Walking through my local park recently, I noticed an elderly man sitting alone on a bench, just staring ahead. He looked sad and something about his demeanour didn’t seem right.
Pausing for a moment, I went over. ‘Morning,’ I said. ‘Mind if I sit?’ He didn’t answer, but I sat down anyway.
I asked again, and this time he began to talk. Slowly at first, but once he started, the words flowed.
He told me his wife had passed away exactly a year ago and he was struggling. They used to visit that park together – now he came every day to feel close to her.
He said no one wanted to talk to him about her anymore and he felt incredibly lonely. So we spoke about her on that bench for the best part of an hour.
I don’t know if he was thinking about suicide, but I could feel his deep sadness and loneliness.
So before we parted, I gave him the number for Samaritans, where I volunteer. I told him someone is always there to listen if he finds himself in crisis, and that he doesn’t have to go through this alone.
When I left, he looked a little lighter. His final words stayed with me: ‘Thank you for listening. Nobody else does.’
That was just one of many moments I’ve shared with strangers I was concerned about. You never know if a simple gesture like this can save their life.
The first time I stopped to speak with a stranger was about 15 years ago. She was sitting alone by the side of a busy road and something about her caught my attention, so I paused and asked how she was.
At first, she seemed surprised, but soon began to share her story about the unacceptable things her partner was pressuring her to do for money. I could feel her pain.
I couldn’t change that situation, but I listened. And in that moment, that seemed to matter.
She told me how grateful she was that I’d made her feel seen. I felt humbled and privileged that she trusted me with her story.
From there, I started speaking to strangers in public, on the high street, in coffee shops, at the park. In fact, I’d say I’ve struck up conversations with at least 70 people over the years, and I can honestly say I’ve never regretted a single encounter.
Need support?
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Once, I asked a woman how she was, and she immediately snapped, ‘What’s it got to do with you?’ I calmly replied, ‘Nothing really, I was just wondering how you were.’
Within minutes, she had apologised and opened up about her husband’s health. It reminded me how often people carry heavy things we can’t see at first glance.
This hit close to home for me around seven years ago, when I sadly lost a friend to suicide. While I always asked them how they were and knew they struggled sometimes, it came as a complete shock and has never left me.
Then a number of years later, I was in a relationship with someone who frequently attempted to take their own life.
It was during that time that I made my first call to Samaritans. I was struggling too, overwhelmed by the situation I was in, and not wanting to go through it anymore.
The volunteer on the line listened without judgement. That conversation helped me begin to make different decisions about my own life.
Something had to give. So I became a Samaritans volunteer in 2020, helping them answer calls for help. It’s nice to learn how to listen, but refrain from offering advice.
You’d be surprised how quickly people open up – it’s like they’ve been waiting for someone to ask.
Recently, I was walking by the river and saw a man in his thirties standing by the side. He looked quite distressed and was pacing.
I asked how he was and eventually he told me he couldn’t have contact with his daughter anymore and he felt quite desperate. He told me he didn’t want to be here, clearly planning to end his life.
So I persevered, asking who else he could turn to for support.
Before I left him, he made a plan to visit his mother and have dinner with her. I truly believe that our conversation helped save his life.
One in four people experience suicidal thoughts, but simple actions you take can be enough to interrupt them. So talk to people. Say hello. Ask how they are. Even if they don’t want to talk, it’s always better to try.
You never know what someone might be going through. If one small gesture could mean the difference between life and death, why wouldn’t you try? If you want more tips, Samaritans has a toolkit on their website, but you don’t need to be an expert.
Now, I feel honoured when someone opens up to me. It’s a privilege to be trusted, to hear what’s really going on beneath the surface – things that many people are sharing for the first time.
By being that listening ear, that conversation can help someone who is feeling suicidal start to see other options than taking their own life and set them on a path to recovery.
This World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), remember suicide is not inevitable. A moment of genuine human connection can be enough to save a life.
Let’s prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk.
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12 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
‘I didn’t want to use jabs to lose weight, so tried therapy instead’
Christine Swain was on holiday in Marrakesh last year when she asked her husband, Richard, to take a photo of her. Lounging in a bikini in front of a stunning rooftop view, she thought it would make a lovely picture.
But one glance at the photo which showed, in her words, her ‘huge thighs and barrel waist’ led her to delete it.
‘I’ve always been a size 14, but when I hit menopause I suddenly changed. I was a size 18, struggling and didn’t feel good about myself,’ the 55-year-old tells Metro.
Christine was bloated, suffering from debilitating menopausal symptoms, and in constant pain due to fibromyalgia.
‘I was eating healthily all day, but then in the evening I would find myself comfort-eating. Richard works shifts, so I would be waiting for him to come home eating a big bag of crisps or snacking on chocolate.
‘I didn’t feel good about myself; it made me feel ashamed. I didn’t need to eat it and afterwards I’d regret it.’
Having never wanted to lose weight before, Christine admits she wasn’t sure where to start.
