When Charley Hemming spotted lumps on her 13-year-old son Tyler’s neck, she was concerned.

First raising the alarm with doctors in February 2025, the mum-of-four was driven to seek medical support as the lumps became increasingly ‘visible’ on his body, and all the while, he was becoming increasingly ‘fatigued.’

After initially checking him over, doctors told Charley that they suspected her son’s symptoms were those of tonsillitis.

However, blood tests told another story, revealing inconsistent results that took months to get to the bottom of.

‘The doctors initially thought it was tonsil-related, but my mum instinct just knew there was more to it,’ Charley, an NHS support worker from Gosport, Hampshire, says.

‘His blood results were erratic. They were showing that he was anaemic and there were no definitive answers.’

At the time, doctors were adamant that he ‘didn’t have leukaemia or blood cancer,’ and during the three months it took the family to receive a diagnosis, Charley took her son to see the GP three times.

But on each and every occasion, she was simply told to wait – and that Tyler would need to have more blood tests.

The situation came to a head on May 18, when the family had just returned from a ‘dream’ trip to America. Tyler had been taking part in the Youth Summit for Cheerleading in Tampa, Florida – but when he returned to the UK, he was rushed to A&E with worsening symptoms of fatigue.

The same day, a CT scan, ultrasound and X-ray revealed that the cancer was malignant, which means that the abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body. He started chemotherapy one month later, in June.

But it would still be two months before doctors revealed that Tyler had stage four Hodgkin Lymphoma, specifically, a form of blood cancer.

Now, Tyler has cancerous lumps across his body, including on his face, nose, throat, collar bone, armpit, spleen, left shoulder blade, all of his organ entry points, and on his chest, near an entry point to his heart.

Charley says: ‘I believed it was Lymphoma, but I was very shocked when they told me it was stage four. How was it not picked up on?’

To date, Tyler has had six rounds of chemotherapy, an intense treatment which ‘wipes him out,’ as well as eight blood transfusions. Next month, he’ll also be starting the first of three rounds of radiotherapy.

‘Mentally, it’s really hard because you’re watching your 13-year-old lifeless,’ Charley adds.

‘If he’s not in hospital for treatment, he’s in because he’s catching every bug. It’s turned our world upside down. We just don’t know what’s going to happen. We’re staring into the unknown.’

Now, Tyler can’t compete as a cheerleading champion, and he’s also had to miss out on fishing trips ‘because of the bacteria.’

The family is also struggling to cope financially, as Charley is on unpaid compassionate leave – and trips to the hospital have added extra costs to their monthly outgoings.

The eldest of four, Tyler’s 10-year-old brother Kenny, eight-year-old sister Nyla, and six-year-old Aaloiah are ‘struggling to understand’ his illness.

‘He had chemo all over the summer holidays so we could hardly do anything with the kids,’ Charley says, noting that together with Tyler’s dad, 31-year-old scaffolder Joe Scott, they’re trying to keep things ‘as normal as possible’ for the children.

‘We would try to go on days out to the zoo or cinema when we could but it was really hard because we always had to take Tyler places.

‘It’s so upsetting for them because mum and dad were constantly having to leave to go to the hospital.’

In spite of it all, though, Tyler’s spirits remain high, and his mum describes him as ‘resilient and so strong.’ There are also early signs that his body is responding to the chemotherapy, as his last scan indicated non-active cancer in his abdomen.

That said, Tyler’s condition remains a source of worry for Charley, who is concerned about what the future might hold.

‘Even though they say he’s curable, there are so many risks involved. He could get cancer elsewhere or it could come back or he could have a turn with the chemo,’ she says.

‘Of the six rounds he’s had, only two of them went well, so every round is different and you never know what’s next.

‘I feel like I’m just constantly on the go. You’re trying to keep positive but you know anything could happen.’

Do you have a story to share?

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

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

Looking to upgrade your hair health? Whether you’re suffering from thinning, breakage, or simply lacklustre hair, Hair Gain’s brand-new shampoo and conditioner are set to be your saviour.

Designed with healthier, glossier hair in mind, the Hair Gain Hydrating  Shampoo & Conditioner is here to transform your tresses.

