Sainsbury’s is embracing the festive spirit this Christmas season.

If you or someone you know has a Nectar card, today might be a good time to check your app — especially if you still have some Christmas shopping to get done.

As part of the 2025 Nectar Advent scheme, Sainsbury’s has been rewarding lucky card-holders with bonus points over the past 11 days.

Some shoppers have posted about their winnings online, reporting that some of the biggest prizes are valued up to the equivalent of £125.

But you’d better be quick, because the prize draw period officially closes at 11:59pm today, December 15.

Having first kicked off on December 4, the Nectar Advent allows shoppers to enter the draw once every day, with the chance of winning anywhere from 200 to 25,000 bonus points.

Early on in the draw, more specific prizes were also awarded, like 300 points when you buy Taste the Difference Cheese at Sainsbury’s or 3x bonus Nectar points on your next shop at Sainsbury’s.

But as of today, the final (and arguably the most exciting) draw available offers 40 prizes of 25,000 bonus Nectar points. That’s the equivalent of £125 per prize.

To enter, all you need to do is visit the Nectar website or log into the Nectar app, click through to the Advent Calendar page and press the Bauble.

The winners are selected at random, and thankfully, there’s no painfully long waiting period, as participants will find out instantly if they have won with a pop-up message appearing on-screen.

On Facebook, people have been comparing notes on their experience with the campaign.

One user, Tracy Price, posted about her winnings in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group, stating: ‘Sainsbury’s being generous, I’ve won points on Advent 2 days in a row now.’

However, while Tracy was lucky with her impressive 1200 bonus points, others in the group didn’t fare as well.

Zak Scally wrote: ‘I’ve never won! Didn’t win anything last year either,’ while Lisa Mckeller joked: ‘Lucky you, the only one I won was for Esso and I don’t own or drive a car.’

Tracy’s post, however, did help serve as a reminder to lots of other Nectar cardholders who hadn’t entered the draw yet.

‘Just won for the first time! Thank you,’ Joanne Michelle shared.

Jodie Walker added: ‘Thanks for reminding me.’

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One notable thing seemed to be that there was some confusion in the comments section about when the Nectar points would appear in the shopper’s balance.

Sara Cotton wrote: ‘I allegedly won 700 points yesterday, but my Nectar points total is the same as it was…’

Several others also shared that despite being told they’d won, their points hadn’t gone up.

According to the terms and conditions, all bonus Nectar points will be added to the winners’ accounts within 28 days.

And, if you entered the draw and won a prize where you have to shop for a specific product or complete a shop, it’s important to remember to ‘activate’ your prize in the Nectar app.

You can do this by clicking ‘Activate’ on the offer in the Sainsbury’s offer tab in the app.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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Welcome to the launch of our brand-new Wowcher x Metro weekly deals column – your one-stop shop for the biggest bargains, trending treats and clever gift ideas you actually want to give (and receive).

For our debut? We’re diving straight into the chaos of last-minute Christmas gifts. If you’ve suddenly noticed that it’s mid-December and your gifting list is looking ambitious at best, don’t panic.  

This week’s edit features ten of the best Wowcher deals to shop right now – from unmissable experiences like Bannatyne spa trips and luxury yacht dining, to giftable products like LED beauty masks, craft beer hampers and even on-sale Apple AirPods.

Even better? To celebrate the launch, Metro readers can score an extra 15% off their haul this week with code METRODEALS15. Don’t say we don’t treat you.

Think of this as your weekly deals roundup, serving you the top trending deals, big sellers and awe-inspiring discounts ready to shop in minutes.

Whether you want a thoughtful present, a big ‘wow’ moment or even just some inspiration for your next purchase, this is the column to bookmark.

Join us again in the new year – same time, same place – for more new deals, fresh finds and the best buys to brighten your week.

Metro x Wowcher – This week’s top deals

7-Colour LED Light Therapy Face & Neck Mask For Radiance

For the beauty lover in your life, this on-sale LED Light Therapy Mask is sure to make an impressive gift – and you can currently snap it up for 72% less. This beauty tech tool is designed to help tackle acne, redness, pigmentation, wrinkles and more across the face and neck thanks to its seven light colour settings, promoting collagen for smoother, firmer skin.

shop from £19.99 (save £70)

Bannatyne Spa Day for 2: Treatments, Lunch, Prosecco & Full Spa Access

There's no beating a spa day – except for a spa day with treatments, lunch, prosecco and full spa access included. This unmissable Bannatyne Spa Day for two entitles you to all that and more, enabling you and someone special to enjoy all the perks of the brand's luxurious spas for just £89. Plus, with 38 locations nationwide to choose from, there's sure to be a destination near you.

shop from £89 (save £132.40)

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen with Lightning Charging Case and 1m Cable

If you've been after a pair of Apple AirPods but don't want to pay the premium price, this 2nd Generation pair are a steal you're not going to want to miss. Yours for just £69 (the lowest price we've seen), these Apple earbuds deliver five hours of listening time and up to three hours of talk time all on one charge, perfect for seeing you or a lucky loved one through runs, commutes and meetings with impressive sound quality.

shop from £69 (save £54.95)

4* Sunborn Luxury Yacht Hotel: 3-Course Dining & Prosecco For 2 – London

A show-stopping gift for those after a bit of luxe, this incredible 4* Sunborn Luxury Yacht Hotel dining experience is one not to be missed – especially at the unmissable price of just £79 for two people. Enjoy a show-stopping three-course meal and a glass of prosecco each as you lounge in the UK’s only luxury super yacht moored in an exclusive location on The River Thames.

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R36S 3.5-Inch Portable Handheld Game Console with Thousands of Classics

Whether you're shopping for a child or a nostalgic gamer, this portable games console is an affordable gift they're sure to love. The retro-style console gives you access to over 20,000 pre-loaded classic games across 12+ emulators, while HD visuals, impressive battery and Wi-Fi multiplayer supports makes play better than ever. The best bit? This incredible console now costs just £16.99.

shop from £16.99 (save £33)

Gulliver's Theme Park 2026 – Family of 4 Ticket – 4 Locations

Perfect for younger thrill seekers, this incredible Gulliver's Theme Park deal is an affordable way to treat your loved ones to a magical day out they’ll never forget. This deal entitles you to a family of four ticket for your choice of Gulliver's Theme Park, letting you take on the Runaway Train in Discovery Bay, splash through the Jungle River Ride and enjoy timeless fun on the Dodgems. Choose from four locations to suit you: Milton Keynes, Warrington, Matlock Bath and Rother Valley.

shop £39 (save £60)

Beer52 8 Can Craft Beer Hamper with 2 Snacks & Magazine

After an enviable gift for the craft beer lover in your life? This curated hamper is sure to win you gifting kudos (and won't break the bank, either!).
The Beer52 bundle features eight cans of premium beers they're unlikely to have tried before, as well as two tasty snacks and a copy of Ferment magazine. Saving you whopping 63% on 100% satisfaction, this is an excellent value gift that's not to be missed.

