When 36-year-old mum-of-three Kaylie Bailey paid a beautician £75 to get three ‘Botox’ injections, she never thought it would stop her breathing.

Within days of the anti-wrinkle treatment, which was administered in a salon, she could barely see, so headed to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

After receiving a diagnosis of ptosis, also known as blepharoptosis or drooping eyelid, she was sent home, with doctors telling her it was likely due to her injections but to visit her GP if she noticed any further changes.

When Kaylie’s condition worsened over the next 48 hours however, she was rushed back to hospital and diagnosed with botulism, a rare, life-threatening condition caused by bacteria that attacks the nervous system – and if left untreated, can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure.

This is exactly what happened to Kaylie, who stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated, before spending three days in the ICU where she was treated with an anti-toxin.

It turns out she’d been injected with Toxpia, an illegal substance similar to, but not the same as, botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as the brand name Botox, although other brands are available, including Vistabel, Dysport, Bocouture, and Azzalure), which is widely used.

‘I remember lying on the bed thinking “I’m dying here and I don’t want to”,’ she told the BBC.

Kaylie is one of 41 confirmed cases of botulinum toxin-related botulism between June 4 and August 6, 2025, according to the UK Health Security Agency, sparking warnings over ‘dangerous, unlicensed products’.

In response to this growing issue, the Harley Street Skin Clinic is now demanding urgent government action to ensure only qualified injectors can perform aesthetic treatments.

It comes after the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health revealed 68% of cosmetic injections are being administered by someone other than a doctor.

In the UK there are currently no legal training requirements for beauty therapists and aesthetic practitioners injecting botulinum toxin or dermal fillers.

Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, MP Caroline Nokes, dubbed the industry a ‘wild west’ in a Commons speech in August calling for increased licensing and regulation, adding: ‘Anybody can do anything to anyone.’

This absurdity must end

Sophie Cooper, managing director of Harley Street Skin, welcomes this, saying in an open letter: ‘Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are prescription-only drugs for good reason.

‘They can cause blindness, necrosis, sepsis, and systemic illness. When injected by a trained doctor, these risks are managed. When injected by someone with no medical training, they are catastrophic.

‘A doctor studies anatomy for years. A beautician can take a weekend course and start injecting the public.’

So much about aesthetic treatments are policed, from tattoo ink to sunbeds. As Sophie highlights, even paracetamol sales are restricted, but the same doesn’t yet apply for cosmetic injectibles.

She adds: ‘Today anyone, regardless of training, can inject powerful drugs into your face. When it goes wrong, the NHS foots the bill, and the patient potentially pays with their life.

‘This absurdity must end.’

With an estimated 900,000 anti-wrinkle injections happening each year in the UK, there’s plenty of opportunity for things to go wrong. In 2024, the British College of Aesthetic Medicine recorded 3,547 cases of complications from non-medical injectors, 60% of which were traced back to beauticians.

And while issues typically range from soft tissue infections to necrosis and scarring, they can be deadly, as evidenced by the death of mum-of-five Alice Webb in September 2024.

The 33-year-old is thought to have died as a result of a botched non-surgical Brazilian butt lift (BBL), where dermal filler is injected into the buttocks.

Since 2022, Save Face (a platform that connects patients with accredited practitioners) has received more than 300 reports of people who experienced disastrous near-death experiences as a result of the so-called ‘liquid’ BBL and breast augmentation procedures, carried out using huge quantities of dermal filler.

These procedures are so dangerous that 99% of the 2,000 medically trained professionals surveyed by the organisation refuse to offer it because of the significant risks.

Following Alice’s passing, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘We are exploring options around regulatory oversight of the non-surgical cosmetics sector and will provide an update in due course.’

But intervention is needed sooner rather than later, given that filler and anti-wrinkle treatments being injected in the likes of pop-up shops, hotel rooms and even public toilets.

Not to mention, just 42% of patients say a qualified prescriber was present during their consultation, while nearly one in five patients surveyed as part of an Anglia Ruskin University study say they weren’t informed of the risks.

Alarmingly, 9% of those who have had these injections weren’t even given a consent form.

So, if you’re considering a tweakment or two, do your research and only get an injection with a registered medical professional. You’re far better off being safe, than being sorry.

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

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Let’s be honest, shopping for your mates at Christmas can be a bit of a mission. Will they like it? Will they try to return it the next day?

Or worse, will they hit you with that awkward ‘Aaaah, I love it… thanks?’ face while you slowly cringe into your Bailey’s hot chocolate and question all your life choices.

But if you’re buying for the wanderlust-filled friend – you know the jammy one who has always got a trip on the horizon and a passport ready to go – Nere has you sorted.

Nere is an Aussie-born brand that makes travel gear that’s practical and super stylish, with a huge range of jet-setting must haves at affordable prices.