Known and loved for their hair-boosting supplements and haircare essentials, Hair Gain really know good growth – which is what makes this, their first foray into shampoo and conditioner, a momentous occasion indeed.

Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Starter Kit

Scientifically proven to help reduce hair fall and breakage by up to 64% after just one use, the Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner has been developed with leading Trichologists to help soothe the scalp and restore your hairs natural vitality – and fast.

shop £42

Scientifically proven to help reduce hair fall and breakage by up to 64% after just one use, the Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner has been developed with leading Trichologists to help soothe the scalp and restore your hairs’ natural vitality – and fast.

In fact, in an independent consumer study of 70 women using the new shampoo and conditioner for two weeks, 84% agreed their hair looked glossier and 89% said their hair looked visibly healthier. Not bad.

This incredible performance can be credited to the formulation of advanced peptides and vitamins, delivering deep hydration, visible strength, and enduring shine from the very first use.

These super-charged ingredients include Marshmallow Root Extract, which offers deep hydration, Pea Peptides to bring strength and resilience, and Phytantriol and Panthenol that enrich the hair with lasting moisture and protection.

Finally, B vitamins including Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and Niacinamide (vitamin B3) bring lasting moisture and protection. And with 94% of testers agreeing their hair felt nourished after one use, it’s clear these impressive ingredients really work.

Better still, they don’t feature a single paraben, silicone or sulphate to ensure total hair health. You’ll be left with thicker, fuller and healthier hair that feels hydrated and looks glossy as anything.

The cherry on the cake? The bottles are refillable, 100% recyclable and made from 100% recycled materials, meaning you’re saving the earth as you save your strands.

Ready to elevate your haircare routine? Snap up the new Hair Gain Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Starter Kit now.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Essence Cosmetics has officially dropped in Boots – and everything’s under £5

MORE: River Island just dropped another Christmas jumper collab with incredible British artist

MORE: Dunelm launches stand mixer to rival KitchenAid and it’s £400 cheaper

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

Winter is fast approaching, which means it’s time to invest in a statement coat to pull our look together. There’s been so many styles named as the IT trend for 2025, including the leather bomber, the trench and the barn jacket.

But our budget can only stretch so so far, right?

That’s why we’re so excited by our latest high street find. You see, while the weather outside may be frightful, George at Asda’s collection of winter coats is so delightful. And they’re all a bargain. 

First up is the Stone Faux Leather Collar Pocket Front Barn Jacket for £39.50. The piece has a dual-zip and a faux-leather collar, plus it’s made from 100% cotton with a quilted lining. This is the perfect jacket for an off-duty vibe on weekends. Just chuck on over jeans and a sweater, and you’re good to go.

We also LOVE the Corduroy Collar Mid Wash Pocket Denim Jacket that’s £26. The bold denim paired with the corduroy collar makes a seriously striking combo, and we say go a size up for that effortlessly oversized fit, which is ideal for layering when the chill really kicks in.

The Burgundy Faux Leather Oversized Cropped Jacket is such a failsafe fashion find. Whether paired with wide-leg jeans or a satin slip skirt, it’s edgy and effortless.

There’s something undeniably timeless about a trench coat. The structured shape instantly elevates any outfit, while the belt lets you play with the silhouette, whether you’re after cinched and styled or loose and laidback. This Khaki Coat is a colour that will work with so many looks, plus it comes in a neutral taupe shade. It’s also designed with a hood, so it’s perfect for those drizzly winter days when you’ve forgotten your brolly.

‘Love this coat!’ Asma wrote in her review of the khaki trench. ‘I’ve been looking for a hooded trench coat for so long. I’m currently between size 16-18 purchased the 16 and 18. The 16 was a perfect fit, gives me a great shape and hugs in all the right places. I’m 5’2 and its quite long however I don’t mind a long trench coat.’

Autumn and winter colours are so flattering, and we love the warmth of this Studio Edit Burgundy Quilted Jacket for £42. The funnel neck and quilted design are both perfect for keeping you warm, while the berry tones and oversized fit instantly elevates it.

Love a bit of leopard? The Leopard Print Shower Resistant Short Coat is £38, and a bold and bright style that works with anything. Because leopard is a neutral, guys, it really is. It also has a hood, a funnel neck, and padding, so frosty weather is no worry. 

