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Damson Madder burst on the fashion scene circa 2020, and has had us in a chokehold ever since – and the reason why our bank balance is in the red.

The Tilly Leopard Gilet was one of the most iconic staples, and, admittedly, the first garment that springs to mind when we think of the brand. Though there are plenty of other staples we love from the fashion house: the midi dresses with oversized collars and adorable bow detailing, shirts with exaggerated ruffle collars, as well as quilted jackets and gilets. 

What we love about Damson Madder is it encourages us to go big with prints, colours, styles and texture, which our dull monochrome winter wardrobe needs. 

The London-based hit brand – founded by Emma Hill – also prides itself on eco-conscious fabrics, sustainability and slow fashion, as designs have been crafted from recycled or organic fabrics. 

We could shop the entire label (and believe us, we’re close), so for like-minded Damson Madder fans you’ll be pleased to learn there’s an almighty sale on some of the brand’s bestselling items. 

From outerwear to gilets, dresses and tops, to swimwear and accessories, we have whittled down the best buys you won’t want to miss out on, especially as some have been reduced by half price. However, we must warn you, sizes are selling out fast!

Shop Our Top Picks in Damson Madder Sale

Rafe Trousers

Everywhere we look there are leopard print trousers, and, quite frankly, we’re jealous. This staple may seem quite bold, but actually it’s such a versatile staple to dress up or down, and a welcome alternative to our classic denim jeans, or black wide leg trousers. Simply pair with a plain white or black t-shirt, trainers, ballet pumps or loafers, as well as a jacket if you feel the chill.

BUY NOW FOR £42.50 (WAS £85)

Romeo Embroidered Blouse

You can never have too many white shirts and blouses, particularly with a large Peter Pan collar. It boasts a round neckline with a large flap collar, balloon sleeves with embroidered detail, and a button front fastening. Pair on its own with jeans, layer under a gilet, jumper or dress. Available in dress sizes 6 to 20.

BUY NOW FOR £42 (WAS £70)

Tilly Gilet

We can’t believe the price of this viral, bestselling and sell-out gilet because, yes, we did pay full price for it when it first launched. This layering staple is bold and beautiful. It features a quilted body, animal print exterior, a round neckline, as well as bow tie front fastening, which is a unique touch we love. Layer over a t-shirt, shirt, roll neck jumper, or dress – the options are endless.

BUY NOW FOR £40 (WAS £80)

Persephone Midi Dress

Some may be swooning over the sell out Mia Midi Dress, but we have a soft spot for this Persephone Midi Dress.From the spaghetti straps, the square neckline, to the gingham print and velvet bows on the waist, this dress is a feminine staple our wardrobes need. Wear with pumps for a preppy look, even layer under a fitted t-shirt for more coverage for daytime wear, or style with chunky platform heels for your next wedding. Also available as a mini length dress, the Penelope Mini.

BUY NOW FOR £57 (WAS £95)

Clementine Embroidered Collared Mini Dress

We love an exaggerated collar, and this Mini Dress ticks that box with one almighty tick in a thick red marker pen. The point on the edge of the collar reaches the waist, which is a quirky detail we love. The mini dress features long blouson-like sleeves and embroidered detail. It is available in black and white, but the former is the only one reduced.

BUY NOW FOR £69 (WAS £115)

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‘Unexpected item in bagging area’ is a phrase that strikes fear into the heart of many UK supermarket shoppers, and frankly, self-service tills often drive us mad.

However, while many big supermarket chains have embraced self-service as the future, one northern retailer has been bucking the trend, reportedly seeing impressive results.

Family-owned grocer Booths has embarked on a mission to remove self-checkout tills from the majority of its 26 stores.

According to its director, this move has led to a rise in customer satisfaction, a reduction in theft, less shrinkage, and other benefits.

Speaking to industry publication The Grocer, MD Nigel Murray said customer satisfaction was up, saying: ‘We’re at 74 now, up from 70 (out of 100).’

‘Not all of that is due to the fact that we’ve taken self-service checkouts out of many of the stores. But when you look at things like service, into the “promise of things to come” section, we’ve scored brilliantly.’

Murray was also ‘absolutely convinced’ that Booths had seen an uptick in custom due to the coverage surrounding the move, which began in November 2023.

Why has Booths removed self-service tills?

