‘Have you tried being less stressed?’ the A&E doctor suggested when I went to visit him in 2024 about a full-body rash I was dealing with.

I did my best to hide my frustration.

But it wasn’t until my boyfriend spoke up that I was taken seriously.

‘She’s in a lot of pain and needs help,’ he said calmly and clearly. ‘The advice so far hasn’t improved things and it’s getting worse.’ 

The doctor listened and prescribed a strong painkiller. I felt relief – as well as confusion. 

That’s why I was delighted to hear that this week, GP practices across the country will use posters to promote Jess’s rule.

I really believe the change has the potential to be life-changing, particularly for people with complex, chronic or poorly understood conditions.

Named after Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old who contacted her surgery 20 times before dying of cancer in 2020, Jess’s rule urges doctors to order more tests if a patient has had three appointments for their symptoms but no diagnosis.

It also suggests that doctors should be comfortable to ask for a second opinion if unsure, or provide a face-to-face examination.

These posters could have helped me trust my instincts much earlier, instead of having to experience what I went through.

I remember sitting in front of the doctor at A&E – feeling like I wasn’t being heard, my experience invalidated.

My medical history is complex (at best) and I have grown up feeling dismissed.

I developed symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression around the age of nine, all of which were disregarded as a ‘phase’. 

Over the last 30 years I’ve experienced a number of mental health conditions – bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder and depression – as well as ongoing physical concerns, and I have frequently been told that my mental health is the cause of my physical symptoms. 

It wasn’t until anorexia took hold when I was 14 that medical professionals took things seriously.

I had multiple life-saving hospitalisations but was subsequently given many new diagnoses, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder and body dysmorphic disorder.

Unfortunately, these interventions came too late. I developed further complications, including psychosis and hallucinations, paranoia and agoraphobia, with complex PTSD (cPTSD) suggested eventually in my 30s as being at the root of it all.

I felt as though I was viewed as an attention seeker – in reality, I was crying out for help.

As I entered my thirties, physical issues including musculoskeletal pain and digestive problems came to the fore. Again, doctors dismissed these as psychological in origin, as though my pain was an extension of my depression.

Looking back, I feel like these posters would have helped me feel more justified in pushing earlier and more persistently. They legitimise the idea that repeated uncertainty isn’t something patients should simply accept.

As a result, I stopped trusting my own body and started believing their dismissals. I went along with whatever was said because I didn’t have the energy to keep fighting. And I internalised that misogyny not to ‘be a burden’ and to stop ‘making a fuss over nothing’.

I also stopped visiting my GP, which, unsurprisingly, impacted my health further, and any treatment I did receive seemed to be massively delayed. At times, I felt utterly lost, alone. 

It wasn’t until that A&E experience in 2024 that I finally wondered: Why had it taken Adam’s advocacy for doctors to respond? Why had they responded far faster to his voice than mine?

Finally, I realised: It was the clearest case I’d ever experienced of medical misogyny. 

Sadly, I’m not the only woman to experience it. According to one study, the UK has the highest gender health gap out of all the G20 countries and medical misogyny contributes to misdiagnoses, inadequate pain management and delayed treatment. 

The same research found that 60% of women in the UK believe their health issues are not taken seriously, and 57% of women have had a negative experience with a healthcare professional. 

Those figures are devastating yet there is little being done to eradicate them. Meanwhile, women are still suffering.

Had Adam not driven me to A&E, convinced me to endure the six-hour-long wait to be seen then spoken to the doctor himself, I suspect I would have been cast aside again. 

This kind of dismissal in healthcare is especially dangerous. It jeopardises women’s wellbeing. I wonder how many of my medical problems could’ve been prevented had I not had my complaints ignored.

In February 2025, having moved to a new area and able to see new doctors, I was seen by a new specialist and on a hunch was started on prescription medication straight away.

The prescription came with no side effects and it has helped massively. While I’ve still had occasional colds and infections, I’m no longer experiencing the constant, debilitating illnesses I had before.

I’ve still not yet had a formal diagnosis. But ‘stress’ certainly isn’t the cause. I’ve experienced stressful times since starting this new medication and yet it has not had the same physical effect. 

We need to encourage people to stand up for themselves when they aren’t getting the care they need. 

I’m trying to get better at that. I’ve spent enough of my life waiting to be heard, but no more. I’m starting by calling myself and my internalised misogyny out.

Jess’s Rule matters because it prioritises patient outcomes, not just labels.

It allows people to receive care and relief even while diagnostic processes are ongoing and that can make the difference between surviving and actually living.

Every single person, of any gender, should be listened to when it comes to their health. We will not stand for being dismissed anymore.  

(As told to Hannah Shewan Stevens)

A version of this article was first published May 10, 2025.

