24 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Here's how much attending a wedding solo will set you back after Brits battle 'singles tax'
The cost of weddings are creeping up, especially for those who will be attending alone. However, Tinder is helping singletons find their perfect wedding plus ones
24 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
As a beauty expert, this is what I’m buying in the Amazon Everyday Essentials sale
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
Amazon’s brand new Everyday Essentials sales event is here, and while it might sound like it’s all about bin bags and washing-up liquid, there are actually some really good beauty deals in the mix!
The sale is running until 27th May, so you’ve got just a few days left to snap up some impressive discounts – with savings of up to 47% off on some products.
It’s the perfect excuse to stock up on all those little things you use every day but somehow never quite remember to buy until you’re almost out because, if you’re anything like me, you’ve had that frustrating moment when you go to wash your face or do your hair and realise you’re scraping the bottom of the bottle.
So if your bathroom shelf is looking a bit sorry for itself with a half-empty shampoo and one lonely cotton pad left in the pack, now’s the perfect time to replenish.
Whether you’re topping up your everyday essentials or finally replacing that old moisturiser, there are plenty of brilliant beauty deals to make it worth your while.
Plus, it’s not just skincare and haircare, you’ll find bargains on deodorants, razors, body wash, and even baby wipes if you need them.
Shoppers don’t need to be a Prime member to get in on these discounts either, so everyone can save a little on their next beauty haul.
Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer
Maybelline’s cult-status Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer brightens and hides dark circles and blemishes with a smooth, high-coverage formula. Its built-in sponge makes application quick and easy, blending effortlessly for a natural, fresh look that won’t crease or cake.
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion
Nourishing and soothing dry skin with natural colloidal oatmeal, Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion is lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs quickly and gives 24-hour hydration, leaving skin soft and smooth. It’s perfect for sensitive skin types too.
Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray
Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray provides an incredibly strong hold that keeps even the most unruly hairs firmly in place all day. It dries quickly without any sticky residue or stiffness, making it perfect for styles that need to stay put.
Jimmy Choo Blossom Eau de Parfum 40ml
A fresh, floral fragrance bursting with notes of pear, peach, and rose, Blossom Eau de Parfum from Jimmy Choo is light but long-lasting. A gorgeous summer scent, it takes you from day to night and smells like summer in a bottle.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Leave-In Serum
Formulated with glycolic acid and vitamin C to gently smooth and brighten hair, L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Leave-In Serum is a lightweight formula that smooths strands, boosts shine, and helps tame flyaways, leaving your locks looking glossy and healthy.
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Brilliant for dry skin, e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a lightweight, hydrating primer packed with peptides and niacinamide to prep your skin and help your makeup last. It creates a smooth, slightly tacky base that helps foundation stay put all day without drying out your skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel delivers a shot of long-lasting hydration in a refreshing, lightweight gel. It absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft, plump, and smooth without any greasy residue.
What are you waiting for? There’s only four days left to snap up some brilliant deals and these products are just a taste of what’s on offer.
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23 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
From Space NK to Mango – here’s 23 items our shopping expert is buying this weekend
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
And just like that, our next May bank holiday is here – along with your next edition of Trend Trove, and the hottest things you need to know about… and add to basket pronto.
Yes, as always, our shopping expert (and self-confessed shopaholic) has been searching the internet for hours, hitting the high street hard and talking to her pals about the latest trends.
With over 12 years of experience, we think she knows what she’s talking about – and this week? Well it’s the news she’s most excited about – yes, that famous reformer Pilates machine from Aldi will be in selected stores this Sunday May 25.
After causing a stir in Australia, this viral Specialbuy has finally landed in the UK, offering professional-grade Reformer Pilates workouts at a fraction of the usual cost. With Reformer Pilates tipped as one of 2025’s top fitness trends, this at-home machine is perfect for building core strength, improving flexibility, and toning up. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their fitness routine from the comfort of home.