She had read about the ‘quick fix’ of Ozempic and Mounjaro, but dismissed them as solutions. ‘I don’t like the idea of putting any unnecessary chemicals into my body. I wanted to try to eat healthily and exercise first,’ she remembers.
By chance, Christine spotted an article about health and nutrition coach Chloe Thomas, where she explained how she’d helped a woman with their fibromyalgia and menopause.
‘They were issues affecting me and I was really drawn to her message about mindset – and how through therapy you can learn about eating mindfully, rather than bingeing.’
Never having had therapy before – and with no clue that it could ever be used for weight loss – Christine tentatively contacted Chloe to find out more.
A brief call made it clear; alongside diet and exercise, sound healer Christine needed to change the way she thought about food. She would need twice-monthly therapy sessions via Zoom to talk about fitness, nutrition and why she ate the way she did.
At £150 a month, it wasn’t cheap, but Christine saw it as an investment.
‘Chloe worked on my subconscious and self-limiting beliefs. My previous marriage hadn’t been great and I had all these notions that I wasn’t good enough,’ she explains. ‘I would eat if something stressful happened, or drink to fulfil that need of having someone with me.
‘Then I would feel worse and rely on those destructive habits more. It was a vicious circle. I also learned about reading labels properly and started really thinking about what I put in my body, as well as tracking what I ate.’
Christine adds that one of the things that really helped make a difference was something she had always hated the idea of: affirmations.
‘These were things like: “‘I am safe. I am who I am and that is enough.” They never used to resonate with me and would almost make me angry. But this time they helped me start to treat myself in the same kind, loving way that I would my dog or children,’ she says.
‘We easily beat ourselves up about how fat and ugly we are – especially as women. The mindset work helped me notice when I was doing this and change it. And it didn’t feel silly at all -I really enjoyed the process.’
Through neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Christine learned to rewire her response to food and how she shouldn’t see crisps, chocolate and pizza as “guilty pleasures”.
‘I still enjoy them in moderation – and really enjoy them, because I eat consciously now, bearing in mind the lessons I have learned. I know I can still have them, but I have to make that choice.’
Meanwhile, talking through her issues with Chloe, also helped Christine notice patterns in her behaviour; how feeling weak and drained through fibromyalgia made her feel bad about herself and trigger comfort eating.
‘I would remember why stress makes me want to eat and interrupt that process – choosing a healthy treat to break that cycle. Something just switched off; whatever it was that made me want to put that stuff into my body.’
Despite being new to therapy, Christine said she embraced the idea, especially as it meant she wasn’t using a quick fix to lose weight.
‘I’ve seen results on people with the injections. Yes, it gives people that confidence if they do lose some weight, but then when they come off of them, they haven’t addressed their problems and they’re just going to put it back on. ‘I feel confident that I have changed something significant internally’ she insists.
‘I honestly loved the therapeutic approach and welcomed the opportunity to change the way I was living and the way I saw myself. I thought I’d be unhappy with how I looked for the rest of my life and even gave away all my party dresses. So it was a welcome relief to unpack all those beliefs and change them. It was really comfortable talking about my issues.’
Since she started nearly a year ago, Christine has lost more than three stone – and feels much more healthy.
‘I’ve not felt this good for a very long time and it has spurred me on to try other new things in my life,’ she says.
‘I can honestly say I don’t have any f** it days. I saw it as a huge learning opportunity and I really enjoyed learning about nutrition and how my mind works.’
Christine continues to see Chloe once a month, who now provides her coaching around other areas, including personal issues and business. She isn’t sure exactly how much she has spent but believes the investment to have been worth every penny.
‘I think everyone should have a mentor,’ she says. ‘Yes – it is more than a slimming club membership but I’m happy to pay for that one-to-one support. I am glad I went down the therapy route as I’ve seen fantastic changes that I know will last for the rest of my life.’
12 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
My fiancée helped me beat cancer – then got her own terminal diagnosis
I’ll never forget the day I was told I had cancer.
It was September 2015 and I was just 26. For weeks, I’d been feeling exhausted, plagued by back pain, and picking up infections from the smallest of cuts.
When I finally went for blood tests, and later a bone marrow biopsy, the news came that I had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, an aggressive blood cancer. I felt terrified, yet determined.
Within days, my world shifted to hospital wards, chemotherapy, and a battle for survival. My weight dropped by three stone, I lost my hair, and my immune system vanished.
For months, I was confined to an isolated hospital room, barely able to walk. Through it all, my partner Hannah was there.
She was training to be a nurse at the time, juggling her degree and my endless treatments, but she never left my side. She helped me eat when I was too weak to hold a spoon, cheered me up when the walls felt like they were closing in, and reminded me there was a future worth fighting for.
By early 2016, the doctors said I was in remission. I still had two more years of maintenance chemotherapy, but I had hope again.
That’s when my perspective on life began to change. I realised how fragile everything was and how precious the little things were.