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

Share your views in the comments below.

A man has said he’s divorcing his wife after she started an account on adult content sharing platform OnlyFans – and some think he’s overreacting

The Princess of Wales gave Princess Diana’s dress from 1994 a modern spin and Princess Charlotte has already worn the next-gen version

Zara Tindall was a vision in Rebecca Vallance’s pink Kitsu dress as she attended the Magic Millions Race Day on the Gold Coast. Shop the look for £690/$920, plus Coast’s affordable lookalike.

Whether it’s dungarees, hot pink jumpsuits, or dinosaur-decorated fleeces, clothing brand Lucy & Yak knows how to make a statement.

Amid a world of beige, it’s not only known for bright colours: the British brand has long been praised for its inclusive sizing.

While other big names have failed to stock plus sizes, Lucy & Yak has sought to bring colour to every wardrobe, no matter the body shape of its owner.

But from the spring/summer 2026 season, the brand is phasing out both size 32 and 4XL, meaning that it’ll now stock clothes in sizes 4 to 30.

There has also been a change to its smallest size, a size 4. This has now been moved into the petite range, so customers who are over 5ft 2in will unlikely be able to find size 4 clothes that fit them. The petite range currently only goes up to a size 16.

According to Lucy & Yak, the reason for the changes — on both ends of the sizing scale — is that, at the moment, the brand only produces a ‘very limited’ number of size 4, 32, and 4XL.

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As a statement on the Lucy & Yak website explains that the sizes ‘simply aren’t selling through at the same rate as others.’

‘This means too often we’re left with excess stock at the end of the season,’ it adds.

‘Our ultimate goal is to keep clothing on people and out of landfill.’ In chopping the stock, it’s hoping to phase out unnecessary waste and use materials more ‘effectively.’

It adds: ‘Sizing is complex, and we know these conversations are important. Please know that every decision we make is rooted in care — for our community, our planet, and the people who make our clothes.’

The wider slimming down of clothing brands

According to one 2024 study from Mys Tyler that surveyed more than 24,000 women, the average UK size is now a 16-18, and there are twice as many women who wear a size 22 as a size 8.

That mentality isn’t translating on the catwalk, though.

Vogue’s most recent size-inclusivity report shows that of the 8,800 looks showcased on 230 catwalks across the Autumn/Winter 2024 season, less than 1% included plus-sized models (US size 14/UK 18 and up).

The representation for ‘mid-sized models’ – US 6-12/UK 10-16 – was only marginally better, at 3.7%. Plus, high street brands like Next have been called out, after one of their adverts was banned for featuring an ‘unhealthily thin’ model, which later turned out to be digitally altered.

Namilia also previously went viral after plastering its controversial ‘I Love Ozempic’ t-shirt all over its 2024 Berlin Fashion Week runway, and in 2021, clothing brand LOFT axed its plus-sized range.

Dr Lara Zibarras is a food freedom psychologist and an eating disorder recovery coach, and has noticed firsthand that the ‘pressure to be thin’ is increasing. She previously told Metro that ‘people who were once poster figures of body positivity have been losing significant weight – some doing so quietly, while others openly admit to using weight loss drugs.

‘While I firmly believe in “their body, their choice,” this trend is leaving many people in larger bodies feeling isolated,’ she adds.

‘Psychologically, constantly being told that only a thin body is acceptable can negatively impact self-esteem and trigger disordered eating habits. This narrow focus makes people feel like they’re never enough, which is especially damaging for those who are already vulnerable.’

‘Disappointing but completely unsurprising’

Following Lucy & Yak’s announcement, many fans have been left reeling.

Posting on Instagram @fatpheebs accused the brand of ‘fatphobia,’ and asked: ‘What happened to sustainable inclusion?’

‘This is not inclusion. Inclusivity isn’t temporary. It’s a sustainable practise that every company should be championing,’ they wrote.

‘Instead, we are seeing Lucy & Yak reinforce the narrative that larger bodies should be something you aim to get rid of, rather than include. Fat people have always existed and we always will.

‘We want to wear fun clothes too. We deserve to be included too.’

Hannah Ogilvie-Young (@queenbeastsays), who hosts the Fats On Film podcast, echoed these sentiments, adding that yet another brand is turning its back on the plus-sized community ‘as if our money doesn’t matter.’

‘They have become a firm favourite in the plus-sized community,’ she said.

‘It’s such a kick in the teeth in this day and age, where we’re constantly bombarded with this thin at any costs mentality.’

‘Our ultimate goal is to keep clothing…out of landfill’

Here’s the tricky part: it’s hard to completely hate on Lucy & Yak’s sizing U-turn when the clothes aren’t selling.