In fact, their range of travel necessities start from as little as £9.99 – perfect for stocking fillers.

From bag charms and water bottles to crossbody bags and even packing cubes, Nere has all the gifting inspiration you could need to upgrade your loved ones’ Christmas without breaking the bank.

And hey, maybe there’s a few treats in there for you, too. After all, we all deserve a treat…

Looking to find some affordable gifting inspo? Explore our top stocking filler picks from Nere below.

Nere Christmas stocking stuffers

Mini Bondi Tote Charm

A bag charm is a cute way to add some personality to your pieces, and the Mini Bondi Tote Charm is less than a tenner. Available in a range of colours, you can use it as a handy place for your keys, earbuds or earrings.

shop £9.99

Insulated Water Bottle

The Insulated Water Bottle is ideal for staying hydrated as you travel. From an Orchid Pink to a Panna Cotta Yellow, there’s plenty of colours on offer, and the smart design can keep you icy water cold for hours.

shop £19.99

Bondi Nylon Crossbody Bag

Yours for just £24, the Bondi Nylon Crossbody Bag offers spacious, hands-free convenience when you travel and quick access to what you need, keeping your valuables closer to you for added security. It's also got RFID protection for added peace of mind.

shop £24

Stori 3 Pack Packing Cube

The Stori 3-Pack Packing Cube set features a small, medium and large cube, allowing you to neatly separate clothes, accessories and essentials. These durable, lightweight cubes also come in a variety of vibrant colours, so you could even stock up and colour-code your luggage.

shop £19.99

Stori Mini Case

Boasting a hard shell for added protection, self-repairing zips and a roomy interior, the Stori Mini Case is the perfect choice for storing valuables like electronics.

shop £19

Caype Mini Organiser Case

This sweet mini organiser case comes equipped with a quality hard ABS shell for added safety and security, multiple internal compartments to store your essentials and a strap for sleek and easy carrying.

shop £29

You can’t go wrong with somethin travel-related in our opinion…

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If you’re anything like us, you’ll be looking for the cheapest ways to stay cosy this winter.

And while layering up like the Michelin Man might keep us warm, it’s hardly the comfiest way to spend an evening on the sofa.

Thankfully, Dunelm is here to save the day and our heating bills.

The affordable homeware brand has a whole range of draught excluders that are not only seriously effective, but stylish enough to become part of your room’s decor.

Plus, with prices start from just £3.50, keeping cosy can cost as little as your morning cup of coffee.

We know draught excluders might sound a bit old-school, but sometimes the classic methods are the best.

Homes, especially older ones, lose a surprising amount of heat through the tiniest gaps under doors and windows. If you’ve got a front door nearby or live in a breezy hallway flat, you’ll definitely feel the chill creeping in.

A good draught excluder blocks cold air in its tracks and helps keep the warmth inside.

Ready to find the perfect one for your home? Explore our top picks from Dunelm below.

Dunelm draught excluders

Catherine Lansfield Kingsley Matt Velvet Double Sided Draught Excluder

This Catherine Lansfield Kingsley draught excluder offers excellent double-sided protection for even more cold-weather protection, and comes in six bold shades including ochre and teal. 

shop £12

Chenille Spot Draught Excluder

We love the rich texture of this Chenille Spot Draught Excluder, priced at just £10 and available in pink, olive, natural and blue. Fashioned from fabulously soft and smooth chenille fabric, it's a lovely choice for keeping your home warm this winter.

shop £10

Clara Draught Excluder

Simple yet sleek, the Clara Draught Excluder comes in an ink blue or emerald green, and has rave reviews. 'Fab way to cut energy,' GG said in their review, while Nicole added: 'The house is a lot toastier.'

shop £9.80

Floral Jacquard Draught Excluder

Dunelm's Floral Jacquard Draught Excluder boasts rich tones that are perfect for winter, and the intricate florals have a serious William Morris vibe to them. 

shop £14

Henry Highland Cow Draught Excluder

Sweet and snuggly, the Henry Highland Cow Draught Excluder is a lovely choice for adding some personality to your home. Its soft textured exterior effectively seals draughts and traps heat, making it perfect not just for doors but also for windows.

shop £16

Teddy Bear Double Draught Excluder

Soft and fluffy, this Teddy Bear Double Draught Excluder is ideal for keeping cold draughts at bay, boasting an ultra soft, shaggy texture that looks just as good as it feels.

shop £20

Linford Stripe Frilled Draught Excluder Grey

Available in grey and blue, the Linford Stripe Frilled Draught Excluder features a frilled edge and a striped design that will complement any decor.

shop £16

Barkweave Ochre Draught Excluder

The Barkweave Draught Excluder costs just £8.40 and features rich ochre tones that will make your home decor pop. Better yet, the removable cover cover can be washed to keep it fresh.

shop £8.40

How better to keep you spaces warm this winter?

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