28 Apr, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Top 6 items any first-time buyer should have on their shopping list as chosen by our shopping expert
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
I’m about to embark on one of the most exciting yet terrifying moments of my life – yup, buying my own place.
After sleeping in a bed that many others before me have, to sharing a bathroom, kitchen, TV and the rest, I’ve finally decided to go it alone – which has recently got my thinking about how to furnish the place.
Of course there are the things I want, but what do I actually need – after all, I own zero furniture, so that’s where I need to start first.
From the Pinterest bar cart I so desperately want, to art work for the blank walls, pots, pans and storage containers for all those cleaning products – they’ll have to wait as I need think about what I can budget for (because those solicitor fees are no joke, let alone stamp duty…)
After thinking long and hard about the top items everyone should buy before everything else, I think I’ve narrowed it down and created the list you too might want to go by if you too are getting your first steps into the housing market.
From how you can increase your storage options even in the smallest of flats and houses, to the classic bits and bobs we’ve loved for years from IKEA. Plus we’ve even found a dining room table that will be able to fit your guests round with ease. Not to mention a mattress that’s been purchased and reviewed by over 130,000.
Talking of IKEA, great news for Londers are the highly anticipated store is opening this May 1 – FINALLY. We can’t wait to attempt to lug too many candles, cheese graters, bathmats and picture frames home on the tube…
Top items first-time buyers need
Ascot Ottoman Storage Bed
The Ascot linen-look natural ottoman storage bed combines simplicity and comfort with a soft curved headboard and hidden underbed storage. It features a wooden sprung slatted base for support and is available in double, king, and super king sizes, as well as various colours.
Hybrid® Mattress
The Simba Hybrid Mattress combines foam and springs for exceptional comfort, support, and cooling. It features a patented spring-comfort layer, multiple layers of CertiPUR® foam, and Simbatex® cushioning for optimal support and pressure relief. With a 200-night trial, 10-year guarantee, and free delivery, it's a top choice for a high-quality sleep experience.
KULLEN Chest of 6 Drawers
This sleek chest of drawers seamlessly fits into any bedroom or space you choose. It offers ample storage for your favorite clothes and extra bedding. Don't forget to secure it to the wall for added safety!
Willow Coffee Table Desk
Enhance your living space with the Willow multifunctional coffee table. This chic coffee table easily converts into a practical workspace. Featuring a lift-top design and hidden storage, it's perfect for working from home or enjoying a cosy night in. The lift-top is ideal for using your laptop or having a meal from the sofa.
Brayden 4 Seater Round Dining Table
This round dining table seamlessly blends modern and classic styles, making it ideal for compact areas. Featuring a sophisticated wood parquet effect on the tabletop and supported by four durable, powder-coated steel legs, it offers both elegance and strength.
Model 03 3 Seater Sofa
The Model 03 three-seater sofa features a sleek, modular design that embodies contemporary minimalism. Available in a range of fabric colors, it offers versatile configuration options to suit any space.
Added Extras
Sky Glass TV
The latest Sky Glass features an enhanced Quantum Dot display for even greater brightness. With advanced HDR, it offers breathtaking clarity. Plus, its integrated seven-speaker system provides immersive, 360 degree cinematic sound.
Bouclé Storage Stool
This chic white bouclé storage stool adds elegance and texture to any room with its luxurious fabric and sleek black legs. It serves as both extra seating and a stylish storage solution, blending practicality with sophistication. Ideal for entryways, bedrooms, or living areas, it combines functionality with a refined aesthetic, making it a versatile addition to your home decor.
House of Fun Scalloped Framed Wall Art
Invite friends and family to your House of Fun with this Scalloped Framed Wall Art. This rectangular piece showcases bold white text with gold drop-shadow accents on a striking black background, all encased in a red-toned scalloped frame.
Love Notes Juice Glass
The Love Notes Juice Glass from Anthropologie is a charming addition to any kitchen. It features a playful design with whimsical text and illustrations, perfect for adding a touch of fun to your drinkware collection. This glass is both stylish and functional, making it a delightful choice for serving juice or other beverages.
Set of 3 Pastel Mini Scallop Baskets
Add a touch of playful style and organisation to your home with this set of three scallop mini storage baskets. Featuring colorful scalloped trims, these handcrafted baskets combine practicality with a fun, stylish flair. Ideal for tidying up small items around the house, these versatile baskets are perfect for use in a nursery, bedroom, or living room.
Colonna TV Unit
Experience effortless media organisation and contemporary style with the Colonna TV unit from Gallery Direct. Crafted from smooth mango wood with gently curved edges, it offers a modern aesthetic. The ribbed front doors add the finishing touch to its sleek design.
2 Tier Marble and Metal Side Table Set
This elegant set of two black marble effect tiered side tables effortlessly enhances your space. They nest together perfectly for a tiered appearance or can be placed separately in your living room. Use them as side coffee tables or as decorative pieces with plants and candles. The decorative possibilities are endless with this black marble and metal side table set.
Complete Kitchen Set
If you’re not sure where to start, or you’re blown away by Our Place so much that you want everything in the range, then the Complete Kitchen Set is the ultimate bundle.
The kit is almost half price, which is pretty impressive considering there are 45 items inside.
From the Always Pan 2,0 as well as the mini version, Perfect Pot, the Wonder Oven, to mini griddle pan, the bakeware set, egg poachers, to oven mitts, this set covers all bases.
What we love is it means all your kitchenware will be colour coordinated too – could there be anything more satisfying?
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28 Apr, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
From Sipsmith Gin to Laneige, Oliver Bonas and Anthropologie – here’s our shopping experts picks of the week
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
Quicker than the speed of light, the weekend came and went, but with sunshine expected in parts of the UK this week, our shopping expert has found some glorious, hand-selected goodies you’ll love.