Booths removed self-service checkouts in all but two of their busiest stores in a move they originally hoped would cut costs and speed up the time it took to serve their customers, who were expressing frustration at the self-service tills.

‘At the time, it was very much that our customers were telling us they didn’t really like them’, Murray said.  

In response, instead of installing more self-service machines, Booths chose to increase the number of manned checkouts and invest in staff training.

Murray went on to say: ‘In really simple terms, if you’ve got somebody who is doing a job repetitively for six, seven, eight hours a day, they are going to do it faster and better than if you are just turning up to do it once every three days.

‘So, in terms of speed of service we made sure we invested in having people at the tills to serve customers, and the results are clear.’

While the move was predominantly made with customer experience in mind, a reduction in theft was also described as a ‘happy consequence’ by Murray, as so-called ‘middle-class’ shoplifters incorrectly scanning, weighing, or simply avoiding paying for goods had been a rising problem.

The self-service checkouts will now only be found in their Windermere and Keswick stores, which can see large numbers of tourists during peak season.

If it means we never have to look up our own bakery items again, then, frankly, we’re all for it.

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To those that have recently moved house, thinking about doing so or just want to sleep better than ever – listen up as Simba have just launched a massive Easter sale, but for a limited time only.

Yes, get ready to spring into a better sleep with Simba’s sale from April 12 to 21, where you can enjoy up to 20% off award-winning mattresses and generous discounts on sleep bundles, plus 15% off selected duvets and pillows.

So, whether you’re overhauling your bedroom or adding finishing touches, Simba has you covered, quite literally at this point.

Better yet? As a certified BCorp™, Simba leads in sustainable sleep innovation, crafting mattresses in the UK with recycled materials. With over 100 industry awards, 350,000 five-star reviews, and more than 1 million sleep products sold worldwide, Simba is the world’s most five-star-rated mattress brand.

Complete Bundle from Simba

The Simba Complete Bundle delivers the ultimate sleep experience, featuring a Hybrid® mattress paired with a stylish bed base, along with Hybrid™ pillows and a duvet. This bundle combines advanced sleep technology with sustainable materials to ensure maximum comfort and support. Ideal for those looking to upgrade their entire sleep setup, it offers exceptional value and quality.

Buy Now from £985.10

Even though there’s a plethora of savings to be had, two of the best our shopping expert has found is on the Super King Complete Bundle and the Mattress bundle – where you can save well over £1,100.

The Super King Complete Bundle from Simba includes a Hybrid® Ultra Mattress, Camden Bed with Ottoman Storage, Hybrid™ Duvet & Hybrid™ Pillows. Offering savings of up to £1,107.50, shoppers who are looking to level up their sleep would be silly to miss this one.

We really need to shout about the fact that over half a million Hybrid Mattresses have been sold, and over 128,087 people have taken the time to review it too – exclaiming how they’ve become a ‘very happy sleeper’ since investing in a Simba Mattress.

Mustakim G who left a glowing five-star review said: ‘Love it. First few sleeps have been amazing. I can see the difference between the Simba and my spring mattress, it’s like night and day. It was easy to unpack and took shape very quickly. Really happy with this purchase.’

Lauren added how it was ‘Amazingly comfortable’. ‘After debating spending so much money on a mattress i decided to take the plunge and I’m so glad i did. The mattress just supports you in a way I’ve never felt before and I’ve had the best sleep in years.’

‘Wow! The Rolls-Royce of mattresses. Since day one my back felt the difference and my sleep improved. I have a sleep tracker, so I was able to analyse the change for real not just in perception. Medium firm is exactly what I needed not soft but not a wooden table. Absolutely perfect would recommend,’ added Martina G.

Another deal worth shouting The Mattress Bundle (Super King Hybrid® Ultra Mattress, Hybrid™ Duvet & Hybrid™ Pillows) saves up to £821.18 – how good is that?

Hybrid Duvet from Simba

The Simba Hybrid Duvet combines eco-friendly materials and advanced technology for year-round comfort. It features recycled PET bottle fibres for a soft, warm feel, and Stratos® 'cool-touch' technology to regulate body temperature. The responsibly sourced cotton outer adds to its comfort and sustainability. It's also machine washable and designed to prevent clumping, making it easy to maintain.

Buy Now from £118.15 (save £21)

Shoppers in their masses have raved about the Hybrid Pillows and Duvet too – with nearly 16,000 reviews on the duvet alone.