In the UK, approximately 350,000 tonnes of clothing waste are sent to landfills each year, according to the latest Waste Management report. To put that into context: the UK is the fourth largest producer of textile waste in Europe, generating approximately 206,456 tonnes of textile waste annually, which significantly contributes to the global landfill pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Lucy & Yak has said cutting these sizes will help the company achieve three objectives: reduce fabric waste, use materials more effectively across our collections and avoid overproduction and unnecessary surplus.

On Reddit, some fans of the brand say the latest changes are reasonable.

‘People complaining about this are absolutely insane […] Size 4-30 is a CRAZY inclusive range. Most shops that I’m aware of go from around a size 6-22 if you’re lucky,’ one comment reads.

‘A brand going up to a size 30 is great, and getting rid of sizes that aren’t selling is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. It’s not like they’re suddenly going down to a size 18 or anything like that. You people need to give your heads a wobble.’

Another offered a potential solution: ‘While there is still a cost included in pattern grading etc, one wonders if there could have been a middle ground like made-to-order for larger sizes even if they had to upcharge for that.’

What do you think of Lucy & Yak’s sizing change? Speaking to Metro, a spokesperson from the brand thanked everyone who has commented so far.

‘We recognise that sizing is deeply personal. We want to be clear that we are listening. Every message, comment, and piece of feedback shared with us is being taken onboard and carefully considered as we continue to review and evolve our approach,’ they said.

‘Our commitment remains the same: to be transparent, to keep learning, and to do better by our community.’

Do you have a story to share?

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

Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, channelled an island goddess in a shoulder-baring sundress as she featured in an Instagram reel from her time in Australia for the Magic Millions carnival with her husband, Mike Tindall.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie enjoy a weekend away with friends as the nieces of King Charles wear chic Sloane Ranger outfits, including a Canada Goose coat and chic wellington boots.

The Princess of Wales often wears polka dot dresses that are sleek with smart collars, mostly by Alessandra Rich. Monsoon has an incredible dupe of this brand, and they have called the dress the ‘Kate.’

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

For me, your bedroom should be a haven, a place to escape the world and rest your head. The design and furniture should be practical, whilst adding to the desired zen atmosphere, because let’s face it, no one wants a chaotic space to try and have a restful night’s sleep in.

The key piece of furniture that can make or break a bedroom is, of course, the bed. After 12 years of having the same one, whilst it’s served me well, it was time to get an upgrade. One that not only fitted more with the interior design, but one that provided a great solution to storage, because you can never have too much storage.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel, and for me, you cannot beat a hotel bed. So, when it came to choosing a new one, I had an idea in mind that I’d love to snap up for myself. The bed I decided to go for was Dunelm’s Oversized Ottoman Hotel Bed Frame in Boucle, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer, transforming my bedroom.

It comes available in both double and king sizes, so you can take your pick of which fits better in your room. For the double, its original price was £799; you can now bag it for £639.20. Whereas the king size was £899, now £719.20. That’s saving over £150 on each. 

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The bed is an ottoman-style, which I am obsessed with, as it perfectly maximises the potential for storage. My previous bed was an ottoman, so this was a requirement when searching for a new one, but Dunelm’s offers a lot more space in comparison. 

It comes with an extended headboard, which has two built-in drawers on either side that come already assembled; they just need attaching to the actual headboard. These are perfect for storing essentials like your night creams, or your socks and underwear.

My favourite part about this bed is the built-in sidelights, which turn on automatically as you pull them outwards from their socket. Better yet, it also has USB and USB-C sockets to charge your phone and other tech whilst kicking back and relaxing.

The upholstery is a cream boucle fabric, so it immediately adds a luxe vibe to the room, and the neutral shade means it will pair perfectly if I ever want to redecorate.

The height of the bed measures at 37cm, so when the mattress is popped on, it’s the perfect height to slide out and put your feet on the floor without using too much effort, after all, getting out of a cosy bed is hard enough.

The assembly was so straightforward. When seeing the five boxes arrive, I was slightly worried about how complicated it would be. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong; the instructions were clean and simple, so it was set up and ready within 90 minutes. 

Overall, I’m very pleasantly surprised and thrilled with this bed. It brilliantly elevates the bedroom and adds a luxe vibe to the space, making saying no to plans that much easier.

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‘Well, it’s confirmed,’ the neurologist bluntly stated. ‘Gary’s got Alzheimer’s.’

That was how we received the news in February 2022 of my husband’s life-changing diagnosis – he was just 51 at the time, meaning it’s classed as young-onset.

Gary couldn’t believe it and was in floods of tears, saying he didn’t want to become a burden and that he’d understand if I wanted to leave him. I simply replied, ‘Don’t be daft, I’m not going anywhere’.