Plus, it’s shower-resistant. Which doesn’t mean you can jump in wearing it for your morning rise, but it does mean it’ll hold up against the winter rain. So that’s a win. 

There’s plenty of other styles online, so grab them quick before they sell out. Our basket is already brimming.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: White Stuff knocks 50% off price of ‘perfect’ coat shoppers call ‘flattering and not too bulky’

MORE: ASOS has up to 60% off winter coats from Barbour, Arket, The North Face, and much more

MORE: This £90 M&S coat is a must for autumn – and looks just like a £5,000 Stella McCartney version

The Princess of Wales looked stunning in her Christian Dior tutu for Emmanuel Macron’s UK visit, which she paired with a blazer. Prince William’s wife repeated the look in a Self Portrait outfit at Wimbledon 2025.

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

Halloween is just days away and if your sweet stash is looking frighteningly low or you haven’t yet stocked up on candy for eager trick or treaters, don’t worry, we got you.

Right now, shoppers can snap up two tubs of Swizzels Halloween sweets (1.5kg in total) for just £11.98 – and if you’re a Prime member with next day delivery, they could land on your doorstep as soon as tomorrow.

Because there’s no guilt-trip quite like crowds of excited kids dressed up in their costumes arriving at the door only to leave disappointed and empty handed after you’ve run out of treats. 

Luckily, this pack of two Swizzels Party Mix Tubs has everything you need to avoid a fright – and it’s un-boo-lievable value. 

Swizzels Party Mix Tub (Pack of 2)

In two resealable tubs, shoppers get over 1.5kg of Halloween sweets including favourites, Refreshers, Parma Violets and Drumsticks. All individually wrapped and great for kids to delve their hands into, these sweets will keep trick or treaters more than happy on October 31.

Buy Now for £11.98

Each resealable 785g tub is packed with classic kids’ favourites, from Love Hearts and Refreshers to Drumsticks, Parma Violets and Fizzers, all individually wrapped and perfect for sharing (or stealing a few for yourself).

And at £11.98 for two tubs, it works out at less than £6 each. A pretty sweet saving compared to supermarket prices if you ask us, especially this close to October 31 when shelves are often stripped bare.

And with Amazon Prime’s next day delivery service, you can order them tonight and have your sweets ready for trick-or-treaters in time – no late-night supermarket dash required.

Only a few local kids? You can buy just one 785g tub of Swizzels Party Mix for just £5.99 – perfect if you’re expecting a smaller crowd but still want to join in the Halloween fun without breaking the bank.

So, if you’ve left it to the witching hour to stock up, fear not. This Swizzels sweet stash is a boo-tiful bargain and a spine-tinglingly sweet deal that’s guaranteed to raise your spirits!

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: From cat mugs to spooky candles – these are the 29 last-minute Halloween buys our shopping expert loves

MORE: The 15 most terrifying horror films set at Halloween and where to watch them

MORE: Dunelm has all the Halloween essentials to throw the ultimate spooky party come October

Princess Anne looked fabulous on a royal visit to a care home, wearing a green pencil skirt, blazer, bold blouse, and the sister of King Charles added shoes with a horsebit detail – a style loved by her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

ASOS fans won’t have to wait for deliveries this festive season, thanks to a new London pop-up giving you the rare opportunity to shop your favourites IRL.

In a recent announcement, the digital retailer revealed it will be ‘stepping out from behind the screen’ with a physical store featuring over 200 pieces across partywear, winter staples, beauty and gifting.

Alongside own brand items from the likes of ASOS Collective and ARRANGE, shoppers can try and buy curated pieces from Topshop and Topman, Good American, Carhartt WIP and AllSaints at the Carnaby Street location.

The ‘premium’ pop-up will also be only high street spot stocking the second drop of the exclusive Adidas x ASOS collaboration, which launches online on October 30.

If that wasn’t enough, beauty brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Medicube, Ouai and Bubble will be holding interactive installations, and Face + Body goody bags handed out to one in every 10 customers.

The one downside? It’s open for just one week, between November 7 and November 16.

This is the first of two upcoming pop-ups from the brand, with the second being held in New York later in the month.

Don’t despair if you can’t make either event though, as you’ll be able to ‘explore the full collection from anywhere’ with an edit on both the ASOS website and app.