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Supercar & Muscle Car Driving Experience – 3 to 12 Laps at 18 UK Locations

Know someone who'd love to put the pedal to the metal in a muscle car? This unmissable experience allows you to choose from a three to twelve lap driving experience in your dream supercar or muscle car, with the chance to drive up to three different vehicles. Take the wheel of iconic models such as Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 Turbo, Ford Mustang GT V8, Chevrolet Camaro V8 and more.

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Chococo Gourmet Blond Christmas Angel 3 Pack

Grab a three pack bundle of delicious Chococo Gourmet Blond Christmas Angel in this delicious deal, yours for just £6. Ideal for the sweet-toothed friend, this small batch, artisanal chocolate is packed with buttery caramel richness, perfect as a stocking stuffer or thoughtful token.

shop from £6 (save £10.50)

Amsterdam Mini Cruise – 2-Night with City Transfers & Glass of Fizz for Two

Been wanting to explore Amsterdam with that special someone but never had the chance? Ditch the flights and treat them to this affordable Mini Cruise instead, yours for well under £100. This unmissable deal entitles you to a two night cruise to the European stunning city, during which you'll enjoy a private two-berth cabin, a glass of fizz each, unlimited luggage allowance and coach transfers to and from Amsterdam city centre.

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Be quick! With Christmas on the doorstep, there’s not long left to take advantage of these last-minute gifting deals.

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The pain was excruciating. It would start in Jess Cox’s lower back and shoot down her thighs. The cramping and burning pain in her abdomen would drive her to distraction, forcing her into a wretched ball in her bed, preventing her from living her teenage life.

And the bleeding was no better. From the day she started her periods on her 14th birthday, Jess, from Somerset, had to double up on tampons and pads and carry spare underwear wherever she went. For years she wore only dark clothes in case of leaks.

The arrival of Jess’s first period didn’t just ruin her birthday, it wrecked her teenage years and left her feeling suicidal. While she should have been filling up on cake and going crazy with friends, she sat miserably through her birthday dinner, waiting for it to end so she could crawl back into bed.

‘It was a very big shock, because I just wasn’t expecting periods to be like this. Both my parents were alarmed. They knew that it wasn’t normal and they didn’t know what to do,’ Jess, now 27, tells Metro.

As the months passed, the teenager waited for her periods to calm, but after a year with no change, she visited the GP.

‘They said I was young, that my body was getting used to periods, and it should settle down. But that didn’t happen.

‘I dreaded every single month coming on my period. They would last seven to nine days – sometimes longer. It was a lot for my body to be going through so much so young.’

The bleeding was so heavy she’d had to change her sanitary wear every hour and she was left pale and weak.

During her heaviest times, Jess would wear a maxi tampon with two layers of pads and two pairs of knickers. Fears about leaks consumed her every waking hour and put a swift end to hobbies like swimming and ballet dancing, which she’d loved as a child.

And she was dogged by shame. Jess used to unwrap tampons and hide them in her bag so people in cubicles couldn’t hear her opening the wrappers. It wasn’t until later that she realised this could be dangerous as tampons need to be kept sterile.

‘It would cause me a lot of anxiety. I just thought it was so embarrassing,’ she remembers.

Jess’s heavy periods affected everything: her health, wellbeing, education,  friendships and relationships.

She missed school and struggled to concentrate in lessons. While some friends understood, others were less sympathetic.

‘People think that because they have periods for three or four days, they are fine. They just wouldn’t grasp the extent of how bad mine were

‘I really struggled, because I was dismissed a lot of the time, and people just weren’t very empathetic towards me.’

She was prescribed co-codomol to manage the pain and, after repeated trips to her GP, doctors started to experiment with contraceptives to control the bleeding. Her first was an implant at 16 that caused a year-long period. Bleeding daily, she began to fear for her future.

‘I was just in so much pain – it felt like it was out of my control. I felt like my body was failing me.

‘I really struggled with depression and it was even making me feel a bit suicidal because I thought I would have a whole life of this. I was thinking: How am I going to cope? I found it hard to stay on top of school and college work.’

By the age of 17, Jess was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder that can cause irregular periods. Doctors tried the pill but when that didn’t work, they removed the implant and gave her a contraceptive injection, which slowed the bleeding slightly.

Meanwhile, her health struggles made a love life impossible.

‘I was just so embarrassed. I didn’t start dating until I was older because I didn’t think anyone would understand, or maybe they would think it was disgusting. I felt a lot of shame around it.’

She now has a very supportive partner who knows to get her a hot water bottle and medication on bad days, and will head to the shops and make her dinner when she’s unable to.

But after college, working in retail, Jess found bosses struggled with her issues.

‘I had a few male managers that just didn’t understand or sympathise with me. I think because most women have periods, it just doesn’t get taken as seriously. They think: “If other people can get up and on with their job, why can’t you?”

‘It was embarrassing having to talk to them about periods and I struggled with it. But I had to explain it is a medical condition that is causing these symptoms.”

At work, Jess would struggle on, taking codeine on shifts and even wearing a tens machine – usually used by women in labour – behind the counter to try and soothe the agony.

‘It was hard trying to serve customers while being in so much pain. I would also get brain fog, my whole body would feel drained, I was anaemic and dizzy.’

In 2018, laparoscopic surgery revealed that Jess was suffering from suspected adenomyosis, a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into its muscular wall – which explained the pain. Beginning to accept her lot, Jess debated having a hysterectomy in a move that she hoped would end the agony once and for all. But hope came at last when she was trawling through groups for women with PCOS.

She discovered that some found relief using the birth control patch, a small, adhesive patch that releases hormones. So she returned to the doctor and requested one, which at last seemed tostem the bleeding and brought huge relief.

While Jess still struggles with pain and bleeding, she feels far better than her teenage years. And while she doesn’t know how and why the patch worked where other methods failed, she has now let go of all the shame around her body.

‘I don’t hide tampons anymore. Periods are a normal bodily function and we shouldn’t have to hide them. I’ll talk about my periods now with anyone. If people ask me why I don’t look good, I will tell them: “It’s my period. It’s draining.”