We’ve known each other practically our whole lives.

Gary and I actually grew up on the same street in the north-east English town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. We went to the same primary school, but he was four years above me so we never really spoke.

That is, until I was 23 in 1999 when we met properly as adults, while I was working in a local pub and he got a job as the doorman. There was an immediate attraction.

Little did I know at the time that he’d told his mates that he was going to make me his girlfriend. But they didn’t believe he could, so they supposedly put a £10 bet on!

He asked me out on a date soon after and of course I said yes. We’ve barely spent any days apart from each other ever since.

We had our first child, Nathan, in 2001, then got married in 2007. Actually, his best man told the £10 bet story in his speech, then paid up and gave us half of the note each to keep.

We had our second child, Isla, in 2011 and Amelia three years later.

Gary’s always been a fitness fanatic – running and doing CrossFit almost every single day of the week. Throughout it all, he’s been a supportive, loving, and very active dad. Our home is full of laughter.

Then around eight and a half years ago – when Gary was 47 – I started to notice sporadic odd things happening. He’d come home from work as a self-employed joiner and laugh off not being able to measure a door properly or read a tape measure.

Once the lockdown hit in early 2020 and we were all forced to stay home, that’s when I really noticed something was wrong. Gary was struggling with tasks he’d usually ace – like building a summer house in our backyard – and he seemed quite down about it all.

At the time, it was really difficult to get a doctor’s appointment but when we finally did, the GP just thought it was anxiety and depression so prescribed antidepressants.

I had a gut feeling that it went deeper than that, but Gary tried them for about three months and gave up when we didn’t see any improvement.

He was then referred to a neurologist to get an MRI, which actually came back clear. A memory test (which involves remembering words after being distracted) was next and that’s when alarm bells started ringing for the GP because Gary really struggled with it.

By the start of 2022 – almost two years since we first sought medical help – a lumbar puncture was performed to get the definitive Alzheimer’s diagnosis from the neurologist. And it hit us like a tonne of bricks, even though it did cross my mind as a possibility.

I tried to put on a brave face, reassuring him that at least we knew what it was. I kept this up when telling our three children, which was really difficult for them to hear – especially our two youngest.

In these early days, I naively thought that Alzheimer’s is just when you forget things. But the reality has been so much different.

At first, Gary was still quite self-sufficient – often making himself poached eggs on toast for breakfast. But now he struggles with tasks around the house that he used to do with ease, like mowing the lawn (it ends up uneven), or even making a bowl of cereal (the different components are confusing), or diluting a glass of juice (he can’t quite get the proportions right). 

Heartbreakingly, about six months ago, he forgot our daughters’ names for the first time. They were devastated. They’re only 11 and 14. 

Today, we try to keep a routine as much as possible. I run the bath for him every morning, but he’ll ask me where it is. Then I’ll make him a coffee before I go to work and his carer, Katy, arrives at 9am.

She only used to come for a couple of hours, but a few scary incidents happened that forced us to reevaluate. Once, Gary tried to go for a bike ride, but ended up on the wrong side of a roundabout and down the A1.

Another time, he went for a walk and got lost, so Katy now comes for six hours every weekday. Remarkably, Gary still loves keeping fit and going to CrossFit, although he can’t train as hard as he used to.

We also have a Dementia Adviser from Alzheimer’s Society who comes and visits us every few months to see how we’re getting on. It’s a lifeline to know that they’re just a phone call away if we ever need their help.

Gary may have changed – he’s lost interest in doing a lot of things and is now quite placid – but our family knows deep down that he still loves us all dearly. He also still loves to have a laugh, like chuckling when I fix up his clothes after he puts them on the wrong way: ‘Eh, what am I like? How do you put up with us?’

Last year, Katy and I were part of a team that walked 26 miles for the Alzheimer’s Society and have raised £3,000 so far.

The stories behind the headlines

Hi, I’m Claie Wilson, Metro’s deputy editor.

At Metro, we’re committed to sharing everyday people’s stories, and you can read more real-life features like this one in our News Updates newsletter.

From dealing with tragedy and betrayal to finding confidence and rebuilding lives, our stories inspire, educate and give you the bigger picture.

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I hope to keep Gary home with me for as long as possible, but for the moment we’re just living day-to-day. It’s impossible to predict how his Alzheimer’s might progress so I don’t really think there’s any other way to be.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that it could happen to anybody. Gary never smoked or did drugs, hardly ever drank alcohol, and was incredibly fit and healthy. 

His diagnosis turned our world upside down but there was no way I was going to turn my back on him. He’s still the cheeky and fun-loving man I fell in love with – and I’ve got my half of the £10 note to prove it.

This story was first published on June 13, 2025.

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.