The Simba Hybrid Duvet offers year-round comfort with its innovative design and sustainable materials. Filled with Simba Renew™ fibres made from recycled PET bottles, it provides down-like softness and breathable warmth.

Featuring Stratos™ ‘cool touch’ technology, it helps regulate body temperature by dissipating excess heat. The responsibly sourced cotton outer ensures both comfort and sustainability.

Now best of all? It’s machine washable and stitched into squares to prevent clumping!

Preetha V said it was a ‘comfortable duvet that makes you feel very snug.’

Chloe H is equally obsessed with her new duvet and added: ‘I’m a sucker for a cosy duvet, we normally have a 13 tog on, and this duvet is fabulous. We normally have down duvets as we found the other types either crumbled away or dropped in the duvet. So far, this duvet has not disappointed – the separate quilted sections allow for a cosy sleep but keeps everything where it should be. I am warm when I need Read more about review stating Love this duvet!’

Dan W, another five-star reviewer followed suit and mentioned: ‘The Hybrid Duvet is hands down the best duvet I’ve used. It’s light yet surprisingly warm – perfect for year-round use. What I love most is the temperature regulation. No more waking up too hot or kicking off the covers in the middle of the night. It keeps me cozy without overheating, and the feel is super soft and luxurious.’

Now what are you waiting for? There are only a few days left of this incredible sale – so make the most of it whilst you can.

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MORE: Simba’s Easter Sale sees up to 20% off select mattresses, pillows and duvets

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The limited-edition beauty box contains six full-size luxurious products that I’ll be using all summer

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Finally, the long weekend has (almost) arrived, and sure – we might not have the gorgeous weather we were hoping for, but this is an English bank holiday weekend after all.

But you don’t need the sun, as this weekly edition of Trend Trove will bring the light into your life – at least our shopping expert hopes so.

We live for a four-day weekend for eating, sleeping, drinking, catching up with friends and family alike, DIY around the house, potential hangovers and of course, shopping.

So, what’s in store this week we hear you cry? Well, our expert has been at it once again, searching the high street for the hottest buys, things to know and shop until your heart’s content – or you’re giving it Ian Beale and have ‘nothing left’.

From gorgeous new Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist, to sporty hoodies from The Couture Club, NARS eyeshadow palettes that will make your eyes pop, to a gradual tanning butter that will make it look like you’ve been on holiday (without an argument with a low-cost airline), and a pair of headphones that will see you right on your next run or if you’re taking part in the London Marathon.

You’ll also find Missoma’s Sculptural Air collection, and the brand’s lightest collection to date. This new line features 23 versatile styles, perfect for transitioning from day to night. The collection includes a range of hoops, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Mixed metals continue to be a popular trend, with the brand introducing reversible mixed metal earrings that can be worn to showcase either gold or silver.

This April, the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham will host the Red Roses’ final Women’s Six Nations match against France, featuring a halftime show by Rizzle Kicks. With tickets starting at £5 for juniors, the event promises family fun and aims to inspire future rugby players. The Red Roses are looking to break the attendance record set two years ago and gear up for the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil – COME ON LADIES!

We also have some pretty exciting food news – yes, Le Swine is bringing back their limited edition ‘Hot Cross Bacon Bun’ for Easter. Available for nationwide delivery on April 17, and you can pre-order now (at www.leswine.co.uk). These treats will also be served at the East Sheen café from Friday to Sunday during Easter weekend. You might want to arrive early though as they sell out quickly.

The Easter special includes Nicola’s Lamb’s Hot Cross Buns, date, roast fennel and Aleppo chilli ketchup, Le Swine’s signature Ol’ fashioned middle bacon, and bacon butter – how mouth-wateringly delicious.

Plus, if you loved Kendall Jenner’s ‘butter yellow’ moment at Coachella last weekend, then you might want to get the below dress from House of CB in your basket pronto – as it’s perfect for any, and every occasion this summer.

Marks and Spencer have done it again with another handbag we’re adding into our basket asap. The East-West bag, featuring a streamlined design and simple straps, seamlessly enhances both casual and formal outfits. This bag provides a contemporary twist on the classic ’90s baguette style, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion.

If that wasn’t enough? trüfrü has introduced two exciting new flavours: Blueberries in White & Dark Chocolate and Raspberries in White & Milk Chocolate. Each flavour features ripe fruit enveloped in two layers of rich, silky chocolate for a truly indulgent treat.