Vanessa Spence, the company’s EVP of brand and creative, said: ‘ASOS has always been about inspiring confidence through fashion and beauty, and this pop-up is a celebration of that.

‘We’re bringing together our most exciting products in one place, giving customers the chance to discover and create outfits from our unique curation of brands and styles in real life.’

It comes two years after ASOS launched its first ever physical location over the 2023 Black Friday weekend.

In a four-storey building on London’s Rathbone Place, visitors were treated to a Snapchat collaboration where they could digitally ‘try on’ clothes via the app.

Meanwhile a packed schedule included styling sessions, skincare masterclasses, panel talks and workshops.

More recently, the retailer hosted similar pop-ups in London and New York in June as part of its ‘Summer, styled by ASOS’ campaign, with exclusive collections and limited-edition pieces alongside hourly giveaways and live DJ sets.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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

Shopping for perfume can be tricky. Scents are so subjective, and what smells heavenly to one person might be a little much to another.

Plus, there’s the art of leaving a lasting impression without smelling like you’ve sampled every bottle in the duty-free section like it was an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet…

If you’re craving that effortlessly cool and clean Parisian vibe this autumn, you need to check out Zadig & Voltaire’s range. The French brand is pure Parisian chic, with Taylor Swift and Alexa Chung among their fans. Their signature edgy meets elegant style effortlessly carries over from their iconic clothing to their captivating fragrances.

Zadig & Voltaire This Is Her! Eau de Parfum Gift Set

Step into the spirit of the season with Zadig & Voltaire’s This is Her! Eau de Parfum gift set.

Inspired by the energy of a Parisian celebration, this duo includes a 50ml bottle of the brand’s signature scent and a matching body lotion.

The fragrance blends creamy vanilla and chestnut with a bouquet of white florals, creating a warm, addictive aroma that captures the essence of effortless French cool.

Stylish and indulgent, it’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves their festive sparkle with a touch of edge.

Buy Now for £81

This is Her! has quickly become a sensation, especially on TikTok, where people rave about its understated appeal. One influencer called it ‘your skin but better’, with a delicious scent so natural, people might mistake it for your own. 

Which means you could totally channel your inner Friends’ Amanda Buffamonteezi, making people sniff your neck and proudly declare, ‘It’s not perfume, it’s ME!’

This fragrance is described by the brand as Parisian elegance wrapped up in cosy silk and cashmere vibes. It kicks off with a fresh burst of Arabian jasmine and a punch of pink peppercorn. In the middle, you’ve got chestnut and vanilla.

‘Oh my gosh!’ one shopper gushed in their review. ‘Where do I start but to say this fragrance is STUNNING! I have had more compliments with this than any other fragrance I have ever worn and as such this has become my go to for both day and evening! I have had strangers stop me to ask what I am wearing; I love it; everything about it! Don’t think about it; try it and buy it!’

ZADIG by Zadig & Voltaire Eau de Parfum is also a popular choice, and makes a bold statement with its striking winged bottle design. But the scent inside is even more impressive. It has radiant top notes of a unique black and white sesame accord that unfold into orange blossom. The base is a delicious blend of roasted vanilla with creamy sandalwood.

‘Absolutely one of the best perfumes I have had,’ a happy customer commented online. ‘I’m very regimental and buy the same perfumes, but thought I would buy this after receiving a sample. Not disappointed at all, it’s absolutely just me!’

If you fancy buying a fragrance for the man in your life, there is also This is Him!, which mixes spicy grapefruit with vanilla and incense. 

A gift for him AND you.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Shoppers say this ‘divine’ £12 fragrance from M&S is a dead ringer for a £170 version

MORE: From Nobody’s Child to New Look – these are the 26 items a shopping expert is buying

MORE: Cherry is autumn’s hottest fragrance trend – and this new scent might be the sexiest take yet

A woman has shared her heartache after her family turned their back on her after she introduced them to the man she wanted to marry – and people say they had every right to

‘I feel like I have to be a lot more wary of my surroundings and keep an eye out for anything that doesn’t look quite right,’ says Jane Rose, 50 from London.

‘Running in the summer months is a lot easier. I don’t always have to have my wits about me.’