I left teaching in 2019 to pursue my dream of opening my own escape room business. With a loan, a leap of faith, and Hannah cheering me on, Rush Hour Escape Rooms was born.
Life finally felt like it was coming together. Hannah and I got engaged in Las Vegas, and we started trying for a baby, eventually succeeding. For the first time in years, the future felt bright.
But in the summer of 2021, our world fell apart again.
Hannah noticed a lump on her leg. It grew frighteningly fast and tests confirmed it was BCOR sarcoma, a rare and brutal cancer. Hannah was just 26.
We couldn’t believe it after everything we’d already been through. Here we were again, and this time, she was four months pregnant with our daughter.
Doctors moved quickly and Hannah started chemotherapy during pregnancy. However, in November, our baby began to show signs she wasn’t growing properly, likely because of the treatment.
Hannah was induced early, and on December 10, 2021, our daughter Summer was born.
Hannah was exhausted, bald, and so weak, but she did it. She gave birth with a depleted immune system and delivered our miracle. Summer was perfect.
For months, Hannah endured more chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while I stumbled through fatherhood, getting to grips with nappies, bottles, and sleepless nights.
I struggled with depression and anxiety, but we made it through. By late 2022, Hannah was in remission, too.
We thought we’d beaten it together. We planned our wedding, Summer was thriving, and things felt hopeful again.
Then, in the summer of 2024, our perfect life all came crashing down.
Hannah was working a nursing shift when she was rushed to hospital with crippling abdominal pains. After weeks of tests, we heard the words we’d dreaded, that the cancer was back. It had spread, and this time was incurable.
It felt like the ground had been ripped from under us. I remember sitting there, numb, as doctors explained there was no cure.
Hannah insisted she’d beat it again. But deep down, I knew this time was different.
She went through more treatment, hoping for a miracle. But by October, the new round of chemotherapy had destroyed her immune system. She caught virus after virus, and soon she was in intensive care.
One evening, before she was placed on a ventilator, she looked at me and said, as best she could, ‘Look after Summer for me’.
That was the last thing she ever said to me.
On October 31, 2024, just 18 days before her 30th birthday, my soulmate and best friend passed away. I was left to raise our daughter alone.
Explaining to a nearly three-year-old that her mummy wasn’t coming back was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. At night, after putting Summer to bed, I’d sit on the kitchen floor and cry, feeling utterly lost.
Suddenly, I had to be both mum and dad, juggling housework, running a business, and parenting. I even YouTubed how to plait hair so Summer could feel pretty.
In the quiet after Hannah’s passing, I needed something to hold onto. What began as me going live on TikTok for a bit of company slowly grew into Brettflix, a community of over 250,000 cinephiles who share my love of films, pop culture, and a good laugh.
Find out more about Brett
Follow Brettflix on TikTok @Brett_Harman and Instagram @Brettflix_Official, and listen to The Brettflix Podcast on all major podcast platforms.
It’s led to a podcast, voiceover work, even movie premiere invites. But more than anything, it’s helped me find joy again.
Meanwhile, Summer and I have become inseparable. She is my world and my reason to get up each morning. We talk about her mum often.
I’ve run a Race for Life in Hannah’s memory, lost four stone, and am training for a 10K. We even have a commemorative bench in town, a place we can sit and feel close to her.
Life will never be the same. I still ache every day for Hannah, and I know I always will. She was an NHS hero, an incredible mum, and the bravest person I’ve ever known.
But I promised her I’d look after Summer, and that’s exactly what I’ll do.
Hannah taught me that life is fragile, but also full of love. I carry her strength with me, and I’m determined to make her proud.
For Summer, for Hannah, and for the life we dreamed of.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk.
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12 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Argyle knits are everywhere right now – these are the styles we’re loving for autumn
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While it’s still pretty mild out, as soon as the temperature drops we’ll be reaching for a cosy jumper or cardigan to keep the chill at bay. The current style we’re loving? Argyle.
Timeless and extremely chic, argyle jumpers have been taking autumn fashion by storm with their criss-cross pattern and snug vibes.
Perfect styled up with skirts and boots or down with jeans, argyle jumpers and cardigans are an old classic turned new style moment, and in truth we’re totally obsessed.
From big, bold looks like that of Damson Madder’s electric blue Saskia jumper to the classic dulcet tones of New Look’s dark grey and burgundy pieces, we’re definitely not fussy when it comes to this iconic style.
So, to make the search for your next argyle piece even easier we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite pieces available now – from jumpers to cardigans – to give your wardrobe that snug feeling in time for the change of seasons.
And with prices starting from just £25, there’s really something for everyone.
From John Lewis and Next to Damson Madder and Aligne, here are our top argyle picks.
New Look Dark Grey Argyle Knit Oversized Jumper
Cosy and warm, this dark grey argyle-knit jumper from New Look combines comfort with a playfully preppy twist, boasting a classic argyle design and autumnal colourway.