‘There needs to just be more research into periods and doctors need to take it more seriously and actually look into what’s causing pain, rather than just throwing medicines at women.’

Now training as a pharmacist, Jess hopes to help other women struggling with their reproductive health.

‘I am sharing my story now because for so much of my life I felt embarrassed by what was happening to me. I felt like I had to hide it and not speak about it. It was so isolating. I don’t feel that anymore and want other women not to have to feel that shame.’

It was September 2023 and I was at home when I read that a drug with the potential to extend my life by six months had been rejected by NHS England.

It feels like people with secondary breast cancer aren’t seen as valuable enough to merit the cost, like a lifeline was taken.

I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in May 2022. The cancer had spread to my lungs, liver, abdominal lymph node, and pelvic bone, and a new grade 2 breast cancer was growing on my skin.

It’s treatable, but not curable.

I received the news over a phone call and was told I had three years left.

Hearing my diagnosis was devastating – not least because I’m a single mother to my 18-year-old daughter.

My primary breast cancer diagnosis was in December 2020. I had been referred after experiencing pain in my chest.

Because of Covid, there were delays, but after a mammogram and tests, I was finally diagnosed on 7th December 2020 with stage 2 breast cancer and told that I needed surgery straight away. 

However, after a week I received a call to say that they were unable to book me into any hospitals, and had no idea how long it would take.

I was incredibly lucky that my mum called a private hospital and managed to get me a cancellation appointment. I was booked in for the 7th of January.

I was the last patient they would see before handing over to Covid patients.

I asked for a mastectomy and whatever it would take. I was recommended a lumpectomy, followed by 10 rounds of radiotherapy instead of the 20 rounds originally planned, due to Covid-induced backlog.

This made me incredibly nervous. Due to a clinical error they hadn’t processed my tumour to see whether I needed chemo, which was only discovered after I kept chasing them, having not heard anything for weeks post op. 

They initially said there was a 50/50 chance of chemo, but decided my cancer probably wouldn’t respond to it.

I was put on Tamoxifen – a medicine that blocks cancer cells from using oestrogen to grow – and told to ‘go live my life’. 

But I never felt well after that.

I lost weight, had constant chest pain and was rushed to hospital several times as a result.

I asked for a PET scan – which scans inside the body, often to check for cancer – repeatedly, but was refused.

I was finally given a CT in Jan 2022 and waited 6 weeks for results. I was told it was clear. However, a few weeks later I was called and told that someone in the cardiovascular department noticed some abnormalities on the lining of my lungs. 

They said I had to come in for a PET scan, but assured me there was nothing to be worried about.

The PET picked up all the cancer. I then paid for the original CT to be re-read, where they said it did in fact show all of the cancer, destroying my trust in my local hospital.

What made it even worse was learning how few treatment options exist.

So when my oncologist told me in 2022 about Enhertu, I felt hopeful. But all that hope soon disappeared. 

Despite being approved in Scotland – and 25 countries in Europe – women like me in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have been denied access to treatment that could extend our lives.

It’s utterly devastating.

My daughter was 13 when I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer, and 15 when I was told I had incurable secondary breast cancer. 

Every milestone she reaches is huge. I want to see her go to university, travel the world, build a career, get married, and have children. 

I want to live my life too. There are still so many places I want to see. 

Access to new, life-extending drugs means everything to me. So, I couldn’t sit back.

I joined Breast Cancer Now’s ‘Enhertu Emergency’ campaign. I shared a letter about the human impact of the decision with Wes Streeting and spoke to MPs about the treatment at the charity’s event in parliament

It felt empowering to show that this would not go unchallenged. 

I was also one of 31 women who went topless outside Parliament last year, representing the number of lives that are lost to secondary breast cancer each day in the UK

We had been body painted by Sophie Tea Art beforehand – it was a real show of strength, support and solidarity.

When you’re living with secondary breast cancer, you imagine you’ll be wrapped up in care and support, not insurmountable red tape, and forced to advocate for your own survival.

Since the rejection of Enhertu, I’ve been supporting Breast Cancer Now’s new #MoreTimeToLive campaign, which is calling on the government to urgently change the system for deciding which drugs are made available on the NHS in England.

I shouldn’t have to spend the precious time I have left campaigning. I should be making memories with my daughter and my mum who deserve as much time with me as possible. 

I’m also campaigning for the thousands of women who are desperately fighting for precious time with the people they love. 

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

Share your views in the comments below.

While the fate of our consciousness is a matter of personal belief, what happens to our physical bodies after death is universal.

Lianna Champ, 59, the UK’s first female undertaker and embalmer, has made dead bodies her life ever since seeing her first one at the age of 15.

We enlisted her to walk us through everything that happens, between the time of death and the funeral.

‘Once the heart stops beating the energy of the body stops,’ she tells Metro. ‘It’s our energy and blood flow that keeps us warm, so the body will start to cool and it’ll go through a period of processes and changes, which is what we know as decomposition.

‘Rigor mortis sets in a few hours after death. It’s a chemical reaction that is caused by a lack of oxygen and biochemical changes in the body after someone has died. This causes the muscles to stiffen and contract.’

Lianna says that people mistakenly believe that if you attempt to move limbs or fingers during rigor mortis you will break the bones, but this is not true.

She says: ‘If somebody’s hand went stiff and you were to gently bend their fingers you would be breaking down the rigor mortis because it doesn’t last, it breaks down itself naturally after about 48 hours.’

Our bodies begin to decompose because when we die, the good bacteria in our bodies die with us, meaning the bad bacteria ‘begin the natural process of breaking the body down’.

Lianna’s work as an embalmer is to slow the above processes down. In fact, she could embalm someone with her eyes closed now, having worked on seven to eight hundred bodies each year.

She says: ‘The reason we embalm is because it serves to slow down the decomposition process.

‘Families can then see and spend time with their loved ones looking more like they once were, without the risk of infection and without any unpleasantness. It’s a temporary preservation treatment we give.’

But while embalming may sound daunting to many of us, Lianna says: ‘People always think it’s more than it actually is, it’s not very invasive there’s just a couple of incisions, but it’s very effective.

‘Embalming involves formaldehyde gas and the fluid is known as formalin. We inject formaldehyde (formalin) into the blood-vascular system of the body and that simulates circulation.