Oh, and the most important one in our Ibiza-obsessed shopping expert? Pacha Ibiza has unveiled its most impressive lineup for the 2025 season, featuring world-class house and techno, new school tastemakers, and more. Highlights include Marco Carola’s Music On, Solomun’s +1, and new residencies from Mau P and Blond:ish. The season kicks off with an opening party on April 25, promising unforgettable nights under the iconic Pacha cherries.

You might need to take longer than five and a quick break for this bumper edition of Trend Trove.

Metro’s Shopping expert’s best buys for Easter bank holiday weekend

Gabriella Gingham 180 Thread Count Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set in Natural

Experience unmatched comfort and elegant style with the Gabriella duvet cover set, perfect for both classic and contemporary bedroom interiors. Crafted with care, this duvet cover boasts a 180 thread count and features a striking design in classic white and soft natural shades, bringing neutral tones to your sleeping space. Available in double, king, and super king sizes, each set includes two standard pillowcases.

Buy Now for £30 (was £75) at dusk

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Eye Cream

Achieve visibly smoother, plumper, and hydrated under-eyes with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's DermInfusions Fill + Repair Eye Cream (15ml). Specifically formulated for the delicate eye area, this gentle yet effective cream improves the appearance of fine lines and loss of firmness. Infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration and plumping, copper peptides to diminish dark circles, and kakadu plum to firm and brighten. Additionally, it contains ectoin and bisabolol to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

Buy Now for £64 at cult beauty

Dolly Lemon Stretch Cotton A-Line Midi Sundress

The 'Dolly' dress is a charming, vintage-inspired piece made from soft lemon stretch cotton. It features a flattering fit-and-flare design, elegant skirt volume, side pockets, delicate bustline trim, and dainty straps. Perfect for sunny days, it's crafted from luxurious and durable Pima Cotton.

Buy Now for £189 at house of cb

Afterglow Tempting Eyeshadow Palette

Step into a dreamscape of colour with our new eyeshadow palette, featuring nine striking shades. Experience the lavender haze with a blend of smooth mattes, high-shine shimmers, and reflective glitters in orchid, rose, and tan tones. These shades build and blend effortlessly for ethereal eyes. The pure eyeshadow pigments deliver rich, high-impact colour in one stroke, while the velvet-soft texture ensures an even layer of colour that lasts.

Buy Now for £52 at nars

Padel & Picantes Oversized Hoodie

The Padel & Picante Oversized Hoodie in navy is a stylish and comfortable addition to your wardrobe. Designed with a relaxed fit, this hoodie features a bold 'Padel & Picante' graphic on the front. Made from high-quality materials, it ensures both warmth and durability. Perfect for casual outings or lounging at home, this hoodie pairs well with jeans or joggers for a laid-back look

Buy Now for £65 at the couture club

Leopard Print Pointed Ballerina Shoes

Stay on trend with our leopard print pointed ballerina shoes. Crafted from faux leather, these shoes feature a chic metal hardware buckle for an elegant finish. Perfect for elevating both your weekday and weekend outfits.

Buy Now for £18 at tu clothing

Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Aqua Mistica Perfume Mist

The Sol de Janeiro Limited Agua Mistica Perfume Mist (90ml) transports you to sunnier climes with its fresh, airy notes. Infused with accents of neroli water, juicy tangerine, and hints of sea salt, this beach-inspired fragrance conjures visions of blue skies, warm weather, and gentle ocean breezes. A single spritz envelops you in uplifting scents that are sure to turn heads.

Buy Now for £24 at cult beauty

Organic Cotton Flamingo Stripe Short Pyjama Set

Crafted from soft, certified organic cotton, this short pyjama set features a classic button-up short sleeve shirt paired with elasticated waist shorts. Showcasing one of the boldest prints yet from Chelsea Peers, bright and colourful flamingos, hand-drawn in our West London studio, flock over graphic green and white stripes.

Buy Now for £45 at chelsea peers

Ear (a)

The Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds feature a compact, bubble-shaped charging case and come in yellow, white, and black. They offer high-resolution audio streaming with LDAC, active noise cancellation, and intuitive squeeze controls. The Nothing X app allows for customisation of sound profiles, making them a versatile and stylish choice for quality audio.