Omnes August Argyle Cardigan in Grey
Whether you layer it, drape it over your shoulders or wear it as a jumper, this Omnes Argyle Cardigan is a total wardrobe staple. It's been designedwith a tonal grey argyle pattern with high neck and button front, crafted with soft, fluffy yarns.
Aligne LB Renee Merino Argyle Cardigan
Opt for something a bit brighter with this Aligne LB Renee Merino Argyle Cardigan – part of the Lucy Bronze collection. Made in a soft merino-blend, this cosy cardigan features an eye-catching and bright argyle pattern with contrasting ribbed hem, cuffs and placket. Alongside a v-neckline, boxy fit and buttons to the front, it's the perfect piece for emulating cosy winter vibes.
New Look Grey Argyle Crew Neck Midweight Knit Jumper
We love this Grey Argyle Crew Neck Jumper from New Look – and for the price it's a total no-brainer if you're after something chic. Designed in a comfortable regular fit and featuring a ribbed waist and neckline, this lovely jumper is perfect for casual weekend wear but polished enough for the office, too.
John Lewis Merino Wool Blend Collared Argyle Cardigan, Fig
Utterly sleek and sophisticated, this John Lewis Argyle Cardigan is a gorgeous choice for drawing the eye when there's a chill in the air. Made of naturally temperature-regulating Merino wool for comfort and a luxurious soft feel, it's perfect for the coldest of days, while the collar detailing makes it perfect for dressing your outfit up or down.
Damson Madder saskia slouchy lambswool rugby jumper -bold argyle
We love every single thing about this Damson Madder jumper – from the bold blue, 100% certified responsible wool make-up of it to the polo collar and 3/4 button down front. Bold, daring, and totally chic.
FatFace Ali Natural Argyle Knitted Jumper
Soft and cosy, this FatFace Ali Natural Argyle Knitted Jumper is a gorgeous piece for everyday wear. It features a standout ribbed v-neckline with matching cuffed sleeves and hem, a slouchy fit and super-soft finish. Pair with jeans and you've got the ultimate autumn look.
Next Beige/Navy Blue Argyle Collar Layer Jumper With Wool
Opt for preppy vibes with this timeless beige and navy-blue argyle jumper from Next. It features a mock collar for a layered look without the bulk, while its cosy wool blend makes it the perfect statement piece for staying warm and on-trend all season long.
These are perfect for cosy season.
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Driving around the winding roads near my home in East Anglia recently, I was startled when I was beeped by a fellow driver.
Presumably I’d annoyed them in some way.
While this is the kind of routine occurrence that most people can shrug off, as someone who is hyper sensitive, it cast a shadow over my entire day.
I couldn’t concentrate on my work and when I went to pick my children up from school, I felt nervous being back behind the wheel.
That night, I continued to go over and over the incident in my head, obsessively worrying about what I did wrong and whether I even deserved to have a driving license at all.
All in all it took me well over 24 hours to process this one tiny exchange with a stranger.
I wish I could say this is the first time a small negative reaction has had such a stark impact on me – but the reality is, it wasn’t even the first time that week.
Highly sensitive people (HSP) are theorised to respond excessively to external stimuli, be that emotional, sensory (like sights or sounds) or even physically. For me, my hypersensitivity started from childhood.
Around the age of four I had to perform my first ballet show to a crowd at a small theatre in Stroud. As a very shy child, this was my worst nightmare.
I remember looking out at the audience and finding it overwhelming to see such a mass of people staring at me out of the darkness. I couldn’t cope and wound up turning my back on the crowd, performing my little dance in my pink tutu to the wall.
At the age of five, my headmaster slapped me across the face in the bathroom and, after that I became too embarrassed to ask to go to the toilet at school, so much so that one time I ended up doing it in my satchel instead.
While my teachers never found out, my mum knew immediately. Thankfully, she was very gracious and understanding, and sensibly moved me to another school shortly afterwards.
Any suffering I witnessed – be that adverts of dogs being mistreated on TV or reading particularly upsetting news articles – would make me feel distraught. I’d cry and feel like I had to do something about it.
It’s why I’d signed up as a sponsor to all sorts of animal charities by the age of nine. By adulthood, I was quite bad at saying no to any fundraising initiatives.
At this point in my life, a therapist I’d seen purely to get to the bottom of my seemingly heightened emotions suggested that I was most likely hyper sensitive.
I didn’t take this too seriously or even think of it as a ‘diagnosis’, but it did explain why I reacted so severely to certain situations compared to others.
To this day (and I’m 44 now) if someone tells me a particularly harrowing story about something awful that has happened to them – such as losing all their money in a scam or discovering their partner has been cheating on them – I still immediately want to help.
I’ve been known to offer to look after children for the summer holidays, even if I don’t know them that well. As for friends, I’ve invited them to move into my house until they’re back on their feet, regardless of how impractical an idea it actually is. And, quite often, people take me up on my offers.
There’s a more physical side to hypersensitivity too, one that makes me far more attuned (for better and worse) to sights, sounds, and even smells.