Kettle Chips have launched some scrumptious new flavours and teamed up with chef and author Rachel Khoo to launch two new gourmet flavours: Honey Dijon Mustard and Brie & Caramelised Onion. Inspired by Khoo’s culinary experiences in France, these hand-cooked crisps combine high-quality ingredients with sophisticated French-inspired tastes. The Honey Dijon Mustard flavour balances sweet and tangy notes, while the Brie & Caramelised Onion offers a rich, indulgent blend. Both varieties are gluten-free, made without artificial ingredients, and available in major UK retailers this May.
For those who require a new sofa, maybe dining room table and chairs, soft furnishings or an Italian-inspired napkin, DUSK’s bank holiday sale kicks off today Friday, May 23, offering shoppers up to 75% off sitewide.
Customers can enjoy up to 50% off across the site, with an additional 25% discount at checkout using the code EXTRA25. The promotion runs until 23:59 on Monday 26th May, featuring a range of customer-favourite styles.
PizzaExpress is embracing the viral drinks trend by becoming the first UK high street restaurant to serve jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc. Inspired by its American Hot pizza and the online craze of adding jalapeños to wine, diners can now spice up their glass with a portion of jalapeños for just £1.50. This bold new add-on pairs perfectly with pizza or can be enjoyed on its own for a fiery summer twist.
In other beverage news, Electrolyte brand Humantra is relaunching its popular Black Cherry flavour in the UK, following a sell-out debut last year. The flavour, which sold 16 weeks’ worth of stock in just four weeks, taps into 2025’s trending ‘Black Cherry’ beauty craze and offers hydration with added skin benefits.
Humantra’s formula is plant-based, sugar-free, and packed with essential electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants to support energy, focus, and overall wellbeing. Founder Charlie Wright describes the flavour as a delicious way to stay hydrated and feel good from the inside out.
And now for the hottest products you need to add into your basket pronto – or at least that’s what our expert is doing to sooth her soul…
Then I Met You Honey Dew Lip Mask
The Then I Met You Honey Dew Lip Mask is a dual-purpose lip treatment that works as both a glossy daily balm and an intensive overnight mask. Enriched with honeydew, squalane, and honey, it deeply hydrates while lactic acid gently exfoliates for smooth, supple lips. Its hygienic silicone tip allows for easy, contactless application, making it ideal for all skin types. The result is a nourished, polished pout with long-lasting moisture.
Wype The Starter Bundle
Wype is a UK-based brand offering a sustainable alternative to wet wipes through its toilet paper gel, made from natural, biodegradable, and vegan-friendly ingredients. The Wype Starter Bundle includes two full-size gels, a reusable applicator, and two travel-sized minis, allowing users to enhance their toilet paper for a fresher, eco-conscious clean. It’s designed to be gentle on skin, safe for plumbing, and better for the environment.
Mango Shoulder Bag with Strap
The Mango Shoulder Bag with Strap is a compact, structured handbag designed for everyday use. It features a flap closure with a jewel button, a shoulder strap, and an additional adjustable handle with a knot detail. Measuring approximately 9 x 7 x 3.5 inches, it’s ideal for carrying essentials in style.
Silentnight Restore Cooling Throw
The Silentnight Cooling Lightweight Blanket is ideal for those who struggle with overheating or night sweats. Made with breathable jersey cotton and innovative cooling fabric, it provides instant comfort for a restful night’s sleep. Measuring 152 x 178cm, it’s perfect for use on the sofa or as a lighter alternative to a duvet. It’s also machine washable and dryer safe, making it easy to keep fresh.
Oliver Bonas Red Broderie Frill Square Neck Dobby Midi Dress
This square-neck midi dress is designed for comfort and style, featuring a stretchy shirred back and elasticated shoulder straps for all-day wear. Made from vibrant lipstick-red cotton dobby, it’s detailed with a broderie frill along the waist, neckline, and skirt, plus a chic triangle cut-out above the waistband. The breathable, flowy skirt makes it perfect for warm days, easily dressed up or down for effortless summer style.