‘We then drain the blood out through a vein so what you’re doing is replacing the content of the blood vascular system with formalin. This contains a dye called eosin pink, which gives a life-like appearance to the tissues because it’s our oxygenated blood which gives us that nice pink colour.

‘When we die blood gravitates to the lower parts, gravity takes that blood down which is why we see this pallor.

‘If somebody had a heart attack you can get arterial blocking and get blood stuck in the head, so the embalming process takes all that away, it simulates circulation.’

Lianna says once the technical side of it is done, she can set the features, positioning the mouth and closing the eyes.

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She adds: ‘It [embalming] actually hardens the tissues and holds it in place, so if you’ve got the expression, that will stay as is and it makes it pleasant for the family and the people working with the person as well. It keeps it hygienic.’

But embalming sadly isn’t always possible, Lianna claims, because sometimes if someone has been dead for a prolonged period of time, the body has started to liquefy and is too decomposed.

There are also issues with dead bodies which have suffered severe burns or extensive injuries as the result of an accident, but Lianna says she can never stop someone from viewing the deceased.

It’s not for everyone, but Lianna loves her job, because of the families she gets to support and connect with up until their loved one’s funeral. She says: ‘We can give families back that period of time, they want to see their loved one. We can do all this magic work.

‘The period in between death and the funeral is a hugely emotional period of transition so it can be absolutely huge.’

Lianna also helps the families plan their funerals, each of which is unique to the individual, meaning she sees plenty of different requests, which she tries to accommodate.

‘There is no norm. I always say I’ll do anything as long as it’s legal,’ she says. ‘There’s nothing that would make me turn a hair now.’

But Lianna has seen some sights. She’s had dogs travelling in the limousine as the main mourners. She’s had to pour whiskey on people’s coffins because they can’t take the bottle with them. She’s buried people in disco clothes.

It’s pretty remarkable, considering she was the only woman doing the role when she qualified aged 18. Her mother wasn’t a fan of her career choice, so drove her to a funeral parlour aged 15 in the hopes of putting her off. Ironically, it had the opposite effect.

‘I found someone who took me on and I worked for a very tiny salary and did all my training because I was the first and only qualified female undertaker,’ she recalls. ‘When I did get my qualification the National Association of Funeral Directors rang to say I was the only female.’

You would think spending so much time around dead bodies would take its toll on Lianna emotionally, but she says she ‘still throws the duvet back on a morning’.

She admits: ‘It does get upsetting, but then I have to remember it’s not about me.

‘I did the funeral of a lady who I had met. I had been to visit her several times during her terminal illness, I wrote her funeral service and we read it through together and she was just so, so lovely.

‘When I was doing her ceremony I did get emotional because I’d spent that time with her and she was such a beautiful soul and she’d had quite a hard life.

‘But I always say the day I don’t feel is the day I stop doing it. It’s not a job you can do if you don’t care about people.’

Lianna is the author of How To Grieve Like a Champ, written to help navigate grief.

This article was originally published in August 2023.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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Cambridge Satchel Company is a longstanding accessories brand that Taylor Swift is a fan of. While many may be familiar with the brand’s iconic satchel, there is a new collection in town, we think will be a hit this Christmas. 

Cambridge Satchel’s new Festive Collection features a nine-piece collection, and all of the bags in the capsule are embellished with Swarovski crystals. Yes, it is as luxe as it sounds. 

The limited edition collection is available to shop in store at Cambridge Satchel Company, as well as online. 

The Festive Collection features miniature bedazzled satchel designs, which honours the brand’s most iconic accessories. The collection also includes star-shaped bags, clutch bags, as well as saddle designs and top handle creations. 

The range features bags in high shine black, soft pink, as well as silver shades, which makes them perfectly versatile and easy to accessorise with any festive ensemble. 

Prices start from £115, and fetch up to £550, so if you are treating someone special, including yourself, the collection is worth investing in. 

Shop The New Cambridge Satchel Range

The Mini

This leather design is a miniature alternative to the iconic Satchel. This bag boasts the same angular shape and rectangular silhouette as the brand’s signature style. It features a main compartment and a smaller pocket on the front of the bag, which are concealed by a top flap that can be secured with a buckle fastening.It features a top handle, as well as a longer adjustable strap to style over the shoulder or across the body.

BUY NOW FOR £225

The Mini Sophie

The most expensive item in the collection, and for good reason. This design is a miniature version of the brand’s The Sophie bag. The bag boasts a softer silhouette than The Little One. The bag opens at the top to access your valuables easily. The bag comes in a gun metal metallic hue, which is embellished with Swarovski crystals on the front for a dazzling accessory. It features a top handle, as well as a longer strap, though it can be worn as a clutch bag too.

BUY NOW FOR £550

The Star Bag

Cambridge Satchel has released a heart bag, but now the brand has released a star bag emblazoned with Swarovski crystals to champion the cosmic trend – and late nights over the festive period.

BUY NOW FOR £215

The Little One

The Little One is a smaller version of the classic Satchel. The rectangular design has been crafted from responsibly sourced leather, and features the signature details, such as the two strap buckle fastening, as well as longer strap. The high shine black patent finish complements the Swarovski Crystal exterior for an ultra luxe and polished finish.

BUY NOW FOR £190

The Twist Lock Pouch

If you are looking for a compact clutch bag to carry on your next evening out. This envelope-style silhouette has been crafted from sustainably sourced leather. The top flap has been fitted with Swarovski crystals, while the twist-lock hardware front fastening to keep your valuables safe and protected. It also boasts an embossed logo, which is exactly the subtle detail we appreciate.

Buy Now for £115

The Isla

This handcrafted bag offers a soft and chic alternative to the classic rectangular shaped satchel. This design boasts a semi-circle silhouette with a short top handle, though it also includes a long strap to wear the bag across the body too. It features silver-tone hardware, a buckle strap fastening, and is emblazoned with Swarovski crystals.

BUY NOW FOR £190

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MORE: Embrace your inner Santa Claus, spread that festive joy from these Christmas buys from £3.50

MORE: From educational toys to creative finds, these parent-approved Christmas gifts are perfect for the little one in your life

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Here are the four Ds of Christmas: December deserves drinking drama.

And, I don’t mean having a few too many, falling into the open hearth and setting light to your Christmas jumper kind of drama. I’m talking about choosing drinks that will cause a bit of a stir at the table on the 25th.

Sure, you could trot out the usual safety net items like Chicken Wine or a bottle of Moët, but where’s the fun in that?

