disabled people are constantly vilified.  

All of my Disabled or Neurodivergent friends have faced online trolling aimed solely at attacking their differences. 

That crosses over into real life too.  

Just last week I had an altercation with a taxi driver who attempted to pick me up in a cab without a working ramp.  

When I told him I’d have to cancel, he became verbally aggressive and screamed: ‘It’s people like you who are so difficult – if I’d known you used a wheelchair I wouldn’t have picked you up.’ 

Ignorance like this still prevails and it is largely because people don’t allow us to speak our truths.  

We still very much live in a world whereby able and enabled privilege prevails and ableism is so ingrained within our culture that most if not all Disabled people, myself included, live a lesser life.   

For me, the new findings about Disabled people’s real-life experiences highlight this. The more visible we are, the more the world has to see the inequalities we face. 

We aren’t hidden away in institutions anymore or kept segregated within our communities. Now, we have a voice and we will scream from the rooftops about ableism. 

However, people outside the Disabled community often don’t like to be told where they are failing, and don’t want to hear about our pain. Exposing our truth means others should be called to action, and action costs money and takes time and owning up to past wrongs. 

This is why I feel as though it’s tougher now to be Disabled. We are more malleable when we say nothing.  

But, here’s a reality check: those times are long gone and the Scope awards showcases those within our community who won’t be silenced.  

One in six people are Disabled. Think about this in context to your own family, friends, neighbours and colleagues: we will all have to live and work together to make this world more Disability friendly.  

And if you struggle to empathise naturally with Disabled people, ask yourself this: Would you want to live in a world that tells you repeatedly that you are lesser than others? 

Would you want your own children to miss out on accessing higher education, or accomplishing a milestone like moving into their own home or securing their first job?  

Would you want to live in fear that your independence is going to be ripped away from you every time a brown envelope lands on your doorstep and you may not be able to feed yourself or leave your home?

Because all of this is a reality for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people like me.   

My life isn’t a tragedy because I was born with a rare condition, but it’s tragic that in 2025 we still do not place value on the lives of Disabled people.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

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Let’s face it, the moment the British sun comes out, we’re making the most of it by getting outdoors faster than you can say ‘Pimm’s o’clock’, and this summer, Dunelm is making your alfresco dining look seriously good.

From cute picnic sets to comfy garden furniture that’s perfect for long lunches and lazy evenings, there’s bargains to be snapped up.

It’s the details that make it though, and the popular homeware retailer with the TikTok hunnies are pros at this. We’re talking about lanterns, outdoor rugs, scatter cushions in every shade and string lights to transform your space.

Whether you have a sprawling garden or a bijou balcony, Dunelm should be your go-to for elevating every outdoor moment this summer.

Ready to give your garden a glow-up? We’ve rounded up our favourite Dunelm picks to help you create the perfect setup.

Dunelm Rattan Rope Bistro Set

Featuring two comfortable armchairs and a compact square table, this set is perfect for morning coffees or evening drinks. The woven rope design and sturdy metal frame gives the chairs brilliant durability and its soft cushions are there for extra comfort.

Buy Now for £149

Three Rivers Picnic Blanket

With its stylish navy and white striped design, this generous 1.5m x 1.35m blanket has room for the whole family, plus food and drinks. The durable polyester and waterproof PEVA backing keep you dry on damp grass, and it’s easy to clean.

Buy Now for £24

Elements 5m 20 LED Festoon Outdoor String Lights

Dunelm Elements 5m 20 LED Festoon Outdoor String Lights – create a cosy, warm ambience with these mains-powered string lights. Featuring 20 warm white LEDs over 5 meters, they’re connectable up to three times for a longer glow. Durable and weather-resistant, these lights are perfect for any outdoor space.

Buy Now for £12

Sophie Robinson Coral Acrylic Wine Glass

Add a pop of colour to your drinks with this bold coral acrylic wine glass by Sophie Robinson. Perfect for picnics, parties, or everyday sipping, its boho design combines style and practicality. We suggest hand washing these to keep the colour vibrant.