Like many of us, the 50-year-old Londoner feels more ‘apprehensive’ about training after the clocks went back this weekend.

Getting harassed is something women who run are used to any time of the day, with a Metro investigation earlier this year exposing an epidemic of women runners being spat on and feeling the need to illegally arm themselves on runs. But when it’s dark, with fewer potential witnesses, it can feel even more sinister.

Data from This Girl Can found almost three-quarters (72%) of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines during winter.

One in four (24%) ensure to take well-lit routes, almost a quarter (23%) avoid certain areas altogether and one in five (20%) glance behind them to ensure they’re not being followed.

‘I tend to train alone and prefer running in the mornings, but the winter months make this harder for me – I feel like I have to run on the main roads so I am visible to traffic and feel more seen,’ says Jane.

She’s had men beep and jeer at her from their cars, and on one occasion she had to cut her workout short, as she had a bad feeling about a man nearby who kept running into her pathway.

‘I find that when running in the morning in the winter months, every noise I hear makes me feel uncomfortable or like somebody is there,’ she adds. The paranoia is rooted in memories of intimidating behaviour.

‘I am constantly looking left/right to check for people behind me, worried about tripping over pathways and watching my back.

‘All this extra planning can mess up my training plan.’

For some, experiences of physical assault have caused them to change their running behaviour.

‘I was running down a road I would typically go down and a man was walking towards me. As I ran past, he reached out and grabbed my bum which really startled me,’ remembers Yimika Onabiyi, 51, from London, who stopped running after this experience.

‘I wasn’t going to do anything about it but the thought of it happening to another woman and the support of my family encouraged me to speak to the police.

‘They gave me a case number and flagged they would patrol the area more. I no longer felt safe.’

During the pandemic, she got back into running – but only during full daylight.

‘I bumped into another lady running at one point and she asked if I wanted to join a running group, which is how I found Black Girls Do Run. I now run about four times a week, with multiple groups including Black Girls Do Run, West Side Runners and Nove.’

Yimika feels good physically and mentally when she runs, and when she has to stop due to fears about her safety, her wellbeing suffers.

‘I would only ever run by myself on the weekends when it is light outside,’ she says.

‘It is a real shame that my routine has changed but I have to consider my safety to avoid anything happening to me.

‘I always wear bright colours when it starts to get dark and wear running lights to make sure I feel safe, even when running as a group.’

With the clocks just having gone back, and opportunities to run in the light growing slimmer, 40% of women feel limited when it comes to fitness, and more than a quarter feel sad or frustrated. 

Jessica Moore, 33, from Southampton, is the founder of running group Solent Running Sisters, and says safety is a ‘huge thing’ for everyone who takes part.

‘It matters because without the safety of being in a group, many of our members would drastically reduce their exercise time in the winter due to not wanting to be exercising alone in the dark,’ she says.

‘We still get cat calls when out on group runs, but they are less intimidating and easier to handle when you’re running with a group of friends.’

The group run with chest torches, hi-vis clothing, and reflective gear.

Attendees have reported how grateful they are for the group, with many claiming they never used to run in the winter before joining.

‘A couple of our runners joined us due to different attacks in our local area and they no longer felt safe to be out after dark alone,’ she adds.

‘Many of our members commented that the club helps them to deal with their mental health and if they didn’t have us to run with during the winter months, due to safety concerns, they wouldn’t run at all, which would then have a detrimental impact on their health, both physical and mental.

‘We have a slogan that we never leave a sister behind. At races we support and cheer to the end, no runner is too slow.’

For Jessica personally, running helps her cope with anxiety.

‘I know I am not alone in saying that running helps with my mental health, so being able to continue running through the darker months, safely with my club makes a huge difference.’

Kate Dale, from This Girl Can, said: ‘It’s not right that for nearly half the year, we feel we have fewer options to be active in the ways that work for us.

‘And even if we go out despite these fears, it’s harder to get the joy, freedom and confidence that physical activity can bring if you’re constantly looking over your shoulder or monitoring your surroundings.

‘Helping women feel safe when getting active is not a singular responsibility; we need everyone to engage with the issue.’

This article was originally published in October 2023.

Do you have a story to share?

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

MORE: Mum goes running topless every day – but it’s for a very important reason