Buy Now for £89 at nothing

Faux Leather Bowler Bag

Enhance your accessory collection with this chic faux leather bowler bag. Featuring two elongated top handles for effortless carrying and a practical zip closure, it opens to a fully lined interior with a convenient slip pocket. Part of the M&S Collection, this bag combines timeless and modern styles for easy-to-wear wardrobe staples.

Buy Now for £39.50 at m&s

Bali Body Gradual Tanning Butter

Experience luxury with our gradual tanner, infused with a subtle gold shimmer. This 4-in-1 product tans, illuminates, hydrates, and repairs your skin with each use. Enriched with powerful skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 for enhanced hydration, along with shea butter and watermelon seed oil to support skin barrier repair. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

Buy Now for £26.99 at boots

TruFru Blueberries White & Dark Chocolate

Treat yourself to trüfrü's delightful blueberries, frozen fresh and dipped in luscious white and dark chocolate. With only 84 calories per serving, these gluten-free treats are made from 100% real, ripe blueberries and contain no artificial additives. The unique hyper-chilling process locks in all the flavour and nutrition, making them perfect for sharing, snacking, or adding a touch of indulgence to any occasion.

Buy Now for £6 at waitrose

Jimmy Choo BLOSSOM Eau de Parfum

Jimmy Choo presents BLOSSOM – a vibrant new fragrance for the lively, young party-goer. Sparkling and vivacious, it captures the essence of a first cocktail, the clinking of glasses with friends, and the energetic beats on the dance floor. This floral scent begins with bright, sparkling top notes of red berries and a citrus cocktail. The heart reveals delicate sweet pea and rose, while the base is enriched with sensual white musk and sandalwood.

Buy Now for £58 at sephora

Sculptural Chubby Dome Small Hoop Earrings

Discover the Missoma Sculptural Chubby Dome Small Hoop Earrings, inspired by elegant sculptural forms. These small, chunky hoops showcase a unique molten-domed design, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Perfect for creating a layered look, pair them with domed huggies to achieve a stylish, scaled hoop ear stack.

Buy Now for £125 at missoma

Borosilicate Glass with Two-Tone Design

The Borosilicate glass with two-tone design from Mango is a stylish addition to any table setting. Expertly crafted from durable borosilicate glass, this set features a unique two-tone design that adds a touch of elegance and colour to your dining experience. Available in vibrant colours, it combines both aesthetic appeal and functionality, ensuring long-lasting use.

Buy Now for £17.99

Has anything caught your eye? Or do you have any special plans this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below!

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If you’re anything like us here at Metro HQ, having time to reach for a book and actually read it is becoming more and more of a novelty.

Thank goodness for Amazon’s Audible though, and their bottomless catalogue of audiobooks.

Perfect for those without the time to sit and read a book or those who simply prefer having their stories read to them, an Audible membership is a great, easy way to read and explore books and stories from wherever you are – whether that’s on the commute, in bed or at the gym.

The best bit? Audible are currently offering new customers three months of membership for just 99p per month – a whopping saving of £21 compared to the standard monthly price for three months.

You might want to get a riggle on to make the most of this deal though, as the offer ends on April 30.

Amazon Audible, three months membership

Score three months of Audible membership for just 99p with this unmissable spring deal. This fantastic deal entitles you to one credit per month and can, of course, be cancelled before the standard rate renews at the end of the three-month duration.

shop 99p per month

This unmissable deal is eligible for their Standard £7.99 subscription, which entitles you to one credit per month and can, of course, be cancelled before the standard rate renews at the end of the three-month duration.

This credit allows you to take your pick of a book from the countless selection of titles in Audible’s library, including best-sellers, classics, new releases and even podcasts, and it is yours to keep.

And really, there are thousands of audiobooks to choose from, including Audible Originals, autobiographies narrated by the celebrities you love and plenty of emerging talent to discover.

Your 99p, three month membership will leave you with three books to get your teeth into, an excellent way to test Audible out for yourself before paying extra.

Fan of Harry Potter like me? You’ll find all seven of the magical and nostalgic Harry Potter books read by Stephen Fry in Audible’s bottomless library, supplying you with hundreds of hours of listening.

Prefer something spicier? From the A Court of Thorns and Roses series to Fourth Wing, you’ve got all your romantasy needs covered.

Sidenote – you’ll also have access to Audible’s ‘Dramatised Adaptations’ of the above. All I can say is they’re worth their weight in gold.