The other day when looking round a house I might buy I was completely put off as the fridge was giving off an awful odour when I opened the door.
My son, husband and estate agent thought I was being ridiculous – it was just one, easily replaced item of furniture after all. But it coloured my entire perception of that potential new home and, as a result, we discounted it.
If that’s not hard enough to combat, I even worry that it’s somehow arrogant that I seem to consider my problems bigger than others’, and just can’t get over minor issues like most people. I often worry that I’ve bored people endlessly with my worries – though fortunately, it’s never seemed to cost me any friendships.
But it’s not all bad.
It has taught me not to jump to conclusions, to accept defeat and admit fault, to say sorry (even if I often do it when I shouldn’t), to be a good friend and to look out for others in a way others maybe wouldn’t.
I’ll always be the first to check in with someone or send a follow-up text and I try to help as much as I can. However, I also recognise when it’s best to take a step back and be respectful of boundaries.
One of the other advantages of being a highly sensitive person is that it is easy to put yourself into someone else’s shoes which I’d like to think has made me a better journalist as I am able to better empathise with people and tell their stories more honestly.
You can’t manufacture real emotions or how stories affect you – at least I certainly can’t.
Basically, being a highly sensitive person is both a blessing and a curse.
My daughter even says I have a gift of prophecy as I can usually pick up on a bad atmosphere in a place or if a marriage is on the rocks before anyone else.
Sometimes I wish I could just switch it off and go about my life like a ‘normal’ person. But this is who I am and even if it keeps me up at night, I’ll always be grateful I’m not like most people.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk.
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11 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I’m a drinks writer and this non-alcoholic Champagne alternative blew me away
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Ever heard of something called ‘the tyranny of choice’?
It’s when you’re given a multitude of options, which should offer you a sense of freedom, but they actually the opposite effect, leaving you anxious.
This was the exact feeling I had yesterday when I left Parched in East London (in a good way, if that makes sense), the UK’s largest tasting event showcasing low and no-alcohol drinks.
The show was heaving, and the venue was decked out with wall-to-wall (literally, there was a beer wall) tables offering tasters from bottles off all shapes and sizes, with kaleidoscopic labels and catchy brand names.
And the thing I couldn’t get my head around; everything was under 0.5% alcohol.
You name it, they were showing it. Non-alcohol replacements for gin, rum, whisky, tequila, wine, champagne and beer, then there were the stand-alone blends that weren’t there to replace anything.
So, when you consider that, even as recently as last year, there weren’t nearly as many low and no-alcohol drink options. What has inspired the Great British Booze Shift?
The short answer is, people are drinking less. In fact, one in five adults now report not drinking alcohol at all.
According to a Drinkaware survey from 2023, around 25% of 16 to 24-year-olds are teetotal, with health and wellness cited as a massive factor, as well as financial motivations and quite simply, the sheer range of non-alcoholic options availabe.
There’s also less stigma around not drinking alcohol, you no longer have to be the designated driver who nurses a watery, warm glass of Coke all night. Ring a bell?
We live in a world of dealcoholised wine, botanically-built drinks, options with a spicy kick, decent kombucha, abstemious spritzes, non-boozy beer with ramped up hoppiness, and it’s far more about personal choice than ever before.
But while I’m buoyed up by the sheer amount of delicious low and non-alcoholic drinking options available for Sober October and beyond, it’s worth noting that they’re not all cheap. In fact, in a lot of cases they’re still pretty expensive and hard to find.
But, it’s my job to free you from the tyranny of choice, so here are the top low-and-no alcohol beverages, some of which I tried at Parched…
Bolle Blanc de Blancs, £19.99 (0% abv), drinksupermarket.com
Bolle Blanc de Blancs
Bolle produces some of the finest non-alcoholic wines in existence. This is a blend of Chardonnay and Silvaner, with dry and delicious notes of fresh pears on toast, lemon thyme and sherbet on the finish. They use a patented technique to keep in as many of the flavours as possible, and it works.
Future Château Sparkling, £28.99 (5% abv), Selfridges
The founder of this aimed to produce a flavoursome, low-alcohol (it has 5% abv) session wine you could drink, minus the guilt and fuzzy head in the morning. Hey presto, Future Château was born (after 5 years in the making). It blew me away, so get in there quick as first batch will sell out soon.
Pale Fox Prosecco, £26.41 (0% abv), Master of Malt
This has been billed as ‘The world’s finest Prosecco’. I was actually blindsided that this contained no alcohol; it has all the hallmarks of a well-made Prosecco, and apparently none of the alcohol. It’s a blend of Prosecco’s very own Glera grape, along with some Pinot Grigio. The result is dry and mineral wine with a pear and lemon sherbet froth.
Bolle Spritz, £17.99 (0% abv), bolledrinks.com
Bolle again, producing one of the most authentic versions of an Aperol Spritz I’ve tried, alcohol or not (there’s none). The base wine is sparkling Chardonnay, layered over with bitter orange and herbs, which really kick in on the finish. Chill it down, hard, pour into an oversized wine glass, garnish with orange and enjoy. It’s 60% less calories than the alcoholic version too.