An entire day of enforced fun demands something to kick-start the conversation. There’s no point wearing a paper party hat if the chat’s fallen irreversibly flat. No amount of novelty cracker items are going to make dry auntie Karen more palatable or ‘jokey’ uncle Ken funnier.

But the wine might…

In fact, the more unusual the drink you bring to dinner, the better the conversation, in my experience.

As such, you’ll want to look for drinks in the supermarket with a bit of theatre to them – something that has a unique backstory, fun packaging or is made with grapes you can’t pronounce.

I’ve scoured the shelves in a bid to find the most off-kilter beverages for your festive feast and compiled a list of the most unusually delicious ones drinks I could find.

Here are my top picks…

Turkey Wine, £6.49, Lidl

If you’re a diehard fan of the Chicken Wine, and why wouldn’t you be, here’s one to gobble up on Christmas day. Lidl are about to release Turkey Wine, a Provence-style rosé available for £6.49 with all proceeds going to the charity, Neighbourly. With a dry and fruity style to go with turkey and trimmings, this is wattle get everyone talking on the big day. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Available online from Wednesday 17^th December from 10am.

The Wine Atlas Garda, £6.97, Asda

Step away from the Prosecco. You’ve evolved and moved onto to this bottle from the vineyards surrounding Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. It’s made in the same way as the ‘P’ word, aka a second fermentation in a massive tank, but from the Garganega grape (gaga-neg-ah). Yes, I’ve mentioned it before in my column, and I’ll probably do it again, that’s because it’s a dry and zesty mouthful of pear sherbet and apple popping candy.

L’Occhiolino, £6.99, Laithwaites

If this doesn’t make it onto your Christmas table, I’ll want to know why not. Pronounced ‘locky-oh-leeno’, it’s an off-dry sparkling red wine that tastes of morello cherries and almonds, basically Bakewell Tart in a bottle, and it’ll be a revelation with your cheese board. If, like me, you’re having one. It’s not a complex wine, but bear in mind, it’s sweet, as a few people in the comments have apparently been caught off guard.

Margaux Declassified, £9.99 (normally £19.99), available from December 18, Aldi

Margaux is an esteemed region on the left bank of Bordeaux that usually commands a fortune on a wine list. I mean, the Dorchester Grill has got a Margaux Premier Cru Classé on the list for £2,950 a bottle. In this case, a world-class Chateau has given Aldi access to a parcel of wine, which they’ve then slashed to half price. This will give you heroic credentials on Christmas day, so sprint, don’t just run, or it’ll all have sold out.

The Best Block Series Georgian Saperavi, £12 (£8 More Card), Morrisons

Pronounced sap-air-ah-vee, Saperavi is fast becoming one of my favourite red grapes. If you like the full body and spice of an Argentinian Malbec, which I do, you’re in for a treat with this grape from Georgia, aka the birthplace of wine. Although it’s popping up more and more, Saperavi is nowhere near ubiquitous. Part of Morrisons’s premium Block Series, which showcases unique wines from around the world. Trust me, you’ll be the talk of the table with this toothsome beauty.

Oranje Viognier, Stellenbosch, £13, Majestic

I’m a fan of cracking open bottles of rosé at Christmas, and I think orange wine works just as well. The thrust of orange wine is white wine, made in the same way as red, by leaving it in contact with the grape skins. The result is an amber-coloured wine with autumn spices and a touch of red wine-like, tannic structure. This is all dried apricots and creamy cinnamon, and if that’s not Christmassy enough, I don’t know what is.  

Oatnog, Black Lines, £20, Master of Malt

Release the Christmas genie from this bottle, containing a nostalgic blend of oat milk, rum, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon. They say it’s been five years in the making, so this is their dairy-free version of Eggnog, with all the buttery, spicy, creaminess of the Christmas classic. This is a post-meal, fire-side digestif that’s a unique alternative to Baileys or other sugary cream liqueurs.

Dutch Barn Ginger Spiced Vodka, £32, Amazon

Ricky Gervais’s vodka brand has recently launched its festive release. The vodka is small-batch, made from distilled orchard apples, and this version is handcrafted (not by Ricky) with four fiery gingers, citrus and warming winter spices. It’s punchy, fruity and warming all at once, great to chuck into cocktails or knock back neat like a ginger shot. Responsibly, obviously.

Britpop Brut English Sparkling by Alex James, £26, Laithwaites

Alex James has done everything from cheese and cider making to now producing sparkling wine alongside Furleigh Estate in Dorset. Oh, and he was the bass player in a 90s band called Blur, forgot about that. His sparkling is 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier, textured and tastes of lemon curd on hob nob biscuits, in a dry and sherbety way. Go on, there’s no other way.

Amarula Cream, £10.50, Tesco

I tried this while on safari in South Africa recently, when we stopped and had refreshments after spotting a pride of male lions that were still in the vicinity. Our guide added a shot of Amarula to freshly brewed coffee, turning it deliciously chocolatey and nutty, like adding in boozy hazelnut brittle. It’s made from the fermented fruit of the wild marula tree, blended with fresh cream, giving it a sweet and fruity, caramel and vanilla-like flavour profile. Ideal for an after-dinner treat if you’re bored of Baileys.

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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

Running out of time to find the perfect Christmas gift? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered with our last minute gifts, all costing under £50.

Whether she loves beauty, fashion, tech, jewellery or accessories, we’ve found something she’s sure to love this festive season. 

Forget the mad dash to the local shop for some chocolates at the eleventh hour – these handpicked gifts are not only affordable, but will also make her feel special. So pull up a chair and settle in, and give her something she will truly appreciate this Christmas.

M&S Dream Satin Cocktail Print Pyjama Set

Perfect for lounging or snoozing, this pyjamas set from M&S has the festive season written all over it (not literally) with its cute cocktail print and elegant emerald shade. They feature a drawstring fastening on the bottoms for much-needed flexibility at Christmas time, non-clinging fabric and clever technology to keep excess moisture (read: sweat) at bay.

BUY NOW FOR £32

The White Company Super Soft Faux Fur Heated Heart

If you’re anything like us, you’ll love anything heatable, especially in the colder months. This heart-shaped offering from The White Company is made from faux fur and recycled fabric, and has an interior pouch that you can remove and pop in the microwave to heat up.

Buy Now FOR £32

Sony WH-CH520 Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Mic/Remote

Lasting for up to 50 hours with one charge, these wireless Sony headphones connect with Bluetooth for unrestricted listening. They can pair with up to two devices, and feature an adjustable headband, soft earpads and an uber-lightweight design to stay comfortable for long periods of time.