As per usual, she’s searched the high street far and wide, high and low to bring you all the new launches, viral sensations, what to wear, decorate your home with, drink, eat and the rest.
From skincare rumoured to be used by The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, to solar powered lights that have been hailed ‘stunning’, shampoo that will make your hair shine, and a setting spray that will ensure your makeup doesn’t go anywhere – even in 20-degree temperatures (and taking the tube.)
Hunky actor Jason Momoa’s adventurous spirit and environmental passion align perfectly with Nuii’s brand. Earlier this year, he visited the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in Australia to learn about efforts to protect koalas.
Nuii has partnered with WildArk over the past five years to support disease management in koalas, aiming to make a meaningful impact.
Momoa’s visit and documentary will highlight the extinction risk koalas face and Nuii’s contributions, including over $300,000 donated since 2020 to support koala health and disease management along Australia’s East Coast. We love a man that can do it all!
For those hosting this weekend in the warmer weather, Sipsmith is excited to bring back their Chilli & Lime Gin, set to be the flavour sensation of 2025.
This handcrafted gin, featuring a bold mix of seven chillies and zesty lime peel, is inspired by the rising trend of chilli-infused cocktails. Crafted in their London distillery, it offers a refreshing balance of heat and citrus. Perfect for adventurous gin lovers, Sipsmith Chilli & Lime Gin adds a spicy kick to cocktails, with recipes like the Chilli & Lime Picante and G&T designed to inspire even seasoned mixologists.
Calling all Matcha fans as LANEIGE’s latest Lip Sleeping Mask and Lip Glowy Balm in Matcha Bubble Tea flavour have just hit the UK, promising to revolutionise lip hydration.
Sticking with the matcha theme, Perfect Ted have just launched some ready-made cans that have been hailed ‘absolutely banging.’
Oh and for more sweet news, Tony’s Chocolonely has once again joined forces with Oxfam and Glastonbury for a delicious collaboration aimed at fighting poverty. This time, they’re offering a chance to win Glastonbury 2025 tickets hidden inside limited edition Tony’s bars – think golden-ticket vibes!
These exclusive bars, available at Oxfam shops and online, come in two flavours: Everything bar and Dark bar 70% (vegan & nut-free). Every purchase supports global communities, and the collaboration has already raised £125k. Plus, it brings someone closer to that iconic Glasto mud dance.
These are just a few of the shoutouts but read on below to find some other goodies you’ll want to add into your basket pronto.
Welcome Orange Sunset Doormat
Brighten up your entrance with this vibrant doormat, showcasing a striking orange starburst design against a cheerful yellow background. The bold blue border frames the 'welcome' message, elegantly displayed in dark blue lettering at the top.
Maegen Atina Tumbler Glass
MAEGEN (may-en) is your destination for unique and quirky homeware. Their collection features playful embroidered linens, vibrant glassware, and hand-painted plates, perfect for stylish hosts. Crafted in the UK, MAEGEN’s signature scented candles use 100% sustainable soy wax and British-sourced fragrances, adding delightful aromas and a pop of colour to your home.
Vanilla Oat Matcha Latte
Enjoy a chilled vanilla matcha latte with premium Japanese matcha and creamy oat milk. This smooth, natural energy boost has 60mg of caffeine and is sweetened with agave, free from refined sugar and artificial additives.
Bee Venom and Placenta 24 Carat Gold Ultimate Crème
Rodial's Bee Venom and Placenta 24 Carat Gold Ultimate Crème is a luxurious anti-aging cream that smooths and brightens skin. It combines Bee Venom, Vitamin C, and Placenta Protein to reduce wrinkles and enhance skin tone. Nano Peptide in 24 Carat Gold promotes a youthful complexion, while golden speckles add instant radiance. For best results, use after cleansing with the Bee Venom Cleansing Balm.
Hampshire Loveseat in Green Stripe
The Hampshire loveseat blends seamlessly with any interior, offering timeless style and exceptional comfort. Crafted with premium green striped fabric, foam and fibre filled cushions, and warm oak wooden legs, it's perfect for cozy nights and relaxing weekends. Delivered pre-assembled, simply attach the legs and enjoy. Pair it with a matching pouffe for the perfect finishing touch.
Exclusive Limited Edition Color Wow Color Security Money Shampoo
Revitalise your hair with Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo, now in a limited edition sea sparkle scent. Suitable for all hair types, it creates a luxurious lather that removes impurities and excess oil while protecting dyed color. Enriched with a Japanese amino-fortified complex, it helps prevent dulling and breakage, leaving hair stronger and glossier for longer. Pair with Color Wow Color Security Conditioner for the best results.
Kew Collection Fruit Print Sleeveless Scoop Neck Waisted Mini Dress with Linen
This ideal linen blend holiday dress features a mini length, round neckline, sheered back, and handy pockets. Dress it up with strappy heels or keep it casual with sandals or trainers.
Scalloped 10 LED Indoor Outdoor Solar String Lights
These really are the finishing touch to any outdoor space – and require just 2 AA batteries to get started.
Urban Decay All Nighter Hylauronic Setting Spray
Urban Decay's All Nighter Hyaluronic Setting Spray (118ml) is a lightweight mist that locks in your makeup and gives your skin a dewy finish. Infused with hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, it hydrates and plumps your skin while making your makeup smudge, transfer, and water-resistant. Spritz before or after makeup for long-lasting hold and a refreshing burst of watermelon scent.
Mink Suedette Flat Sandals
The Mink Suedette Flat Sandals from New Look are stylish, vegan-friendly slip-ons in a versatile mink color. They feature a nubuck-look suedette material, a front-tape strap, and comfort elements like cushioned padding and flexible soles, making them perfect for all-day wear.