Can’t wait to read the new Suzanne Collins book? If you sign up today you could be getting stuck into the gripping new tale within minutes.

Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, romance, comedy, or want something the kids will love for those long road trips, you’ll find it all and more on Audible.

Your subscription also grants you access to unlimited listening to the Plus Catalogue – which includes thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts and select audiobooks that you can get for free.

Not only this, but you’ll also have access to exclusive sales and deals, allowing you up to 80 per cent off selected titles. What’s not to love?

If you feel like you’ll need more than one credit per month when your three months comes to an end then there are three additional memberships to choose from with more credits available.

While the standard £7.99 is the cheapest of the lot, giving you one credit a month, Audible Monthly comes in at £14.99 per month and entitles you to two credits.

For £69.99 a year you can bag 12 credits per year, saving you £25.89 compared to paying for a year monthly at £7.99, and if you’d prefer double that you can grab Audible Premium Plus Annual, entitling you to 24 credits for just £109.99, saving you a huge £68.89.

Convinced yet? I definitely am, and I already have Audible. Sign up today to make the most of this excellent offer. But be quick – you only have until April 30 to claim…

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When I heard that Michelle Trachtenberg died of diabetes complications, my heart sank.

On February 26, the 39-year-old actress, best known for her roles as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, and figure skater Casey in Ice Princess, was found ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ by police in Manhattan.

Now it has been determined that she died ultimately as a result of her diabetes mellitus, the City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told Deadline.

The coroner’s office initially said her cause of death would remain undetermined as her family blocked an autopsy on religious grounds, but a toxicology report shed some light on the circumstances. 

While we don’t know which type of diabetes Michelle was impacted by, the gut-wrenching circumstances surrounding her death hit me hard both as a type 1 diabetic and a lifelong fan of her work, having watched her star in Ice Princess when I was seven.

I was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition in 2015, after months of symptoms. 

I was so exhausted that I’d come home from school every day and collapse into bed. I inexplicably dropped two dress sizes almost overnight – for which I was complimented and asked what diet I was on by an unassuming friend – and I had a constant, insatiable thirst.

Initially, my doctor dismissed my worries and diagnosed me with oral thrush.

Realising that a friend had previously experienced identical symptoms, it was only when my mum took me to the GP and demanded that they test my blood sugar that I finally received answers.

And as a somewhat naïve 17-year-old who thought I’d live with a bill of clean health forever, I was shocked to be told I had a serious condition. 

From the GP’s surgery, I went straight to the hospital, where the specialist told me that if I came in any later, I might not have survived. I cried, counting my blessings.

And reading the circumstances surrounding Michelle’s death has left me reflecting on what it means to live with a condition that can be so relentless.

In the 10 years since I was diagnosed, it’s become increasingly apparent to me that people living with diabetes – in all their forms – are too often the butt of jokes.

We’re constantly misrepresented in the media, judged for our lifestyle choices, and interrogated about our medical history.

I’ve been asked whether I ‘was given too much sugar as a child’, if I have the ‘good type or the bad type,’ and I’ve had strangers on public transport question whether my insulin pump is a ‘nicotine patch.’

And at the same time, I and countless other diabetics have had to listen to repeated jibes about our condition over the years – like gags about one particularly sugary treat giving someone instant diabetes,’ or the infamous ‘Diabeetus’ meme that’s circulated on the internet for decades.

Well diabetes is not, never has been, and never will be funny. It’s a lifelong condition, and for type 1 specifically, there’s still no cure.

Shortly before her death, Michelle, who never went public about her diabetes and underwent a liver transplant last year, was publicly interrogated over her appearance.

Posting a selfie to Instagram in January 2024, she wrote in her caption: ‘Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have [to] hate? Get a calendar.’

Fans had previously raised concerns she looked ‘sick’.

I’ve also had people comment on my appearance due to diabetes, and now that we know that Michelle’s cause of death was complications from the condition, we’ve been given a reminder that this condition should be taken seriously, and continues to take precious lives like hers. 

And it’s devastating.

At the same time, the price of insulin in the US – where Michelle lived – is continuing to place pressure on people living with diabetes, some of whom are faced with the choice of paying for their medication, or for their household bills.

A 2020 study from non-profit organisation RAND previously found its ‘astronomical’ price only serves to ‘harm’ American families, with one vial costing $12 (£9.06) in Canada, $8 (in the UK) but more than $98.70 (£74.56) in America.