Fevertree Non-Alcoholic Italian Spritz, £1.90 (0% abv), Waitrose
Slightly sweeter than Bolle’s, but with balancing bitter notes. Fevertree’s is a fantastic non-alcoholic spritz with a carbonate water base with blood orange, vanilla and liquorice flavouring.
Mother Root, £27.95, Waitrose
This has just won big investment from Steven Bartlett on Dragon’s Den. It’s an all-natural aperitif drink, crafted from an apple cider vinegar base, designed to deliver the same ‘flavour punch and slow-sip satisfaction’ as alcohol. I admire the fact it’s not trying to replace anything, plus it’s balanced and delicious with gingery fire, a kick of chilli and soothing honey.
Longbottom Virgin Mary, £1.80, Ocado
If loving Longbottom is wrong (which it isn’t), I don’t want to be right. I’m a superfan of this product, which is now poured on 12 major airlines, including BA. Made with proper tomato juice (Canary and Pear tomatoes juiced within 2 hours of harvest), with warming, balanced spices. I can’t get enough of it, no wonder a can is opened every 60 seconds in the sky.
Botaniets Triple Distilled, £35 (0% abv), Fortnum & Mason
This is inspired by an old-timey recipe dating back to 1887. It’s billed as a gin replacement, but I think that’s doing it a disservice. Made from wild juniper, Sicilian citrus peel, ginger, rosemary, cardamom and 9 other botanicals, it’s bright and lip-smacking when sipped with Fevertree original tonic.
Nolia IPA, £4.25 (0.5% abv), beershophq.uk
Delicous and mega-hoppy, made from hops hand-selected from farms in the Yakima Valley in Washington and Nelson, New Zealand. They maintain that one of the major flavour profiles of this beer is lime mojitos, and now I can’t taste anything else. Apart from the tropical notes of mango and papaya that is.
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11 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
From whacky to wonderful – these are the 24 Christmas decorations our shopping expert loves
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Even though we still have Halloween to get through, and Bonfire Night just after that, our shopping expert can’t stop herself from getting over-excited about Christmas, and the gorgeous decorations she wants to buy for this year.
Speaking with John Lewis earlier this month, who officially launched its Christmas Shop in late September, the retailer is going bigger than ever before.
With over 1.1 million crackers ready to be pulled – enough to stretch the length of the London Marathon more than 40 times – and 70km of garlands prepped to deck homes from Oxford Street to Windsor Castle, it’s clear that Christmas 2025 is all about making a statement.
Lisa Cherry, Head of Christmas at John Lewis, said: ‘This year we are seeing customers bring real personality to how they decorate their homes. From playful baubles with faces to bold stripes and nostalgic character decorations – the joy is mixing tradition with a twist. We’ve invested more than ever before in our Christmas decorations, gifts and experiences this year so customers can create magical moments that feel uniquely theirs.’
John Lewis is forecasting a 25% rise in greenery sales, and for those going all out, the retailer is offering its tallest-ever Christmas tree at a towering 10ft. According to Christmas Buyer Charlie Murray, this year’s trends are all about self-expression, scale, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
Personality, Not Perfection
Forget matchy-matchy trees – 2025 is about making your decorations personal. Alphabet stockings and initial baubles are up 185% year-on-year, while quirky ornaments like custard creams, espresso martinis and even kitchen scales are topping shopping baskets.
Mini-to-Maxi Styling
Stripes and harlequin prints are the statement patterns of the season, bringing a theatrical flair to trees and tables. Staircase styling and mantel-scaping are back in a big way, and pre-lit trees – including the new 10ft model – remain festive heroes.
Nostalgia Reigns Supreme
Retro is in. Sales of nostalgic ornaments – think vinyl record players and retro TVs – have soared by 293% compared to last year, as customers look to recapture the magic of Christmases past.
As for 2025? John Lewis’ expert buying team has curated four distinct themes, each designed to bring depth and storytelling to your seasonal décor:
- Heirloom Splendour: A celebration of elegance with pastel tones, champagne gold, gingham, and hand-crafted details – including the retailer’s first-ever pre-lit gold tree.
- Enchanting Tales: Inspired by theatre and pantomime, this theme dazzles with jewel tones, harlequin prints and intricate beadwork.
- Worldly Treasures: A globe-trotting collection featuring eclectic colours, animal ornaments and a collaboration with MADE51, supporting refugee artisans.
- Ancient Wonders: Drawing from the natural world, this theme features rich metallics, frost blues and mythical creatures from mammoths to yetis.
Whether you’re going for grandeur or a touch of whimsy, our shopping expert has picked out her favourite Christmas decorations for 2025, and ready to inspire a season full of sparkle, sentiment and serious style.