Bravissimo Rio Bikini Top
This non-padded full cup bikini top provides excellent support without being overly covering, perfect for sunbathing. It features fully adjustable straps and sits higher in the center for added coverage. The lightweight mesh cups offer superb support and all-day comfort. The twist-front detail is both flattering and provides extra coverage. With a scooped back and high sides, it ensures a smooth, flattering look. GG+ sizes come with additional lining for extra lift and support.
LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm offers the perfect blend of nourishment and shine, combining the benefits of a lip balm with the radiant finish of a gloss. Infused with murumuru and shea butter, it provides lasting hydration and a subtle tint, leaving lips soft, supple, and protected from environmental aggressors. Enjoy comfortable, healthy-looking lips all day long.
Chiffon Printed Scoop Neck Maxi Waisted Dress
This chiffon dress is a versatile addition to your wardrobe, perfect for any occasion. It features a regular fit, scoop neckline, and a flattering drop waist. The pleated maxi-length skirt and spot print add an elegant touch, while a concealed side zip ensures a seamless finish.
Have you spotted something you like? Or is there anything else you’ve been purchasing this week? Let us know!
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28 Apr, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
What ultra-processed food does to your body after days, weeks and months
A microwave meal can feel like a godsend after a hectic day at work, and a packet of crisps is an easy snack to grab on the go, but you might want to think twice before scarfing these ultra-processed foods down.
This is because we’ve recently learned that exposure to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as these (as well as biscuits, sugary breakfast cereals, soft drinks, and more) could have contributed to thousands of UK deaths.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has found that UPFs made up 53% of people’s energy intake in the UK – the second highest in the study after 55% in the US.
Researchers suggested that in 2018/19, some 17,781 premature deaths in the UK could have been linked to UPFs, according to their model.
This news won’t surprise some, as UPFs have already been linked to an increased risk of 32 illnesses, with the British Medical Journal revealing in 2024 that greater consumption of these types of food can be associated with early death, as well as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and adverse mental health.
While the BMJ admits that more research is needed into this area, one thing is clear – eating UPFs instead of healthier food is bad for us.
But what are these chemically enhanced or preserved foods really doing to our insides in the short-term? Unsurprisingly, the answer is rather grim.
Metro spoke to nutritionists to find out what regularly eating ultra-processed foods does to your body and your mental wellbeing. Here’s everything you need to know…
What are UPFs?
‘UPFs are foods that have undergone significant processing and modification from their original state,’ explains Dr Frankie Phillips, a registered dietitian with the British Dietetic Association.
‘Some definitions suggest that UPFs usually contain ingredients that aren’t found in a typical kitchen e.g. artificial colours, preservatives, artificial flavours, and emulsifiers.
Processing isn’t all bad
It’s important not to villainise processed foods completely.
As Dr Frankie explains: ‘Processing isn’t all bad, and sometimes it can even help as some nutrients are more easily available to the body when they are processed to some degree.
‘For example, canned tomatoes or tomato puree has more bioavailable antioxidants than a fresh tomato, and life is simply too busy to make everything from scratch all the time.’
What eating ultra-processed foods does to your body after a few days
Lily Keeling, a registered nutritionist for Green Chef, said: ‘Ultra-processed foods are often calorie dense but lack nutrients. They are almost always convenient, have a long shelf life and are flavour enhanced to taste good, making them prevalent in our diets.
‘After eating them for a few days, they can cause greater spikes in blood sugar and lead to hunger pangs returning quickly, making us less energised and never satisfied. This cycle can lead to overeating, as we consume food at a pace that is too quick for our brains to recognise how full we are.’
Kerry Beeson, a nutritional therapist at Prep Kitchen, also warns that when you first start eating UPFs, you might initially feel a ‘boost’ due to the high sugar/salt or caffeine content they contain and this ‘tricks’ you into thinking the food is good for you, when it’s not.
She explains: ‘Caffeine is a stimulant, which gives us an energy boost, and sugary foods result in a spike in our blood sugar which has a similar effect, or sugar rush. The ingredients in these foods can also act on the “reward” cycle in our brain, stimulating the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine which make us feel good. Unfortunately, these effects are short-lived, and we soon come crashing down to feel tired and sluggish.
‘Even whilst we’re feeling the energy or mood-enhancing effects, more sinister effects are going on inside us. The pancreas is under pressure to produce enough insulin to cope with all the sugar intake; sodium from salt can increase our blood pressure, and cause water retention.’
She adds: ‘Harmful fats can cause inflammation, so you might find that joint problems feel worse. Our gut microbiome will be affected, as the sugar encourages the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts, and food additives have an adverse effect on our good gut bacteria populations, so you might feel bloated or get indigestion.’
What eating ultra-processed foods does to your body after a few weeks
The more regularly you consume ultra-processed foods, the worse your quality of sleep will become according to Lily.
‘Weeks of eating them will make people feel sluggish and they will be less likely to enter deep sleep at night,’ she says. ‘This is due to a person’s diet missing key wholefoods, like kiwis, cherries and nuts, that provide nutrients essential to sleep and helps to trigger the release of the sleepy hormones.’
As well as struggling with sleep, you may find yourself struggling more generally during the day as Kerry says the more UPFs you eat, the ‘greater the strain’ you put on your body.
What eating ultra-processed foods does to your body after a few months
‘Months of consuming just ultra-processed foods is likely to lead to weight gain, fatigue, and damaged gut health — as UPFs lack the variety and fibre necessary to feed the gut microbiome,’ Lily tells Metro.co.uk.
She continues to say that it could impact your mental health as well, as there is a biochemical link between the gut and the brain, which is also known as the gut-brain axis.
Harvard Health previously explained that the gut and brain send signals to one another, which is why, for instance, some people with anxiety may experience an upset stomach. However, it is thought to work both ways, so any gastrointestinal upset caused by food, could also send signals of anxiety, stress, or upset to the brain.