Joonbyrd Kaleidoscope Smoothing Body Serum
Joonbyrd Kaleidoscope Body Serum is a lightweight, velvety formula designed to gently exfoliate, smooth, and brighten the skin. Enriched with azelaic and shikimic acids, liquorice root, and superfoods like blueberry seed oil and Chios mandarin, it supports skin barrier health while enhancing radiance. Suitable for all skin types, it provides gentle hydration and helps refine the skin’s texture for a healthier, more luminous appearance.
Boots Fuel & Recover Sports Box
The latest Healthcare Box is an ideal gift or self-treat for sports enthusiasts, whether you're a regular gym-goer or just starting out with supplements. It includes a wide selection of products covering pre-, during-, and post-workout needs, making it perfect for expanding your current routine or exploring sports nutrition for the first time. Featuring top global brands alongside exciting newcomers to the UK market, this box offers a unique mix you won’t find in other UK retailers.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner for Face 20 Pack
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Glow Pad™ Self-Tanner for Face offers a streak-free, natural-looking tan that develops in 3–4 hours. Each towelette is perfectly dosed and enriched with encapsulated DHA for long-lasting, time-released colour, while Alpha Beta® Acids gently exfoliate for smooth application. The formula also includes Vitamin E for hydration and emblica extract to brighten and support collagen production. Suitable for all skin types, it’s easy to use and mess-free, though users should apply sunscreen daily due to increased sun sensitivity from AHAs.
Damson Madder Mercedes Bow Reversible Trench – Gingham & Ecru
Boasting the most stunning reversible design, this interchangeable Gingham and Ecru jacket sure to become one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe, enabling you to change up your look in seconds.
Freddie’s Flowers
Famous for their flower subscription services, Freddie’s Flowers offer three different bouquet sizes, and keep sustainability at their core. Best of all, their peony offering is truly sensational this year — with reds, whites, and plenty of pink varieties making appearances in their current selection of seasonal bouquets. They’re all stunning, but Peony Passion is our personal favourite.
Free People Italian Summer Mary Janes
Sun-drenched days call for these effortlessly chic Mary Janes. Made with soft leather and a minimalist strap design, they give your outfits a laid-back feel. They’re lightweight, breathable, and perfect for pairing with everything from linen trousers to floaty dresses.
Boux Avenue Ribbed Seamless Ditsy Floral Bralette
Soft, stretchy, and pretty, this seamless bralette features a ditsy floral print, scoop neckline, and removable padding. Non-wired for comfort and made with 25% recycled fibres, it has a matching thong or briefs to complete the set.
The Uniform
A featherlight mineral SPF that does more than just shield your skin — it blends effortlessly with a sheer tint that melts in like second skin. Offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, it’s the kind of sunscreen that feels more like a treat than a chore. In fact, it’s so wearable, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every single day — no reminders needed.
Statesman 13inch Wood Pizza Oven
The Statesman 13-Inch Wood Fired Pizza Oven uses wood pellets to cook pizzas in just 3 minutes at temperatures up to 470°C. It’s versatile for cooking meats, fish, veggies, and bread, and includes a pizza peel, built-in temperature gauge, and waterproof cover – ideal for outdoor cooking with authentic flavour.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum 50ml
YSL’s Libre Eau de Parfum is cult-status for a reason. It features a floral heart of orange blossom and jasmine, balanced by a warm, heady base of amber, musk, and vanilla. This is a fresh, floral, and feminine scent, with a long-lasting finish.
Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Cheirosa 71 Body Cream 240ml
Indulge your skin with the limited-edition Cheirosa 71 Body Cream, a lightweight moisturiser infused with a soft golden shimmer and a warm, comforting scent. Enriched with vitamin-rich macadamia nut for hydration, golden mica for radiance, and tonka bean extract to help even skin tone, it leaves skin glowing and nourished. The scent blends caramelised vanilla with toasted macadamia nut, capturing the essence of sweet, cosy moments. It's a decadent treat for both skin and senses.
Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass
The Icon collection is a beautifully crafted range of drinkware made with hand-pressed glass beads and handblown glass, offering a unique and charming way to celebrate special moments. Each piece features exclusive, one-of-a-kind bead designs that showcase exceptional artistry and craftsmanship. Perfect as a thoughtful gift or a personal treat, this collection brings elegance and individuality to every sip.
NARS Hot Escape Cheek Palette I
This limited-edition cheek palette captures the sunlit beauty of the South of France with blush, bronzer, and highlighter shades for a radiant, sunkissed glow. Housed in a bold striped case, it’s perfect for creating a warm, holiday-inspired look.
Mulberry Amberley Sunglasses
The design you're referring to is inspired by Mulberry’s iconic Amberley collection, known for its distinctive Rider’s Lock – a signature equestrian-inspired detail. In this particular piece, the bold silhouette is complemented by gold Rider’s Lock detailing on the temples, adding a luxurious and recognisable touch. This design element is often featured across Mulberry’s accessories, including sunglasses and jewellery, to reflect the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship. The result is a statement piece that blends classic British style with contemporary elegance.
Kurt Geiger London Chelsea Block Sling Back Heel
The Chelsea Slingback Heel features a paisley blue denim upper, accented with a crystal-embellished antiqued brass oval trim and a central eagle head detail on the toe. It’s finished with a striking gold block heel adorned with crystals, blending bold design with elegant embellishment.
Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream With Vitamin E
The Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E is a lightweight, non-greasy formula designed to deeply hydrate and soften dry hands. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E, Vitamin A, wheat germ oil, and honey, it helps to soothe and repair the skin while providing antioxidant protection. Ideal for daily use, it absorbs quickly and leaves hands feeling smooth, comfortable, and cared for.
Sassy Saints At-Home Nail Manicure Kit
The Sassy Saints At-Home Nail Manicure Kit is a beginner-friendly dip powder system that delivers salon-quality results without the need for a UV lamp. Priced at £69, it includes enough product for 30 manicures, each drying in just 90 seconds and lasting up to three weeks without chipping. The formula is free from 12 common toxins and enriched with nourishing oils like jojoba and sweet almond to support nail health. It’s a cost-effective and convenient option for long-lasting, glossy nails at home.
Daisy London Amulet Dome Ring
Striking and sculptural, this piece features a bold, curved design that reflects light beautifully. Whether worn alone or stacked, it makes a statement. Crafted from recycled brass and finished with 18ct gold plating.
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23 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I feel empty and utterly lost and alone since my kids flew the nest'
Resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a woman whose children have grown up and moved out to do their own thing, but she now feels she has no real purpose
23 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
If you love free things, you need to check out this deal: ‘This is the best app I have’
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
Need something new to scroll through this spring? Whether you’re into fashion, fitness, interiors, tech or travel, Readly has thousands of magazines and newspapers to keep you entertained.
And the best part? You can try it completely free for two months.
With over 8,000 titles on the app, including big names like Vogue, Women’s Health, T3, and New Scientist, there’s always something new to flick through.
Sign up to Readly now and enjoy 2 months free
Readly is a digital subscription service that offers unlimited access to over 7,000 magazines and newspapers for a monthly fee. It allows users to read current and past issues across various genres on smartphones, tablets, or desktops. The service supports up to five user profiles per account and includes offline reading. It's ideal for avid readers looking for a wide range of publications in one convenient app.
From daily news to weekend reads and far more niche interests, it’s all in one place and there’s no stacks of paper required.
The 2-month free trial means you’re covered well into summer, and there’s no strings or contract, so you can cancel your subscription anytime.
Checking out the word-of-mouth, users of the platform seem to be sold by the choice.
And while some shoppers felt the platform was a little confusing to navigate, and some browsers took a while to load, others have shared some pretty positive 5-star reviews.
‘This is the best app I have,’ one very happy shopper, Clinton Friend, wrote on Trustpilot, and added: ‘It’s so easy on my tablet and great to take away anywhere I like. The biggest benefit is you can have the app on more devices I think 4/5 but we have it on 3 devices…’
Another user named Howie described the platform as ‘epic’ (but did note his device was starting to ‘complain’), while Julian Blackmore wrote: ‘Access to many different magazines and journals for a fraction of the cost of hardcopy or a regular subscription. Also, the electronic format makes it much easier to make and save high quality copies of articles I find particularly interesting and wish to refer to later.’