Fortnum & Mason Rudolph Carrot Felt Decoration
A charming felt carrot decoration, handcrafted using traditional techniques. With a sweet stitched label, it’s perfect for hanging on the tree or leaving out for Rudolph on Christmas Eve.
John Lewis x Nestle Quality Street John Lewis Quality Street Tin Bauble, 2000s
This nostalgic bauble is a collaboration between John Lewis and Nestlé, inspired by the classic Quality Street sweet tin from the 2000s. It’s made of glass and features detailed printing that mimics the iconic tin design, complete with a purple hanging ribbon.
M&S Glass Hanging Percy Pig™ Sweet Decoration
Add a playful touch to your tree with this glittery glass Percy Pig™ decoration – sweet, sparkly, and ready to hang.
Selfridges Swiftie Heart Christmas Decoration
The Swiftie Heart Christmas Decoration from Selfridges is a glossy glass bauble featuring a bold 'Swiftie' slogan – perfect for Taylor Swift fans looking to add a pop of personality to their festive décor.
Liberty Marmalade Sandwich Bag Ornament
The Bag Marmalade Sandwich Ornament from Liberty is a whimsical glass Christmas decoration shaped like a handbag with a marmalade sandwich peeking out the top – an elegant and playful nod to Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic handbag, inspired by the beloved Paddington sketch from the Platinum Jubilee.
Dunelm Pack of 3 Sweets Hanging Decorations
Bring a playful touch to your festive décor with this trio of sweet-shaped decorations, each in a different colour and ready to hang. Perfect for trees, garlands or gift wrapping, their nostalgic charm pairs easily with novelty or themed ornaments.
H&M 6-pack Paper Christmas Decorations
Crafted from lightweight cardboard with glittered edges, these retro-style decorations evoke the charm of childhood Christmas crafts. Ranging from 4.1cm to 5.2cm in height, they’re a fun and nostalgic addition to any festive tree.
M&S Hanging Christmas Pudding Decoration
Serve up some festive cheer with this Christmas pudding decoration, featuring glittery icing, holly details, and a bright red plate – complete with a hanging loop for easy display on your tree.
John Lewis London Bears Glass Baubles, Box of 3
The John Lewis London Bears Glass Baubles is a delightful Christmas decoration set featuring three glass baubles, each showcasing a bear dressed in a different London-themed outfit. These baubles are part of John Lewis’s festive boxed bauble collection and are designed to add a touch of charm and character to your Christmas tree.
Selfridges Brie Cheese Glass Christmas Decoration
Add a slice of fun to your tree with Selfridges’ Brie Cheese Glass Christmas Decoration. This playful glass ornament, shaped like a wedge of brie, is perfect for food lovers looking to bring a quirky twist to their festive styling.
Dunelm Beaded Magic Hanging Decoration
Add a touch of festive sparkle with this handmade beaded ‘Magic’ decoration. Crafted in India with shimmering detail, it’s a charming reminder of the wonder of the season.
Liberty Espresso Martini with High Heels Glass Ornament
Liberty’s Espresso Martini with High Heels Glass Ornament adds a glamorous twist to festive decorating, featuring a glittering cocktail glass paired with sparkling stilettos – perfect for bringing a touch of party spirit to your Christmas tree.
Fortnum & Mason Fortnum's Cake Stand Christmas Decoration
The Fortnum’s Cake Stand Christmas Decoration is a beautifully hand-painted ornament inspired by the brand’s iconic Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and St James teaware collection. Designed to resemble a classic cake stand brimming with sandwiches, macaroons, and other delicious Fortnum’s treats, it captures the elegance and indulgence of a traditional afternoon tea.
Anthropologie Baby's First Holiday Glass Ornament
The Baby's First Holiday Glass Ornament from Anthropologie is a charming keepsake designed to celebrate a special milestone – your little one’s first festive season. Exclusively available at Anthropologie, this sweet ornament is crafted from handblown glass and wood, combining delicate craftsmanship with sentimental value.
Oliver Bonas Silver Disco Ball Christmas Bauble
The Silver Disco Ball Christmas Tree Decoration from Oliver Bonas is a festive ornament designed to bring sparkle and retro charm to your holiday décor. Shaped like a classic disco ball, it features mirrored silver panels that reflect light beautifully, creating a shimmering effect on your tree.
Primark Christmas Hanging Ornament Decoration
The Red Christmas Hanging Ornament Decoration from Primark is a simple yet festive addition to your seasonal décor. Made from 100% plastic, it features a printed design and comes ready to hang, making it an easy way to add a pop of colour to your Christmas tree or garlands.
Next 50 Pack Red/Green Mix Stripe Shatterproof Christmas Baubles
Bring timeless charm to your festive décor with this 50-piece shatterproof bauble set. Featuring a mix of sizes and traditional colours, each bauble comes with a pre-tied hanging thread for effortless decorating – perfect for creating a full and festive look straight out of the box.