Certain ingredients within ultra-processed foods, such as emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners can disrupt the gut microbiome, casting gastrointestinal issues.
What are some ultra-processed foods examples?
Here is a list of common ultra-processed foods to be aware of:
- Mass-produced bread
- Sweetened breakfast cereals
- Instant soups
- Pre-packaged and microwave-ready meals
- Fruit-flavoured yoghurts
- Reconstituted meat – e.g.ham and sausages
- Ice cream
- Crisps
- Biscuits
- Soft drinks and some alcoholic drinks – including whisky, gin, and rum
What eating ultra-processed foods does to your body in the long-run
The review of the recent UPF study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that high consumption of UPFs is associated with a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death, and a 48-53% higher risk of mental health issues including anxiety, and a 12% greater risk of type 2 diabetes.
Higher UFP intake was also linked to a 21% greater risk of death (from any cause), obesity, 40-66% greater risk of heart-disease, sleep problems and a 22% more chance of depression.
Other related health conditions include asthma, high cholesterol, and gastrointestinal issues.
What happens to your body when you stop eating ultra-processed foods?
It might not be possible to completely cut ultra-processed foods out of your diet, and experts have warned that not all processed foods are a major no-no.
However, your body will certainly thank you if you reduce your intake of most of the UPFs. But it might take a little while to adjust to the change, warns Lily.
‘Cutting ultra-processed foods out of your diet or reducing them significantly, could lead to notable fatigue or irritability at first, just like cutting out coffee, as your body adjusts to a different diet,’ she explains. ‘Then, your body will start to reap the benefits of a varied, balanced diet.’
The expert adds: ‘It’s important to remember that, unless you were to eat completely raw food all the time (let’s be honest that sounds pretty dull), most foods have undergone some form of processing. This isn’t always a bad thing, as canning, fermenting and freezing food is part of processing, increasing how long food stays edible, reduces waste, and can add nutritional value to a product.
‘There are also other important factors like our busy schedules, raising kids and running a business, which can make choosing UPFs like oven chips the best option for mealtimes sometimes.
‘Moderation is key here, a little UPF now and again isn’t going to ruin your life. It’s important to make sure to create a healthy eating pattern that works for you.’
A version of this article was first published on March 7, 2024.
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I didn’t think anything was especially wrong when I ended up in hospital in the middle of my second pregnancy, four years ago.
I was violently ill with my first child, Reggie, so when I got the crippling symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum – also known as extreme morning sickness – when I fell pregnant with my second, Connie, it came as no real surprise.
I wasn’t worried that I was in and out of hospital for months, living off Lucozade and anti-sickness tablets – dehydrated and exhausted. Even after five months of relentless sickness, when I was hit with severe diarrhoea, I put it down to medication and pregnancy hormones.
It was eight months into the pregnancy that I finally realised something was very wrong.
I was at home and trying to get through the day with an active preschooler when I felt an intense pain rip through my belly and back. I didn’t know if it was labour or if I had an infection.
Amidst the pain, I managed to dial my mum’s number, who called an ambulance and I was taken into hospital where I was given an ultrasound to check my kidneys.
As I was being scanned by the sonographer, she paused. I was in so much pain and my heart was racing – something felt wrong. She went to get a colleague to check something she didn’t understand.
The silent pause while I waited for both sonographers to check me over lasted for what felt like a lifetime. Then everything came crashing down on me when they told me there was a mass on my bowel.
After that, everything happened in a blur.
An MRI confirmed the insidious mass and more tests were ordered, including a sigmoidoscopy – an examination of the lower part of my colon – and a scan. I couldn’t have any sedation as I was pregnant, and I couldn’t have any family with me due to Covid.
It was tough and lonely, but I just focused on keeping my baby safe.
Following a biopsy, I was told I had bowel cancer and I needed to deliver my baby as quickly as possible.
I think I went numb at that point. I don’t remember taking it all in. I was so focused on getting Connie out safely that I buried it and decided I would face everything else after she was born and safe.
They told me I couldn’t have a C-section since they had to perform surgery for the tumour and couldn’t open me up twice. It was a startling thing to hear, but again, I dug it deep down.
I chose to be induced on 21 December. It was a 12-hour labour and Connie was breech, but like a miracle, she turned at the last minute.
I couldn’t believe it when she’d arrived after going through so much. I was so happy she was safe.
My surgeon Kat Baker told me my operation was scheduled a few weeks later, on 17 January and that I should go home. She told me to enjoy Christmas as much as I could and allow my body to semi-recover before the surgery.
I tried to have a good time and be as normal as possible but the operation was lingering at the back of my mind. I was with Connie, my miracle, and so she got me through it, until Christmas Day.
I cried for two days because everything I had been through came crashing down on me
Quote Quote
I spotted blood in my poo and I felt so unwell I had to go back into hospital, where I stayed under supervision.
For the first few days I was out of it. As I started to come round everything hit me.
Reggie came in at one point, but I didn’t want to scare him. The nurses gave him a stoma teddy to take him so he could understand what was going on. Connie was brought in twice, but those days were tough and very tearful.
Two weeks later, while in hospital my bowel perforated, which can be fatal. The pain was unlike anything else and everything suddenly became an emergency. It was horrendous. For the first time I really thought I wasn’t going to make it.
I don’t remember much that happened after that but I was rushed in for emergency surgery to remove the tumour, and a wash-out – where they wash the infection out of your abdomen.
When I came to, my body was still open from the top of my tummy to the bottom. Because it was an emergency, they couldn’t do keyhole surgery and they couldn’t close me up because they had to do the surgery in two parts.
I had to lay there for two days with a line in my neck which fed me and gave me medication. I don’t remember much about this time. Two days later, I went back into surgery and they did another wash-out and put a stoma in.
It was hellish but an incredible success. They removed the tumour completely and took 75 lymph nodes to check and not one of them had cancer in. It was the best of a rubbish situation but all the cancer had gone.