The app has got a bunch of content for a range of interests, whether you’re getting stuck into DIY, looking for ways to spruce up the garden, or need some travel inspiration in mags like Wanderlust and National Geographic Traveller.
Plus, one account gives you up to five profiles, so everyone in the family can get stuck into something they love. We did mention it was for free, too, right?
All you need to do is download the app to start reading instantly. You can access your favourite titles online or offline, and since there’s no contract and you can cancel anytime (so there’s zero pressure to stick around after your trial ends, just sayin’).
Whether you’re relaxing in the garden, commuting, or just taking a break with a cuppa, now’s the perfect time to give Readly a try as our imminent summer reading obsession peeks its head over the horizon…
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23 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Want Pedro Pascal’s toned arms? Personal trainers share how to get them
Ah, Pedro Pascal. From famously telling the world ‘Daddy is a state of mind’, to his support for Trans rights and his willingness to discuss his own struggles with anxiety, the Chilean actor can do no wrong.
And now, he’s given us a reason to love him that little bit more.
The Last of Us star graced the Cannes red carpet in a black muscle top, showing off his toned arms and a hint of torso.
If fans were already thirsting, this look left them practically dehydrated.
With comments declaring the 50-year-old a ‘Greek God’, it’s safe to say the internet is full of appreciation.
‘I feel like a Victorian man catching a glimpse of an ankle,’ one user replied to a post of Pedro’s biceps.
Another, proclaimed: ‘My new religion is Pedro Pascal’s arms.’
If you’ve been inspired by Pedro (and let’s face it, who hasn’t) and you’re looking to build muscle, tone up, or just want to switch up your next workout, Metro asked experts how to get arms as lust-worthy as the man himself.
How can you get toned arms?
‘Toned simply means having visible muscle definition,’ Tom Brown, PT and founder of 1st Class Bootcamp, tells Metro.
‘The only way to achieve that is building and maintaining lean muscle mass and reducing body fat.’
According to Tom, the most effective way to do this is by adjusting your nutrition. ‘Training is a tool to build muscle, but it’s your diet that reveals it,’ he explains.
‘You need to be in a caloric deficit with adequate protein intake to support muscle while losing fat,’ he adds.
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Joseph Webb, chartered personal trainer and nutritionist with over 18 years of experience, says a combination of resistance training and fat loss can help if you want to achieve this look.
‘Using progressive overload – gradually increasing the weight or reps – helps build and shape muscle. But that shape won’t show if it’s hidden under a layer of fat, so reducing overall body fat is essential for revealing muscle tone.’
The best exercises for Pedro-like arms
‘To develop well-defined arms, you want a mix of isolation and compound exercises,’ Tom says. Isolation exercises target one specific muscle group or joint, while compound exercises target multiple joints and muscle groups.
For your biceps, Tom recommends barbell curls, dumbbell curls and preacher curls. For triceps he says to try cable pushdowns, overhead extensions and tricep dips.
Joseph adds that shoulders are often overlooked when training arms, but ‘dramatically improve overall arm aesthetics.’
He says: ‘Pressing movements like dumbbell shoulder presses and Arnold presses are compound lifts that build overall shoulder mass and stability.
‘Isolation exercises like lateral raises and front raises help develop the deltoid muscles for more rounded, defined shoulders – which makes the entire arm look more sculpted.’
Tom stresses the importance of ‘time under tension’ – which involves holding the muscle under strain for longer with pulses and slow movements.
‘For me, this is a fantastic way to make progress and challenge the arms, without always increasing the load.’
The best workout for biceps
If you want to tone your arms and shoulders, Joseph suggests aiming for 10-20 sets per muscle group per week.
He says training these areas two to three times weekly with 12-15 reps per set can be very effective.