Selfridges Old Guys Rule Motorcycle Santa Christmas Decoration
This fun and festive ornament features Santa riding a motorcycle, complete with glittering details and bold colours. It’s part of the Selfridges Edit collection and adds a humorous, characterful twist to traditional Christmas décor – perfect for anyone who enjoys decorations with personality and a bit of attitude.
Liberty London Taxi Ornament
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your festive décor with this Liberty London Christmas ornament. Designed in the brand’s signature purple, the glass London taxi features delicate holly detailing and a Liberty logo, bringing a subtle nod to the store’s heritage. Complete with a hanging loop, it’s a stylish way to keep your tree shimmering with classic charm.
Harrods Green Shopping Bag Tree Decoration
Celebrate the joy of festive gifting with this glittering Harrods shopping bag ornament. Overflowing with tiny presents and finished with the iconic logo, this hand-detailed decoration captures the magic of holiday shopping and adds a sparkling tribute to the world-famous department store.
Fortnum & Mason Mini Hamper Christmas Decoration
Fortnum’s Mini Hamper Ornament is a charming replica of the brand’s iconic wicker hampers, complete with a leather bow fastening. Perfect for hiding a tiny gift or simply adding a touch of Fortnum’s heritage to your festive décor, it can be hung on the tree with its silk ribbon loop or placed anywhere you’d like a little seasonal charm.
H&M 6-Pack Christmas Decorations
We love this festive trio, designed to add a playful and colourful touch to your holiday décor. Each ornament is shaped like a sweet treat and comes in a different colour, bringing a nostalgic, retro-inspired feel to your Christmas setup.
Anthropologie studio THIE Turkey Wine Glass Ornament
The Studio THIE Turkey Wine Glass Ornament from Anthropologie is a playful glass decoration featuring a miniature roast turkey nestled inside a wine glass. Designed by London-based brand Studio THIE, known for its quirky and planet-friendly creations, this ornament adds a humorous and unexpected twist to traditional festive décor – perfect for those who love food-themed or novelty decorations.
Next Brown Hamish Christmas Pudding Bauble with Dangly Legs
The Brown Hamish Christmas Pudding Bauble with Dangly Legs from Next is a festive and whimsical tree decoration featuring the beloved character Hamish the Highland Cow dressed as a Christmas pudding.
And trust us when we say, these are just a few that she picked out – but there’s a plethora of others that will deck your halls, that’s for sure!
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10 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
People are getting ‘HoleTox’ injections to loosen up in the bedroom
Botox has a whole host of uses beyond smoothing out wrinkles, helping with everything from excessive sweating to jaw clenching.
Now, it’s also being employed in more innovate (and intimate) ways, with so-called ‘HoleTox’ serving to improve people’s sex lives and combat a range of uncomfortable health issues.
As the name suggests, this procedure involves the botulinum toxin being injected into the anal sphincter, either under anaesthesia or with localised numbing agents.
The thought may make you clench, but it’s not the back door Botox you’ve been warned about. In fact, aesthetic doctor Dr Richard Devine describes it as ‘a quick, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a clinic setting.’
Some people get HoleTox – the trademarked name owned by Lushful Aesthetics – for strictly medical reasons, primarily as a treatment for chronic anal fissures (small tears in the lining of the anus).
Although surgery and topical creams or ointments are typically offered first, studies show that fissures heal in around six to eight out of 10 people who have Botox injections, and the NHS considers it an ‘off-label’ treatment option.
‘The toxin works by temporarily relaxing the muscle, which helps ease tension,’ Dr Devine tells Metro. ‘This increases blood flow to the area, which can help with healing of anal fissures or sores.’
This relaxant effect can also be beneficial for constipation, and in some cases alleviate anorectal and pelvic pain or haemorrhoid-related discomfort.
For others though, HoleTox ensures pleasure doesn’t turn to pain when it comes to anal sex.
Lushful Aesthetics, a US-based clinic chain offers it as a signature procedure to ‘aid patients who suffer from recurring fissures and/or allow for easier dilation during penetrative anal sex (bottoming).’
‘Botox for anal fissures from an aesthetic clinic can also help prevent future damage to the anal cavity and can result in a more enjoyable sexual experience,’ it adds.
In the past, this effect would be achieved through a course of anal dilation, which can take anywhere between several weeks to several months. But HoleTox results take full effect about two weeks after treatment, with effects lasting up to four months, making this a preferable solution for some (albeit alongside regular dilation and using lubrication during sex).
However, it’s a fair bit more expensive than a set of butt plugs. According to Dr Devine, anal Botox will typically cost between £400 to £800 per session, depending on the clinic and purpose of the treatment.
It’s not without risk either, from temporary loss of bowel control to mild flu-like symptoms. In most cases, side effects are minimal, but like any other medical procedure, HoleTox shouldn’t be taken lightly.
If you’re considering having this treatment, make sure it’s administered by a trained professional in a clinical setting. It’s also a good idea to speak to your GP or colorectal specialist first, as they can help you decide whether it’s the right option for you.
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10 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
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