On January 17, I was able to leave the hospital and go to my mum’s house to recover. I cried for two days because everything I had been through came crashing down on me.
I couldn’t wait to spend some time with Reggie – he was only four and didn’t really understand what was happening. I had barely seen him since and couldn’t wait to hold him and my newborn daughter.
It was so hard missing those first few weeks of Connie’s life. When I got back, I was still in recovery and unable to be the mum I wanted to be. It was five weeks before I could hold her properly or change her nappy.
I started preventative chemo on my birthday in February for three months all while navigating being a new mother again. Luckily, I had no horrendous side effects from the infusions and tablets but mentally, the juggle was incredibly tough.
In May, I finished my chemo and celebrated with a break with my family to Warwickshire and later I had a cancer-free party.
I had another operation in July, carried out by the same surgeon via keyhole surgery and I am now stoma free.
I feel incredibly lucky that the cancer was found later on in my pregnancy so that Connie had the chance to arrive safely. She is my miracle child.
But then we experienced further heartbreak. In June 2023, My dad, who was a massive part of my support system helping look after the kids while I was in hospital, had been told he had three months to live after his cancer returned.
Bowel cancer symptoms
Kat Baker, Trustee at Occtopus Charity and Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals, says if you experience any of the following symptoms, to get them checked with your GP.
- Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain or discomfort that persists without an obvious cause
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely after a bowel movement
- Feeling an urgent need to go to the toilet but nothing happens when you get there
- A palpable mass or lump in the abdomen
We had only 17 days together and I was devastated to lose him. There was so much trauma happening around me at a time I was supposed to be enjoying motherhood.
I am now on a five-year surveillance programme, which means I have blood tests and yearly scans. My aim now is to live as healthy and happily as possible and raise awareness about stoma use.
It’s been a tough road – I have been verbally abused for changing my stoma bag in a disabled toilet, which left me feeling scarred by it all.
To celebrate, two and a half years after the diagnosis, I got ‘lucky’ tattooed on my arm – now every time I look at it, I’m reminded of everything I survived.
I have been raising money for Macmillan and Cancer Research UK with sponsored walks and I am raising awareness about ultra-processed foods online – I want younger generations to be mindful about healthy eating.
I am part of the purple sticker campaign, which aims to raise awareness and encourage businesses and public spaces to improve disabled toilet accessibility.
The doctors and the support I have had have been incredible, and I am now in counselling as I process what I have been through.
But going through something like that – it stays with you. It’s traumatic.
I still get anxious when I have to go to the hospital. It was the worst thing that could have happened but I had the best outcome.
And for that I am ever grateful.
As told to Sarah Ingram.
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.
Walking along the riverbank in Cheshire in January 2021, I suddenly became aware that I could smell smoke. I knew what was about to happen next…
Right on cue, I felt a tightening in my chest and my breathing beginning to rapidly decline. An emergency call and a trip to the resuscitation department was sure to follow.
This experience is nothing new for me. In the last four years, I’ve been rushed to hospital by ambulance more than 20 times and been admitted to intensive care four times – but it’s always scary to see how fast an asthma attack like this takes hold of me.
And yet, if one thing changed, many of my attacks could so easily be avoided.
So, when I heard that Asthma + Lung UK were calling on the government to fund a national public campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of air pollution caused by wood burning, I knew I had to speak up.
By helping people make more informed choices and educate them on how to reduce their own contribution to air pollution, people like me wouldn’t have to suffer so much.
I was first diagnosed with asthma at the age of 11. I had mild asthma throughout my teens and used a preventer and reliever inhaler but generally I could play sports and lead an active life.
Wood burning stoves weren’t much of a trigger back then. Not like they are now.
However, since I caught Covid in 2020 and developed long Covid as a result, my asthma has become much worse. My symptoms now come on very quickly and include feeling very short of breath.
Up until then, I’d been able to live a full and unrestricted life. I loved my job as a midwife, and doing outdoor exercise – such as running, horse riding and paddle boarding – used to be a big part of what made me happy. But almost overnight that all changed.
Suddenly going for a short walk became a real challenge and because my asthma attacks became more frequent it really affected my job.
Things like smoke on patients’ clothing affected me more easily, and I had to be very careful to avoid people with viruses and other respiratory infections.
I had to start working non-clinically, then from home and eventually, due to my severe asthma and long Covid symptoms, I had to give up doing a job I loved.
As a result, I had to spend many months back at my parents’ house as I needed extra help, which meant I forfeited a lot of my freedom and independence too.
Donate to help
My amazing mum is doing a sponsored open water swim for Asthma + Lung UK in July – you can donate here.
With my attacks becoming more frequent, I started keeping a hospital bag at home, packed and ready for emergencies because the impact could be so sudden.
A lot of the time I’ve been too ill to leave the house, but even going out for a short 100m walk is important for my physical and mental recovery.
But these walks don’t always end happily. And that one by the river back in early 2021 is a prime example.
On that day, my asthma was triggered by some of the narrowboats having wood burning stoves. The smell, or more specifically the air pollution that the stoves created, caused an asthma attack so severe that I was in hospital for two weeks.
Even now spring is in the air, I remain pretty isolated. I can’t open my windows and feel the sunshine due to the residual heavy layer of smoke from nearby wood burners, or dare risk a walk outdoors.
Instead, I’ve had no choice but to buy a treadmill so that I can still get some exercise at home but all I really want is a bit of fresh air.
More and more homes have wood burners these days – or at least it certainly seems that way to me as I’m confident that I’m seeing smoke coming out of more chimneys lately – and for the good of both my health and the planet, that’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
While road transport is still one of the highest causes for harmful small particle air pollution in the UK, recent research has revealed that the pollution caused by lighting fires (domestic burning) in our homes has more than doubled over the past 10 years.