Buy Now for £2.50

Cedar & Sage Forio Outdoor 3 Seater Sofa

Enjoy outdoor comfort with this generously sized 3-seater sofa. Featuring plush cushions and weather-resistant fabric, it’s perfect for relaxing in the garden. The minimalist design and fade-resistant materials ensure lasting style and durability, even in the elements.

Buy Now for £1,199

Palm Leaves Mango Wood Serving Plate

Made from 100% durable mango wood, this plate features a colourful palm leaves design. Food-safe, easy to clean, and hand-finished for a unique touch, it’s perfect for presenting your tasty offerings.

Buy Now for £20

Strawberries & Cream Outdoor Picnic Cushion

Made from recycled PET bottles (about 8 per cushion), this cute cushion is eco-friendly and durable. With a heat-sealed lining that’s water resistant for easy cleaning, simply wipe away any spillages with a damp cloth.

Buy Now for £20

furn Wave Indoor Outdoor Rug

Made from 100% recycled polypropylene, Dunelm’s furn Wave Indoor Outdoor Rug is an eco-friendly, durable rug that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Lightweight, rollable, and weather-resistant, it’s ideal for patios during the summer months.

Buy Now for £18

Metal Orange LED Outdoor Solar Lantern

This bold orange lantern features a warm-white solar candle with flame, flicker, and constant light settings, plus a 6-hour timer. Stylish and weather-resistant, it’s perfect for adding cosy glow to your garden or patio.

Buy Now for £15

Whatever your summer plans, Dunelm has everything you need to dine, relax and unwind outdoors in style – all without breaking the bank.

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There were two phrases that Amelia Wrighton found unhelpful after her mum died by suicide. ‘Time is a great healer’ and ‘At least she’s not in pain any more…’ Both sentiments she could do without hearing.

Then there were the insensitive, thoughtless comments, Amelia, 32, tells Metro. ‘The number of times people say “Oh God, I would have killed myself!“. It just happens all the time.’

While she knew that most were accidental or came from a well-meaning place, the Londoner began to dread any conversations about her family. She’d fear questions about her parents on first dates, and any discussion about Mother’s Day felt tense and uncomfortable.

To cope, she taught herself to avoid certain situations and made sure she didn’t talk about her mum, Cindy, with new people.

Amelia was 19 and studying at university in Paris, when her mother ended her life in 2011. She received the news from her dad when he unexpectedly appeared on campus one day.

‘As soon as I saw him, I immediately knew something was wrong. I remember he couldn’t get any words out, and I was shouting at him, “Is grandma dead?”’ she explains. When Amelia found out the truth, she recalls falling to the ground, but not much else after.

‘I don’t remember the next 24 hours. It was shock and adrenaline,’ she adds.

An only child, Amelia returned to England for the funeral with her father, who was divorced from Cindy. The following weeks continued to be a blur, she says, but Amelia does remember reading her mother’s suicide notes and a big binder of her medical notes.

She soon discovered that Cindy, who suffered from bipolar disorder and some other health issues, had made an attempt on her life four years before, but that the family had been sworn to secrecy.

‘That was difficult. I felt like I’d been living a bit of a lie,’ admits Amelia. ’You look back at every scenario, going, “Were you happy that birthday or were you depressed and thinking about how you were going to die?”

‘My body had a physical reaction and I was sick all the time. I had awful nightmares and couldn’t sleep properly at all. My brain was total mush.’

Worried she would fail her university term, Amelia went back to France after just three weeks and developed coping methods – some healthy, some less so.

Six months later, Amelia was told by a hairdresser that she had bald patches at the back of her head, and a doctor diagnosed alopecia. ’They asked me if I had had any stress, and I said “no”. To me, stress meant money problems or exam struggles. It meant something completely different because I hadn’t learnt about the way grief can affect people,’ she explains.

‘But I had this darkness when I was alone. I would cry for a few hours every day. Being only 19, I just thought that that was my new normal. When I was with people I would being okay and be civil, although sometimes I would get a bit too drunk and emotional. I assumed my core was always going to be very sad and heavy because I’d always miss my mum.