Joseph’s ‘ultimate two-day per week arm and shoulder plan’:
Day 1 (6-10 reps)
- Barbell Standing Overhead Press – 4 sets x 6-8 reps. Rest: 2 minutes.
- Weighted Chin-ups or Neutral Grip Pull-ups – 4 sets x 6-8 reps. Rest: 90 seconds.
- Barbell or EZ-Bar Biceps Curl – 3 sets x 6-8 reps. Rest: 90 seconds.
- Close-Grip Bench Press – 3 sets x 6-8 reps. Rest: 90 seconds.
- Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raise – 3 sets x 10 reps. Rest: 60 seconds.
- Cable Overhead Triceps Extension – 2 sets x 10-12 reps
Day 2 (12-20 reps)
- Dumbbell Seated Arnold Press – 3 sets x 10-12 reps. Rest: 75 seconds
- Incline Dumbbell Curl – 3 sets x 10-12 reps. Rest: 60 seconds
- Cable Rope Overhead Triceps Extension – 3 sets x 12-15 reps. Rest: 45-60 seconds.
- Dual Cable Lateral Raise – 3 sets x 15-20 reps. Rest: 60 seconds
- Preacher Curl – 2 sets x 15 reps. Rest: 45 seconds
- Triceps Pushdowns – 2 sets x 15-20 reps.
How to maintain toned arms
So, your arms are starting to show some definition – but how do you keep them looking that way?
It’s all about consistency, according to Joseph. Once you see results, he advises continuing to train at the same volume and intensity.
‘You don’t need to constantly increase. Just staying consistent with your training and managing your diet will keep your arms looking defined. It’s very much a “use it or lose it” scenario.’
Tom agrees: ‘Once you’ve built arm definition, you don’t need high-frequency arm days.
‘Just keep your workouts balanced, manage your caloric intake, and stay active. If you revert to poor eating habits, that definition will fade – plain and simple.’
Signs you're doing too much
Tom says: ‘Training should challenge the muscles, not damage the joints. More isn’t always better – smarter, more intentional programming is.’
He recommends watching out for the following red flags:
• Persistent joint pain, especially in the elbows or wrists
• Extended muscle soreness beyond 72 hours
• Reduced grip strength or forearm fatigue that affects other lifts
• Inflammation or swelling that doesn’t subside
• Form breakdown due to fatigue
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
23 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'My family is at war and they are ganging up on me and my daughter'
Coleen Nolan advises a frustrated mum who has a difficult relationship with her mother and brother, and she is now feeling ostracised from the rest of the family
Following a Friday night out with friends, Alex Bowles woke up the next morning with a dull headache. The group had enjoyed a few drinks with their dinner, so it wasn’t completely unexpected.
‘I just thought it was a hangover. It felt like half my head was missing, very airy,’ remembers Alex, who was 23 at the time.
Never one for taking painkillers, she soldiered on despite her pounding head, even when it was accompanied by nausea.
‘I went shopping but felt so bad I had to sit down,’ Alex tells Metro. ‘I assumed I also felt sick because of a hangover – I didn’t think anything suspicious was going on.’
By Sunday, Alex was still reeling from a bad headache and wasn’t so sure her suffering was down to alcohol. She wondered if she might have picked up a virus instead.
Two days later – on a Tuesday in October 2014 – her headache remained steadfast and she’d started to be sick, too.
As Alex ran to the toilet to be sick for a second time that morning, she saw her family’s cleaner, who knew the family of four well. The cleaner quickly realised Alex’s speech was slurred and she was talking nonsensically.
‘I wasn’t making any sense,’ the now 34-year-old explains. ‘She knew something was wrong, so she called my mum, who rang the ambulance.’
By the time the paramedics arrived, Alex was lying on the sofa and was quick to tell her to go straight to Queen’s in Essex, as the hospital had the best neurological department.
‘When they said that, my mum knew it was something serious. She was really worried, but very matter-of-fact. She knew I was going to the best place.’
While Alex doesn’t remember much of that day, one of the details she can recall is lying on the floor of A&E in her pyjamas.