Find out more
For further info on the health harms of air pollution you can visit the Asthma + Lung UK website
So, though I really don’t want to have to ask anyone to change their lifestyle because of my asthma, I don’t think I have any choice.
We really need to raise awareness about the risks of wood burning stoves and open fires because I don’t think a lot of people realise the health risks they pose.
I was surprised to discover the impact that lighting fires is having. Normally that’s something you’d associate as being a problem in cities where there’s lots of traffic, but it’s becoming a problem everywhere and we must act.
Until wood burners are phased out gradually, people like me with serious health conditions will continue to be triggered.
I have been on steroids for four years, but I remain hopeful that my health will improve over time – once me and my severe asthma team can find the right balance of medication – but until then, every day continues to be a struggle.
I look forward to a future where air pollution from wood burning stoves no longer blights my health and that of so many others with lung conditions. And what keeps me going is the thought that one day I might enjoy life to the fullest again.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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Clutching a bulging M&S shopping bag, a young woman – no older than 25 – holds it up to the camera and declares she’s ‘done some damage’.
Then she asks her TikTok followers a dilemma that has been on all our minds: ‘Am I old or is M&S just so good now?’
Gen-Zer Meg Helm’s adoration for her high street haul is met with a flurry of opinions divided on whether she should be worried. It’s a question that has been frequently asked on social media over the last few months, as many of us wonder if our ageing process has suddenly picked up speed while checking out the rails of Marks & Spencer.
Thankfully, there is no need to start bulk buying hyaluronic acid just yet, as it turns out that 141-year-old M&S has done a bit of a Benjamin Button, with the British high street staple being transformed from the place your nan buys her elastic-waisted linen trousers to one of Gen Z’s favourite stockists.
The sudden revitalisation of M&S is no coincidence, but largely the work of the very fashion-savvy Maddy Evans. She joined the women’s fashion department in 2019 after leaving her role at Topshop as head of buying, and has recently been promoted to a newly created role, director of womenswear.
When Maddy hopped on board, M&S sales were plummeting – they’d fallen out of the FTSE 100 and then chief executive, Steve Rowe, even admitted that they had a reputation for ‘frumpiness’.
Now it’s a different story entirely, with M&S clothing and home division sales increased 5.3% year-on-year in their most recent financial results.
Of course, Maddy didn’t do it alone — her team of clothing Avengers who joined her around the same time include head of womenswear design Lisa Illis (formerly Nike), and head of merchandising for womenswear Helen Wilson (also Topshop alumni).
From OAP to Gen Z
Let’s be real, this isn’t a complete underdog rising through the ranks. M&S has always had a strong presence (aka ‘that girl’ in young people’s speak) since it first emerged on the high street in 1884, but recently they’ve managed to turn themselves front and centre of the fashion conversation.
We’ve seen this happen to other legacy brands before, perhaps most famously when Stanley cups went from an item favoured almost exclusively by outdoor enthusiasts to the ultimate accessory after #WaterTok got their lips around the straws.
While the M&S food hall was once the centre of attention (items such as their speckled egg cookies are still putting up a great argument for our cash), now their womenswear has become equally sought-after. Many people are even making comparisons to Zara – the long-time go-to for fashion fans.
Just last month, a £65 cropped utility jacket had the girlies arriving at stores for opening time with nothing but a restock dream and their Monzo cards. One friend recently disclosed to me that she was crowded around the item at 8am on a weekday with two other keen women. In a true moment of sisterhood, they all tried on the last three jackets before walking to the cash register together.
M&S's star items
Tailored Collarless Blazer – £69
Pure Cotton Utility Trucker Jacket – £65
Jersey Side Stripe Wide Leg Trousers – £35
M&S X Sienna Miller Barrel Leg Jean – £49.50
Polka Dot Mini A-Line Skirt – £39.50
Fashion stylist Lynne McKenna has been in the industry for two decades and has been in awe of the high street store’s recent efforts.
‘Part of my job is pulling pieces for photo shoots, and I would often go to M&S for the wardrobe staples or their big moments like Alexa Chung’s collection in 2016, but now when I visit, everything is incredible,’ she tells Metro.
Lynne believes the start of this exciting chapter in their journey began with the Sienna Miller collection in September 2023. The ultimate cool girl’s 33-piece clothing line instantly captured shoppers’ attention, with many items selling out quickly. Her barrel leg jeans were particularly sought-after and restocked three times.
This must-have factor has gradually spilt into every section from denim to tailoring and eveningwear. And the numbers speak for themselves – women’s partywear sales are up 49%, and knitwear has risen by 23%.
‘I could fill trolleys,’ Lynne adds excitedly, as she chats about the stores’ current ranges.
She puts their success down to their ability to have a little something for everyone. In the most simplistic terms, M&S are creating garments that a lot of people want to wear. ‘They’re very clever at designing things that are multipurpose for multi-generations. I could wear it, my mum could wear it, and my friend’s teenage daughter could wear it.
‘For instance, they are selling a pair of wide-leg trousers with a stripe down for £35. The younger people wear it with a really cool crop jacket, I may do it with a baggy roll neck jumper, and then the older generation could choose a crisp white shirt.
‘It’s because the store started looking at not only who’s wearing their clothes, but who they want to wear them as well. Plus, the quality is high-end, but prices are still achievable for many.’
Spreading the word
Lynne says that engaging in the social media world and collaborating with different ages has also been vital to their success. IT girls of the digital realm, such as Sarah Louise Blythe, Naomi Ross, and AJ Odudu, have all been plastered over M&S’s Instagram. Meanwhile, social media management platform Social Sprout shared with Metro that in a recent 30-day period, there were 3.76 billion impressions on M&S’s social media and an average of 3,284 engagements each day. That’s without even taking into consideration the thousands of fan videos.