‘I found the concept of suicide so confusing and I was terrified of feeling that dark myself.’

Amelia had a breakthrough 18 months later when a friend’s mum suggested therapy. Taking her advice, she began counselling which helped her realise it was possible to heal and process the trauma of not only realising that her mum was gone, but there was a side of her she knew very little about.

However, the truth was Amelia was still compartmentalising her grief due to the stigma around suicide. This was until 2019, when she met a young woman called Emma through her media and marketing job, who’d lost her dad the same way.

’It wasn’t something I spoke about, but over a glass of wine, Emma noticed me avoiding the same things that she avoided. I talked about my dad a lot but didn’t say anything about my mum. Emma just asked me outright: “Did you lose your mum to suicide?” And I was like, “Oh my God, yes.”

The pair decided they wanted to help others going through the same thing and in July 2020 launched the charity Suicide&Co, to offers free support from specialist counsellors to those bereaved by suicide.

6,000 people take their own lives each year in the UK, which means that 36,000 people are bereaved by suicide*, as around six people are significantly affected by each loss.

‘I still can’t answer my phone after losing my partner to suicide’

Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, 53, lost her partner to suicide in 2016, here she tells Metro the impact his loss had on her.

‘I loved Adam* very much but we weren’t married and he wasn’t the biological father to my daughter, so I always felt that I didn’t have the right to be bereaved when he died by suicide 19 years ago.

We were together for two years but people told me I came in too late in his life for a chapter that was already written.

They said it wasn’t a matter of if he would take his one life, but when.

He had mental health challenges. I thought love conquered everything, that it would be enough. I guess I was naive.

I received the news by phone; I still can’t answer my mobile today if I don’t know the number. He tried everything to help himself, but some people don’t make it. He was 34 when he died.

The early stages of grief sent me delirious; I could see him in my apartment after he’d died. I wanted to end my own life at the time, but I had a two-year-old to stay sane for and take care of. If I didn’t have my daughter I would have gone with him. I didn’t want to die but didn’t want to be here anymore. I wanted to be away from everything and everybody; I wanted to be left alone.

Adam and I had both wanted to go and see the Northern Lights so I took my daughter and drove to Sweden. I don’t know how I managed to drive across Europe, but that’s what saved my sanity. I just left everything. I’d planned to go for a few weeks but I soon realised I couldn’t come back so I stayed for more than five years, setting up a business.

In Scandinavia, people are very reserved and respectful, and I couldn’t speak the language, so it gave me the space to heal. Nobody knew me, no one was going to ask anything, say anything about it or give me that look. It helped me survive. Then one day it was minus 30 or something, and I was at the petrol station putting petrol in, shaking and frowning and I just thought – it’s time to go back – and went home.

I now work as a trauma therapist working with neurodivergent people and I support neurodivergent parents and young people build better bonds and communicate better. Instead of taking my life, I built a life. They call it post-traumatic growth.’

*Name has been changed

Research has found that these survivors are more likely to think about suicide, which is why Amelia, Emma and their team built up a community that provides specialist support via phone, email and an app. They’ve also just released a film by Will Castle to shine a light on how it can feel after a loved one has taken their own life, exploring the complexities of suicide-related grief and the generational impact.

‘Our mission is to help people build back a life around their grief by suicide,’ Amelia explains. ‘A lot of people don’t think this is possible – but it is.

‘I am living proof of this. When people get the support they need to navigate this awful grief they can build a life full of joy again.

‘Suicide rates have gone up for the first time in two decades – that’s not the right direction. We need more tailored interventions and systemic change, such as more community confidence in conversations around suicide and loss and better signposting, to start getting those numbers down and getting people who are going through something awful to rebuild their lives.

‘I now use my energy and grief to drive Suicide&Co forward. I know my mum would be really proud of our work, and she’d love that we’re helping so many people.

‘Grief isn’t linear, and there are challenges daily, monthly and at other points in our lives, but having access to support makes the burden a little easier to carry.’

To contact Suicide & Co, you can email info@suicideandco.org

*Cerel and Sanford