‘Someone told my mum I wasn’t allowed to lie on the floor, and she said I could barely sit up, so unless there was a bed, there wasn’t much else I could do,’ she recalls.
However, no one seemed in a rush to see Alex, except for one doctor.
‘He thought something bad was going on, as he didn’t think a girl of my age would just be lying on the floor with a headache,’ she explains. ‘He pushed for me to have a CT scan, and they found I had a huge clot and bleed in the left side of my brain.’
Alex was told she’d had a stroke, and it was later suspected by doctors, but never confirmed, that it could have been caused by a combination of simultaneously using a birth control pill, steroids and having just returned from a long-haul flight.
However, following the diagnosis, doctors said they couldn’t treat the clot and the bleed at the same time, as if they treated one, it would have made the other worse.
‘Doctors hoped the bleed would stop by itself, so they could treat the clot. They told my family they’d give it until Friday, otherwise it would be brain surgery,’ remembers Alex.
Thankfully, the bleeding stopped, and doctors started her on blood thinners to treat the clot. But the stroke had left Alex unable to read, write or speak properly.
‘I couldn’t understand what people were telling me. It was like my brain shut off completely, but I was completely unaware of it. Physically, I was fine – it was all cognitive,’ she explains.
As she was unable to understand what the doctors were saying, Alex didn’t feel afraid of the grim prognosis, but her mother never left her side.
‘I used to walk around the hospital walls with Mum and shout out any random words I could read on posters,’ Alex remembers.
Over two weeks, her writing, reading, and speaking abilities started to return, and eventually she was allowed to go home, where each day, ‘got a little bit easier’. ‘It came back naturally,’ she added.
Alex had previously been working at a horse sanctuary and children’s nursery doing admin, but needed to take a year off.
Once Alex started to understand what had happened, she began feeling frustrated that she couldn’t communicate how she wanted.
‘I was realising what had changed, and would get upset as I couldn’t get across how my brain was feeling,’ she remembers. ‘It was easier when I couldn’t understand.’
Alex also had to come to terms with parts of who she was changing forever.
‘Anyone who has had a stroke will understand. My sense of humour went, I don’t understand sarcasm, or when someone is joking. For a long time, I hated being around crowds and too much noise.’
Alex also admits that being completely dependent on family and friends sometimes felt very ‘isolating’.
‘I went from driving and having my own life to being stuck indoors unless someone could pick me up and take me out,’ she explains.
Ten months after the stroke, Alex started receiving counselling to work through her anger and frustration, as she found it easier talking to someone who didn’t know her, or could tell how she’d changed.
A year after her stroke, Alex could have full conversations and began playing netball again. A decade on, Alex, who will remain on blood thinners for life, works in her family’s tea room.
Although her risk of having another stroke is much lower, Alex says she’d ‘just have to get on with it’ if she did have one.
‘There have been two times I’ve been in the hospital as I’ve had a headache that wouldn’t shift, but I’m checked pretty quickly due to my history,’ she adds.
Alex has also set up a stroke support group to help people like her.
‘I started it to help other people, but it helped me. I was speaking with people who completely understood me, my feelings, and what I had experienced. I realised I wasn’t on my own. We call it the best club to be in that no one wants to be in.
‘I’m very lucky I’m still here,’ says Alex. ‘I don’t think of the stroke as a negative thing, as I appreciate stuff more.
‘I’m feeling positive about my future, and I’m now pregnant, so a lot of change is about to happen again.
‘It’s scary after everything that has happened, but I’m taking each day as it comes.’
What you need to know about strokes
Even though the chances of having a stroke increases with age (around 70% of all strokes occur in people over 65), one in four strokes happens in people of working age.
‘It is a common misconception that strokes only affect older people – in fact, anyone of any age can have a stroke, including babies and children,’ Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, tells Metro.
‘A lot of people also think that stroke is solely a killer but for 240 people in the UK every day, stroke is the start of a long and gruelling journey to recover both physically and mentally from the impact of this life-changing condition.’