Previously, shopping in M&S may have been something you whispered about, but now women are holding mini mics to spread the word online. One of the young fans doing just that is Anna Corkill, 24 – she is part of a group of TikTokers giving the high street store free marketing by sharing hauls.
‘M&S is a trending topic for my generation, with people making it a prime stop for new outfits which I haven’t seen before. My videos that feature them usually get high engagement,’ she explains.
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Anna has deciphered that it’s not just the clothes contributing to the influx of young shoppers. Giving individual branches their own social media accounts to create localised content has made them fun and aspirational. Who doesn’t want to see the Romford branch staff lip sync to DJ Khaled ft Rihanna’s Wild Thoughts interwoven with shots of a Percy Pig cuddly teddy?
TIKTOK
‘The shop has always been an icon in British society — I got my first ever bra from there — but there was also this idea that it was mainly a brand for my stylish nan but not for me,’ adds Anna. ‘However, I have now noticed their product offering has developed to be more trend-led, which has drawn a younger crowd.’
Now focused on ‘creating greater visibility, improving replenishment, and reducing excess stock commitment and storage’, M&S can keep up with trends after it ditched a slower supply chain under Maddy’s reign. Part of this plan includes investing in new warehouse capacity to ‘improve availability and speed up delivery and returns’.
Influencer Yaz Moore, 25, has also noticed the effect of these changes and says that it is incredibly important, as her peers enjoy following trends. ‘Our fashion choices reflect cultural relevance, and a strong digital influence – TikTok trends, influencer hauls, and what celebrities are wearing.
Currently, we’re drawn to the minimalist clean girl aesthetic, quiet luxury, and love a good athleisure moment,’ she says, pointing out that M&S now ticks those boxes.
‘Seeing influencers styling their pieces in a modern way helped change the perception,’ she adds. ‘One viral video can push a brand into the spotlight and have it sell out overnight. I went to my local M&S for a trench coat I’d seen in videos, and it was gone off the shelves. The response to my own videos has been insane.’
The future of M&S
Having a front-row seat to the fashion industry, Lynne is excited about what the recent activity at the store could mean, especially after a hard few years.
‘A lot of brands were playing it quite safe and going for simplicity as lockdown affected our tastes. Everyone just went off fashion for a bit, and it has taken a long time to recover, longer than we thought,’ she explains.
‘But now, when I walk down the high street, I see exciting stuff from other places too like Abercrombie and River Island. They’ve all got a burst of fashion excitement.
‘It’s encouraging some nice, healthy competition and they’re all making each other better. Fashion is definitely back – and it seems like M&S are leading it.’
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Josie.Copson@metro.co.uk
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27 Apr, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'Like Race Across the World stars I'm best mates with my ex – we got tattoos for our nonversary'
After parting ways after nine years together, former couple Moon Onyx Starr and Cyrus Starr decided to remain best friends, and any new partners have to be comfortable with their enduring platonic bond
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Longchamp’s Le Pliage bag is an iconic bag many use for work, travelling, and everyday use because it is stylish and spacious. But, we think we have found a very affordable alternative from Mango, which we simply can’t gate keep.
Mango has created the Shopper Bag, which resembles the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag, as both designs feature a fabric exterior, contrast top handles and a zip top fastening. We love nothing more than hunting affordable alternatives to designer bags, whether it’s from M&S, Mango, or other retailers, and we must admit, we had to double take when we glanced Mango’s ‘it’ bag.
The Mango Shopper Bag looks almost identical to Le Pliage Large Tote Bag, though its measurements are slightly bigger, meaning you can carry a little bit more inside, which is always a winner.
Mango Shopper Bag
The large tote bag features two large shoulder straps to style this bag over your shoulder, or wear as a handbag.
Crafted from polyamide and polyurethane fabric, with contrast brown straps. It features a zip top fastening to protect your valuables inside.
It measures 18.9 inches in length, 11.42 in height and 7.87 inches in width, and is available in four colours.
Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag
Crafted from recycled polyamide canvas, with leather trimmings on the top handles and top flap for extra durability. Plus, it features a coated interior to protect your bag.
With two long straps, a zip top fastening, as well as flap button top, this bag has been designed to provide a secure space to house your valuables – including a laptop – and fold away neatly.
Available in seven colourways.
Mango’s Shopper Bag has been crafted from a polyamide and polyurethane fabric blend, which is similar to Longchamp’s original, which has been created using recycled polyamide canvas for the outer. The subtle difference is the designer alternative boasts an inner coating and leather trim details on the handle and button fastening on the top flap of the bag for extra durability and security – and to help keep the bag compact when folded away after use.
The Mango design features two large top strap handles, which are useful to carry the bag on your shoulder, though you can carry it on the inside of your elbow, or as a handbag. Similarly, the Longchamp Le Pliage also features two long top straps too. The straps contrast the colour of the bag for both brand’s designs, which makes it hard to tell the difference.
Le Pliage comes in various sizes, and the large version measures 12.2 inches in length, 11.8 inches in height, and 7.5 inches in width, while Mango’s design is bigger in length as it spans 18.9 inches in length, 11.42 in height and 7.87 inches in width – just a slight difference.
Both bags feature a top zip fastening. But, there is one standout difference – the snap button top, which is Longchamp’s signature finishing detail. Almost all of Longchamp’s designs in Le Pliage collection feature a contrast flap detail with a popper fixture that provides extra security across the top opening, and makes it easy to pack away neatly. This is, of course, missing on Mango’s design.
It’s unknown how many pockets are inside Mango’s tote bag, but the Longchamp version has two inside flat pockets to house your valuables.
The other difference is Mango’s accessory comes in four colours, including black, navy, khaki and camel, whereas Longchamp’s design comes in seven tones: black, cream, navy blue, eucalyptus, tan, pink and red.