Buy Now for £34

Stanley Rose Quartz Quencher H2.0 Flow State Tumbler 1.18L Water Bottle

2025 was arguably the year of the Stanley, with everyone from TikTok-ers to celebs seen carrying them around for on-the-go hydration. Designed for keeping water cold (for up to 11 hours, or for two days with ice) it would make a great gift for those that need to keep on top of their hydration when commuting or working from home.

Buy Now for £45

Pandora Sparkling Huggie Hoop Earrings Sterling Silver

We believe that sparkle is mandatory at Christmas, so we were drawn to these like a magpie (or a partridge in a pear tree). Ideal for wearing through the festive season and for everyday, these sterling silver huggies are set with clear cubic zirconia and hand-finished by Pandora’s artisans.

Buy Now for £45

Oliver Bonas Monochrome Stripe Black Belt Bag

A bestseller for a reason, this chic crossbody bag effortlessly combines practicality and style. It features a single zip-fastened main compartment that has room for your essentials, with a monochrome-striped strap and gold hardware. The strap is adjustable too, so you can wear it around your waist or across your body.

Buy Now for £42

Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Knit Gloves

Every woman loves a bit of cashmere, and these 100% cashmere gloves will make the perfect accompaniment to any outfit over the festivities. Available in 13 different colours and updated to be hand-washable, she is sure to love opening this little bit of luxury on Christmas Day.

Buy Now for £34.90

Bottega Pinot Noir Sparkling Brut Rosé Prosecco

A stylish rosé prosecco from the Lombardy region of Italy, this bubbly is made primarily from the Pinot Noir grape, with an alcohol content of 11.5%. It’s also a ‘Brut’, meaning it has a relatively low residual sugar level – and the rose gold packaging screams the wow factor.

Buy Now for £26.99

NEOM Feel Good Mood Boost Duo

Neom always comes through with its self-care, and this duo is the ultimate relaxing wind-down ritual, with a Happiness Scented Candle and a Great Day Magnesium Body Butter. The candle emits notes of neroli, mimosa and lemon, while the body butter is packed with shea butter, magnesium and aloe vera to soothe and soften tired limbs.

Buy Now for £25 (worth £31)

Rhode Lip Case

The Rhode Lip Case went viral this year for its sleek design that perfectly holds your accompanying Peptide Lip Treatment or Tint. It’s compatible with iPhones starting from the iPhone 13 all the way up to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and is made from silky soft silicone, with tactile buttons and raised bezels around the screen and camera.

Buy Now for £38

If you’re shopping at the last minute, finding the perfect gift for her doesn’t have to be stressful or cost the earth. Our curated selection of gifts under £50 makes it easy to spread festive cheer whilst respecting your wallet’s boundaries.

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With a few weeks to go, we should probably be spending our money on getting gifts for other people… but with another edition of Trend Trove here for your shopping pleasure, you might find something for yourself.

Yes, as per usual and after a small hiatus, our shopping expert has been out and about, finding out about the latest launches you need to know about – whether that’s fun things to do, collaborations, items for your home, skin, hair, and wardrobe.

With over 12 years of experience in the industry, we’ve come to rely on what she has to tell us about – who rather, whom she’s telling in the girl’s toilets at 1am, around the table at lunch or just to her friends and family.

So, what’s the big news this week? Well, Guinness has partnered with London streetwear brand Lazy Oaf to launch a 25-piece limited-edition collection ahead of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery London opening. Featuring jackets, knitwear, tees, and accessories inspired by historic brewery workwear and Lazy Oaf’s playful graphics, the range drops December 4 on Lazyoaf.com, with exclusive pieces available from December 11 at Guinness’ Neal Street store. Prices range from £9–£145, marking the first of many fashion collaborations for Guinness’ new London home.

As for the tech world, Virgin Media is offering new customers Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses worth £329 or £125 bill credit when they sign up for selected 24-month bundles online between December 11–17. All Pay TV bundles now include Netflix at no extra cost, and packages start from £46.99 per month with broadband speeds up to 1130Mbps, over 240 TV channels, and extras like unlimited O2 SIMs and WiFi guarantees. Plus, there’s no setup fee and referral bonuses available.

247, the performance wear division of Represent, has teamed up with PUMA for their second collaboration: the PUMA x 247 Deviate Nitro Elite 3. Launching on December 13, in a striking Black Alpine Snow colourway, this high-performance racing trainer combines cutting-edge athletic technology with sleek design. Following the sell-out success of their first release, the partnership continues to merge PUMA’s expertise with 247’s modern training aesthetic, delivering a shoe built for athletes who value both function and style.

For the foodies, Island Poké is here to rescue your taste buds with its brand-new Selection Box, available for delivery from December 4. Wrapped up with a bow, this shareable set of mini poké bowls is the ultimate antidote to beige party food.

Inside, you’ll find four signature bowls: zingy yuzu salmon and tuna, fiery spicy chicken, and plant-powered miso aubergine – all packed with bold flavours and feel-good fuel. Perfect for cosy nights in, hosting at home, or hitting pause on the Christmas chaos.

Priced at £20, the Selection Box is available on all delivery platforms until January 31. Fresh, vibrant, and beautifully packaged – consider your festive reset sorted.

M·A·C Cosmetics has announced Grammy-winning artist Chappell Roan as its new Global Brand Ambassador, with campaigns launching worldwide in 2026. Known for her bold self-expression and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ voices, Chappell’s partnership reflects M·A·C’s commitment to inclusivity and creativity, promising exciting collaborations and standout moments ahead.

Talking of collaborations, L’Oréal Paris UKI has announced Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as its newest ambassador, marking a bold partnership that celebrates performance and confidence. Rice will front campaigns for L’Oréal Paris Men Expert and Elvive ranges, with the first launch set for January 2026 across digital, social, and in-store platforms. This collaboration reflects L’Oréal’s mission to inspire men through effective grooming solutions and Rice’s status as a role model on and off the pitch.

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Ray-Ban Meta has partnered with DJ Fat Tony to champion a phone-free clubbing experience using its Gen 2 smart glasses. Designed to capture high-definition photos and videos hands-free, these AI-powered glasses let partygoers stay immersed in the music while preserving memories – offering a stylish solution to the growing belief that phones are ruining the dancefloor vibe.