Around half of all strokes are due to high blood pressure, which might be elevated due to lifestyle choices like smoking, irregular exercise, an unhealthy diet, and drinking a lot of alcohol, but other risk factors include gender, ethnicity, and other medical conditions, such as diabetes.
‘There are some risk factors which are specific to women, including the combined contraceptive pill, which is linked to a small increased risk of stroke and blood clots for some people,’ adds Bouverie. ‘While it is still rare, pregnancy and childbirth also increase the risk of stroke, which is monitored with regular blood pressure checks.’
There are several types of stroke:
Ischaemic – caused by a blockage or clot in the brain
Haemorrhagic – caused by a burst blood vessel
Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) – these are known as ‘mini strokes’
‘Stroke is a medical emergency as it can cause huge and long-lasting damage to a person’s brain quickly – 1.9 million brain cells die every minute after a stroke hits,’ explains Bouverie. ‘Speedy treatment is essential to minimise the damage caused and the impact on a person’s physical and mental recovery as well as long-term side-effects.’
For more information, contact the Stroke Association here.
22 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I worry my anxious son will struggle to cope without me if anything happened'
Our resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a concerned mum whose son seems to be struggling with his mental health and she doesn’t want life to pass him by
22 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Nobody’s Child now has a whole page dedicated to dresses with pockets
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I was totally oblivious to just how useful it is for a dress to have pockets until my lovely mum very kindly treated me to the Black Gingham Starlight Midi Dress from Nobody’s Child last summer.
It was as flattering and feminine in the flesh as I’d expected — and best of all, by the end of its debut outing to the pub, I’d had an epiphany; dresses with pockets were well and truly the way forward.
And a recent study by Nobody’s Child has revealed that I’m certainly not alone in thinking this way — with three-quarters of the 1000 UK women surveyed saying that they wish that more dresses and skirts had pockets. So, in response, they’ve launched a brand new Dresses with Pockets collection page.
A functional yet stylish feature, pockets take away the need for a bag if you’re travelling light, and keeping valuables like your phone on your person makes them far less likely to end up lost or stolen. Plus, there’s also just something really instinctive about being able to put your hands in your pockets — especially if you’re like me, and never know what to do with your hands when posing for photos.
Ready to find the perfect dress with pockets for you? From effortlessly stylish day dresses, to more formal options that feel perfect for a summer wedding, here are some of our top Nobody’s Child picks.
Green Pinstriped Starlight Midi Dress
The ultimate playful and feminine silhouette, it wouldn’t feel right not to include the iconic Starlight dress. With its low v-neck, short balloon sleeves, and flattering a-line skirt, it’s the perfect summer dress to pair with pumps or trainers. Best of all, it comes in 22 different colours, prints, and patterns — but this pinstripe green option feels spot-on for SS25.
Pink One Shoulder Shirred Midi Dress
Easy to dress up or down, this gorgeous one shoulder dress makes a real statement with its hot pink hue, trendy shirred bodice, and oversized bow detail. The swishy tiered skirt drapes seamlessly, and comes fitted with pockets for maximum practicality.
Green Colorado Midi Dress
Mint green is having a moment — so it’s no surprise that this dress is trending. With its thick bra-friendly straps, square neckline, and relaxed skirt, it’s the ultimate easy-to-wear midi — go casual with pumps or sandals, or dial things up a bit with a few statement accessories.
White Flossie Midi Dress
Everybody needs a staple white midi dress like this one to help see them through summer. It’s made from lightweight textured organic cotton, boasts flattering features like a panelled waist and frilly detailing, and has surprisingly deep pockets for storing daytime essentials like your phone and favourite lip balm. Easy to accessorise, just throw on your trusty denim jacket, and some trainers, sandals, or even suede boots.
Blue Bubble Hem Bandeau Midi Dress
There’s so much to love about this genuinely stunning bandeau dress. With its sky blue abstract print, gorgeous ruched bodice, and on-trend bubble skirt, it feels like the perfect option for a spring or summer wedding. Meanwhile, practical features like hidden pockets and optional spaghetti straps make it the kind of dress that’s as practical as it is pretty.
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