Let’s not forget the price tag is hugely different, in fact the high street store’s creation could save you almost £100. It’s a no brainer.
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27 Apr, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
UK couples clash over recycling habits as much as bin duties, finds new study
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This weekend thousands of people will be pounding the pavement in London, as the London marathon takes place.
The runners will be undertaking the 26.2 mile route, and whether they’re an elite athlete or a novice, there’s no denying that it will have a major impact on their bodies.
Even with all the necessary training and all the right gear, even the fittest of individuals will notice considerable changes to their body when running such a distance.
Obviously, it goes without saying that running a marathon is a very personal experience and a variety of things will affect your run – such as stress, injuries and training. But, on the whole, there are a few different things that will happen to your body during it, and afterwards.
From endorphin surges to back ‘bounces’, experts share some of the things to expect when you run 26 miles.
Body enters overdrive mode
When running a marathon, your body goes into overdrive, uses up energy stores, breaks down muscle, and loses fluid and electrolytes.
Physiotherapist Sammy Margo, who works with Deep Freeze and Deep Heat, explains: ‘The body goes into overdrive, uses up glycogen (energy) stores in the liver, breaks down muscle and loses fluid and electrolytes – all of which contribute to fatigue and a sense of grogginess and tiredness after the run.’
Muscles become inflamed
Obviously, most people don’t run 26 miles every day – so it’s a bit of a shock to our muscles.
Sammy says: ‘Muscles become inflamed and sore – particularly the calves and thighs – and runners may develop cramp.
‘Biomarkers of muscle damage – such as lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase – increase during the run, peaking after the end of the marathon.
‘These enzymes take around a week to fall back to normal levels.’
She says warming up is essential to reduce the risk of sore muscles, particularly delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Performance Physique’s Head Coach, Arj Thiruchelvam, also adds that marathons cause substantial muscular damage – and this is even more noticeable if runners lack sufficient carbohydrate fuelling.
He says: ‘Very often we consider the impacts are limited to the visual (blistering, nail issues or swollen feet) but many runners also suffer joint discomfort post-race to go along with their muscular soreness.
‘These sensations are not the limit and that is why recovery is so vital.’
Cramps and joint discomfort are common
From over-contraction and overuse of muscles to a lack of sodium, there are numerous reasons why runners experience the notorious ‘cramp’.
Kimiko Ninomiya, the founder of women’s running collective Hot Boys Athletics, is running today – her sixth marathon – and she expects a few cramps and aches to happen.
She explains: ‘This time around, I like to think I’ve properly prepared and I’ve been consistent about all my training (from everything I’ve tracked on Strava, you’d say I’m ready). But I’m prepared for the race to take everything out of me. I’m expecting my hamstring to cramp up, ankles and knees to ache, back pain, a headache – literally all the worst things I’ve ever experienced combined into one race.
‘I’m expecting to hobble from the finish line, like Bambi, while simultaneously feeling a wave of euphoria wash over me for having just finished such a hard effort.
‘In the days following a hard race, my legs are always very stiff but it’s important to try to get moving, whether it’s tracking a short and easy run on Strava or going for a long walk around the city (my favourite is to go to an art gallery).’
Feeling on top of the world – followed by post-run blues
‘Runner’s high’ is a real thing – and it’s all down to endorphins.
Sammy continues: ‘Running this distance over several hours also increases positive neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine, and “feel good” endorphins – which keeps you alert and serotonin, which improves mood.’
But, in a similar way to a workout class, this effect does wear off shortly afterwards.
Kimiko says: ‘Beyond the very physical toll, there’s also the chemical drop-off that happens, when your serotonin levels switch off that my friends and I call “marathon melancholy”, where you feel quite sad/down, so it’s important to give yourself grace and try to surround yourself with people or things that lift you up.’
You’ll get (temporarily) shorter
According to the Journal of International Medical Research, you’re expected to lose almost half an inch in height during a marathon.
This loss in height is a result of the back muscles tensing under strenuous conditions and fluid loss between the intervertebral disks.
But, worry not, this is only temporary and you’ll be back to full height when fluid levels are replaced.
Stress on knees, hips and ankles
Even when you’ve trained, your body still goes through a tremendous amount of stress while running.
Physiotherapist Ben Lombard says: ‘The muscles in your hips, knees, ankles and spine are constantly loaded with each step, which is a great way to strengthen them – but if loaded too much too soon you can easily create overload injuries.
‘These commonly include muscle sprains, tendon injuries, or even ligament sprains and bone stress injuries.’
Ben says to help lessen the load on your joints, it all comes down to training and preparation.
He explains: ‘To run 26.2 miles, you should condition your body appropriately with a carefully considered training plan.
‘This should include both running and strength and conditioning sessions. Your runs should get progressively longer, and ideally you will do some shorter faster intervals, some race-paced runs, and some hills, too.’
Strain on your spine
While you might think your knees and ankles get the worst of it when running 26 miles, Michael Fatica – a consultant osteopath for The Back in Shape Program – says it’s actually our backs that take the full impact.
He explains: ‘The action of running causes a repetitive impact on the load bearing structures of the lower back – primarily the discs.
‘When running, the main force is one of impact going through the body, the joints of the lower limbs, ankles, knees and hips and the into the spine. When we think of the impact on our lower back – even with good posture – the average marathon consists of somewhere between 55,000 and 65,000 steps.
‘Think of these steps as tiny impacts through the spine for the duration of the event. From the outset in the early part of the race, you’re likely soft on your feet, posture tall and efficient. As time wears on and the number of steps climbs, more and more of these impacts will become less efficiently handled by our bodies.
‘At the same time, your postural muscles will be having to manage these many “bounces” up and down during the entirety of the event.’
As a result, runners might experience fatigue and discomfort in the lower back at the end of the gruelling run.
This article was first published on September 25, 2023.
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