And finally, Hilton London Paddington has teamed up with Samsonite this festive season to unveil a striking nine-foot Christmas tree adorned with red and gold Samsonite suitcases, celebrating their shared heritage and love of travel. Running from November 24 to early January, the collaboration includes a social media giveaway offering a Samsonite C-Lite suitcase set and a two-night stay in Hilton’s newly renovated suites. Both brands mark milestone anniversaries – Hilton’s 170th and Samsonite’s 110^th – while reinforcing their status as icons of connectivity and style.

Now for the shopping part… just don’t come for us when you’ve only wrapped presents for yourself, and not the loved ones you were meant to be buying for.

Shopping Expert Picks of The Week:

ASOS DESIGN Supersoft Long Sleeve Corset Waist Tee in Blue Stripe

The ASOS DESIGN Supersoft Long Sleeve Corset Waist Tee in Blue Stripe is a chic everyday staple that combines comfort with a flattering silhouette. Made from a soft polyester-viscose blend, it features a classic crew neck, long sleeves, and a corset-style waist detail for added shape. The relaxed fit and timeless stripe design make it perfect for layering or wearing solo, while its easy-care fabric ensures practicality.

Buy Now for £26

Topshop Astrid Diamante Heeled Mule in Black Hair on Real Leather

The Astrid mules bring effortless glamour with their square open toe, sparkling diamante detailing and chic mid-height heel – the perfect blend of style and comfort for party season.

Buy Now for £42

PHLUR Afterglow Eau de Parfum 50 ML

Keep that summer glow alive with Phlur’s Afterglow – a bright, uplifting fragrance softened by creamy coconut milk. Zesty citrus and juicy apricot open the scent, while vanilla adds sweetness and a warm base of sandalwood and cashmere woods lingers beautifully. Spritz on and let the fresh, sun-soaked notes unfold throughout the day.

Buy Now from £32

New Look Cream Scalloped Trim Compact Knit Cardigan

Give a classic crew-neck cardigan a playful update with a scalloped button placket. This fresh cream knit pairs perfectly with your favourite jeans for an effortless weekend look.

Buy Now for £18.74 (was £24.99)

The Little One

The Little One is a smaller version of the classic Satchel. The rectangular design has been crafted from responsibly sourced leather, and features the signature details, such as the two strap buckle fastening, as well as longer strap. The high shine black patent finish complements the Swarovski Crystal exterior for an ultra luxe and polished finish.

BUY NOW FOR £190

Sanrio Hello Kitty & Friends Animal Adventure Vinyl Plush Surprise Blind Box

The Sanrio Hello Kitty & Friends Animal Adventure Vinyl Plush Surprise Blind Box is a collectible blind box featuring Hello Kitty and her friends dressed in adorable animal-themed outfits. Each box contains one surprise vinyl plush, making it a fun and exciting unboxing experience for fans and collectors. Soft, high-quality, and perfect for gifting or display, these cute characters add a playful touch to any collection.

Buy Now for £32.99

M&S Waisted Double Breasted Longline Tailored Coat

Stay stylish on chilly days with this double-breasted coat, designed in a regular fit with a longline hem for extra coverage. Two neat front buttons create a clean, minimalist look, while side pockets add a practical touch.

Buy Now for £90

Shark FacialPro Glow Glow-Boosting At-Home Facial System

The Shark FacialPro Glow is a luxe at-home hydro-powered facial system that promises a spa-quality glow in just 10 minutes. Clinically tested and dermatologist-developed, it combines suction-based exfoliation and pore cleansing with intense hydration and contrast therapy. The kit includes multiple precision tips, two specialized skincare formulas (AHA/BHA gel and ultra-hydrating serum), and a Depuffi attachment to soothe and sculpt skin. Ideal for reducing congestion, boosting moisture, and refining pores, this full facial treatment delivers professional results, without leaving home.

Buy Now for £299.99

BaByliss Style Secret Air Automatic Rotating Curler and Waver

Create effortless curls, soft waves, or a sleek blow-dry finish with this automatic curler and waver. Designed for easy, safe styling, it delivers long-lasting results with a glossy, high-shine finish.

Buy Now for £100 (was £120)

E45 Cica Soothe and Repair Cream 50ml

Soothe and protect dry, irritated skin with E45’s CICA Cream, a multi-purpose formula enriched with over 90% naturally derived ingredients, including squalane, panthenol and oat extract. From the very first application, it helps repair the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving skin feeling calmer within 30 minutes and visibly reducing redness in just three days. Dermatologically tested and fragrance-free, it’s suitable for dry, sensitive and even eczema-prone skin – safe for the whole family, including newborns.

Buy Now for £10.99

Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

Give your hair an instant boost with this rich yet weightless therapy mask, powered by Mirsalehi honey, strengthening ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Clinically proven to deliver intense moisture, glossy shine and improved strength without weighing hair down, it leaves locks feeling softer, smoother and healthier from the very first use.

Buy Now from £19

Oliver Bonas Bloody Love Ya Speckle Ceramic Mug

The Bloody Love Ya Speckle Ceramic Mug from Oliver Bonas is a charming cream-coloured mug featuring a cheeky 'Bloody Love Ya' message in bold green writing. It's microwave and dishwasher safe, holds a perfect amount for coffee or tea, and makes a thoughtful, tactile gift.

Buy Now for £12.50

mise en place Fruity Heirloom Tomato Vine Ceramic Candle

Brighten up your space with this Heirloom Tomato Vine candle – proof that tomatoes aren’t just for the kitchen. Fresh and fruity, it blends zesty tomato with leafy greens, crisp garden sage, soft basil and earthy notes for a scent that’s as vibrant as a summer garden.

Buy Now for £26

RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Serum 3.5ml (6 Month Supply)

Boost lash strength and fullness with RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Serum, powered by the brand’s proprietary BioPeptin Complex®. This award-winning formula helps protect against breakage and damage from environmental stressors, while conditioning with ginseng, swertia japonica, saw palmetto, B vitamins and amino acids. With continued use, lashes look longer, shinier and stronger for a fortified finish.

Buy Now for £139

PURIFIDE by Acnecide 3-in-1 Power Patch Salicylic Acid Spot Patches for Blemish-Prone Skin 36 Spot Stickers

Calm breakouts fast with PURIFIDE by Acnecide 3-in-1 Power Patch Spot Patches. These ultra-thin stickers help shrink blemishes in just four hours while protecting skin from picking. Infused with salicylic acid, Canadian willowherb and centella asiatica, they target spots from the first sign and work to prevent marks. With two sizes for different blemishes and an invisible finish, you can wear them all day without anyone noticing.