It shouldn’t be this way.

It’s for all these reasons that Michelle’s death hits home for me, and many others. 

It shows us that despite the constant interrogation and outrage of internet culture (that often thinks it’s achieving something by publicly criticising people on their appearances), it’s never really possible to know the health struggles someone might be facing. 

They might not even know themselves.

There are so many battles that are fought unsaid, and in silence. And at the same time, this should be a sign that it’s time to stop treating diabetes as a joke – and instead, call out the cruel punchlines that, time and time again, target people like me living with this reality.

There are no days off from diabetes. It’s tiring, it’s debilitating, and completely unrelenting, and as we’ve sadly seen with Michelle, it can claim lives completely prematurely. May our Dawn Summers, our Ice Princess, and our iconic Georgina Sparks rest in peace.

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A groom has been slammed on social media after performing a ‘humiliating’ act on his bride at their wedding.

My phone rang as Dad was lying unconscious in his bed in the room next door.

‘Your dad has pancreatic cancer,’ the consultant said solemnly, ‘I’m sorry, but there is nothing we can do.’

My dad, Eamonn, died just six days after that phone call on March 16, 2023, aged 58.

It all happened so quickly.

In November 2022, I noticed Dad had lost weight, but we didn’t think much of it. By the start of December, he got a virus that he just couldn’t shake, leaving him always tired and with acid reflux.

Within a couple of weeks, one side of his face drooped from shingles. We didn’t know it at the time, but his body was busy trying to fight the cancer and couldn’t fend off the infection.

He was in so much pain the first week of January that he went to A&E for a CT scan. 

The results of the CT scan revealed cancer. Initially, it was found in his kidney, so they took a biopsy to try to properly figure out what was going on. But after waiting a couple weeks the results were inconclusive, so they had to do another.

Even though we still didn’t have a full formal diagnosis of cancer yet, and wouldn’t get one for a couple more weeks, we were told in early March that Dad was terminally ill. 

That involved beginning palliative care, which meant multiple visits from many professionals to the flat to make life as easy as possible. He was given a proper hospital bed, visits from his GP, community nursing teams, and palliative care nurses.  

Dad lived on the second floor but could barely walk so he rarely went out. Thankfully, he was popular and had many visitors. 

Then on March 10, we finally received the call to confirm the biopsy results and the formal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. By this point, it had been three months since he first went to the GP. It was devastating.

In those final days, he was in and out of consciousness. The last thing he said to me was ‘Love you too’, when we put him to bed one evening and I said goodnight. He must have slipped into full unconsciousness around March 12.

The next day, a nurse told us he was likely going to die in the next 24 hours, but Dad’s best friend, Neal, was visiting a few days later. So he held on.

Sure enough, Neal arrived and – even though Dad was comatose – he put his hands up. It was as if he was trying to let us know he was still listening.

We all said goodnight to him, and my step-mum Georgina whispered in his ear, ‘It’s time now babe, you can go, we’re all going to be OK’. 

Twenty minutes later, he’d slipped away. 

Weirdly, it was incredibly peaceful to be with him. After a while, we all did what he would have wanted us to do: Popped a bottle of bubbly and all sat together drinking, making jokes with periodic tears of sadness.

Devastatingly, six months after his passing, my step-mum found out she had bowel and liver cancer.

Seeing what dad had been through, Georgina made a point to ask her consultant what her prognosis was. As a result, the silver lining was that she made sure to make the most of the time she had left. 

In the aftermath of their deaths – particularly Dad’s – I realise the difference in care between my dad and Georgina’s was night and day. Georgina was put straight into emergency surgery and started chemo three weeks later. 

We subsequently found out consultants had told Dad a bit more about how the cancer had spread and he hadn’t shared that with us, but it still felt like he didn’t have the full picture.

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. In fact, over half of people with the condition die within three months of diagnosis. 

I’m sharing Dad’s story to raise awareness of the symptoms in the hopes this could save someone’s life. 

So I want to help raise money for early detection research. To do that, I signed up for the London Marathon 2025, which has made Pancreatic Cancer UK the Charity of the Year.

It was as if it were a sign from Dad. He was the one who actually got me into running about a decade ago.

So this feels like the best way to honour my journey and his memory. In fact, he actually did the London Marathon himself in the 90s, often remarking that it was one of his greatest achievements.

I know he’d be so happy and proud of me.

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

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