Buy Now for £7.49 (was £9.99)

JVN Hair Perfect StyleFix Stick

Keep frizz in check and add texture with the JVN Perfèct StyleFix Stick, a pocket-sized styling essential. This creamy hair wax glides on effortlessly, offering flexible hold without flakes thanks to a nourishing blend of vegan waxes and plant butters. Use it to slick back strands for a polished look or work through fingertips for a tousled, textured finish.

Buy Now for £17

We Shut It The Lip Holiday Mouth Tape

Make your nightly wind-down a moment of self-care with We Shut It, the first affirmation-stamped mouth tape infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Ultra-soft and gentle on skin, each strip reminds you to pause, breathe and reconnect before drifting off to sleep.

Buy Now for £32.99

Ziggy Detangle Hairbrush

Meet Detangle Ziggy – the ultimate brush for regular to coarse, straight to curly, and medium to thick hair. Made entirely from recycled materials (pins included), this eco-friendly essential is designed to detangle with ease while doing better for the planet.

Buy Now for £16

Jewells T-Bar Pearl Bracelet in Gold

Add a touch of elegance with this Waterproof T-Bar Pearl Bracelet in Gold, pairing classic pearls with hammered gold T-bar detailing for easy wear. Plated in 18K gold and finished with a PVD coating, it’s highly tarnish-resistant and completely waterproof – perfect for everyday luxury.

Buy Now for £34.99

Some of these items are really speaking to us, saying ‘buy me…’, and we shouldn’t, but have. Oops.

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They say your health is your wealth – and I know this to be true. 

Being told I had prostate cancer really scared me but I had family support. That was about four years ago, and since then I have given talks to numerous people who are also scared.

Four years ago, I had a high reading on a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which detects abnormalities in the prostate. 

The NHS staff were amazing. Within a week of my result, I found myself in the urology department at Guy’s Hospital in London. I had gone from having no symptoms whatsoever to being tested for bladder water retention and strength of urine flow. 

I was worried, would I run out of the ‘yellow ink’ while trying to write my name in the snow this coming winter? 

My next visit to the hospital really registered that I was in a waiting room surrounded by men in their 70s and 80s. I‘m a youngish 59 year old and thought to myself, ‘What am I doing here?’

I was there for a biopsy, which is not much fun, but it’s not every day that I can lie with my legs akimbo and have my perineum probed with several needles! 

Then, when my consultant urological surgeon broke the news I had prostate cancer, my world slowed down, shifted and then fear came to visit. 

That’s why it’s so important we speak openly about a cancer diagnosis. This year we have had a number of high profile men talking openly about their cancer. Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor, and now King Charles.

The King, who announced his cancer diagnosis last year, will be taking part in a program this evening as part of a joint campaign between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was working on the forthcoming Indiana Jones movie as a sound technician. I have been in the film and TV industry for more than three decades and was about to leave for Sicily and Morocco until the mention of the word ‘cancer’ became personalised. 

Looking back on it now, it shouldn’t have been such a surprise. One in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime. One in four Black men will get it and the risk goes up even further if there’s a family history of the disease. 

My father had prostate cancer, but he never told me at the time. I believe he went under the knife and had a radical prostatectomy. I only found out much later when I had access to his medical history during his twilight years. 

I guess people of his generation and background did not see it as a conversation to be shared. For this reason, I am very keen to ask any man of a certain age – Black or white – if they’ve had a PSA test. 

Women have tests for cervical cancer and breast cancer but there’s no routine screening for prostate cancer, despite it being the most common cancer in men. 

It is also one of the more curable cancers if caught early. Ignorance is not bliss. I think as soon as you turn 45, your GP should ask you when you had your last PSA test and give you the option to have one. 

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One of the hardest parts of my diagnosis was telling my children. I waited until I could talk to them with a depth of knowledge that informed me as to what action I would take. 

Emotions did run high but our safety net was that I had a plan of action. I had already overhauled my nutrition and completed research into my options.  

When you are told you have cancer the first reaction is only fear. My biopsy disclosed my Gleason Score, which is a grading system that determines the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. The lowest score is 3+3=6, the highest score 5+5=10. Mine was a high-grade cancer at 9 on the Gleason scale.

I found that research helped to lessen that fear because I was able to make informed decisions and take back some control. The internet is a great source of information but books written by those who had been through cancer felt truthful. My ‘page turner’ book is You Can Beat Prostate Cancer – And You Don’t Need Surgery to Do It, by Robert J Marckini (a prostate cancer survivor). 

My consultant recommended a radical prostatectomy, which means a removal of the prostate. The operation carries a risk of various side effects including urinary dysfunction, incontinence and erectile dysfunction.  

As good a surgeon as he is, I told him I wasn’t ready to deal with any of that so I wanted an alternative treatment option. Thankfully, he understood and has kept a check on me throughout my journey.

During my research, I came across proton therapy – a type of radiotherapy that targets cancerous cells with pinpoint precision. The aim being to also preserve surrounding tissue, thus reducing side effects. 

The NHS has two brand new proton therapy sites, one in Manchester and one in London, but neither treat patients with prostate cancer.

Fortunately, I was able to attend a meeting in London that featured numerous men from the UK who had undergone proton therapy at a proton therapy centre in the Czech Republic. While there, I also got a chance to speak with the senior management team and a surgeon. 

Elongating my life was going to cost me.

The thing is, when your life’s on the line, getting the funds is not a ‘Mission Impossible’, you just find it.

I had some preliminary treatment at a clinic in Kingston, which included getting gold inserts in my prostate. I’m actually worth a few more quid now!

I went to Prague and started 21 fractions – or doses of treatment – for five weeks.

I had treatment in the mornings so my afternoons were free to enjoy Prague to the fullest. The clinic even arranged a tour guide for me. Prague is a charming place to be and my convalescence could not have been better placed.

I then returned home to London and was physically well enough to go back to work. The treatment was targeted to kill the cancer cells and alongside three monthly PSA check-ups.

Prostate cancer usually depends on testosterone to grow so I also underwent hormone treatment for a year to reduce my levels of male hormones, which will ensure against the possibility of re-fuelling dormant prostate cancer cells. This is done as a standard. My quality of life is 98% as it was and I am thankful and happy. 

To have the King speaking on TV about what he is going through, which is such a personal matter, is so important.

It also might spur people into action to get an early screening test. Maybe a wife will nudge her husband, or a sister will nudge her brother. Anything that prompts people to take action is worth it

My message to men 45 years and over is, get yourself checked out, or you will check out.

There’s nothing more important than your health.

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

Share your views in the comments below.