Crossing the finish line of my ultramarathon, tears immediately began to fall.

For the past seven hours, I’d battled torrential rain and wind, grappled with 6,000ft terrains and pushed through exhaustion.

Because six weeks earlier, I’d finished treatment for stage 3 breast cancer, and better yet, I’m now in complete remission. 

I found the lump early – specifically, while in the supermarket on a Sunday in October 2024 – when I just happened to brush my breast and accidentally knocked the hard pea-sized lump. 

Immediately, I froze in the queue with fear. ‘That’s never been there before,’ I thought to myself and booked an urgent appointment at my local GP for the next morning.

To my relief, my doctor thought it was just a fatty lump, but referred me for my first ever mammogram just to be safe. I thought it would be a waste of time.  

That same day, I had two mammograms and a biopsy. The day after that, I had a further 15 biopsies.

Still, I sat in the waiting room expecting all would be well. And when I saw three doctors enter a nearby room, I assumed someone else was going to get bad news.

Then they called my name.

I was told that my cells looked ‘suspicious in nature’ and that my official results would be ready in a fortnight – that’s a long time to wait when you’re terrified of the outcome.

Sure enough, in mid-November, the results and my doctor confirmed it: I had stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer.

This type of breast cancer means that the cancer cells make too much of a protein called HER2, which enables cancer cells to grow and spread more rapidly. In my case, the cancer had already spread from my breast to nearby lymph nodes. 

For a moment I simply sat in disbelief.

I would need chemotherapy first to shrink the size of the tumour and then a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. This was real, and it was happening to me.

I didn’t tell my two children the news at first: I’d got the results just before my son’s sixteenth birthday and I wanted him to enjoy his party.

Eventually though, after about a week of trying to act normally, I sat them down with their dad and began one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had.

‘I’ve got breast cancer,’ I told them plainly. My daughter got upset but my son didn’t say anything, which was equally worrying. I quickly added that ‘doctors are certain that I’ll survive this.’

However, even I hadn’t absorbed how potentially serious this was – I was very naive about the treatment I was about to receive and was focused on trying to remain positive.

On 18 December 2024 I started my six rounds of chemotherapy. I completely lost my voice at one point and everything tasted like battery acid – both of which are common side effects for chemo patients. I couldn’t even eat the chocolates people had bought me, and I swapped my Christmas dinner for ice lollies.

Strangely though, I found those days of having chemotherapy actually enjoyable. I was surrounded by lovely nurses and other cancer patients going through the same thing and we’d all just sit and chat.

The only thing that upset me was seeing how scared my children were. 

One day, I gave my son a big hug and asked if he wanted to talk about it, and he just asked me if I was going to die. I told him I had to get sick to get better but that I would get better.

I think the thing that really helped put both mine and the children’s minds at ease though was seeing me keep fairly active between chemo rounds.

Although it sometimes felt like I was running through quicksand when I was walking the dog or completing some slow, short trail runs, I would feel strong and positive. And the closer I got to the end of chemo, the more resilient I became.

In April 2025, I was told I’d had a pathologic complete response (pCR) to the chemo – no cancerous cells showed up on the MRI, the invasive breast cancer was gone.

Even though I had more treatment to go, I was so relieved. I’d always worried it might spread further, but this result gave me a fighting chance.

My mastectomy followed in May 2025. I lost one breast, but not my positive attitude.

The day after I came home I went for a short walk. Two weeks after that, I went for a gentle run and gradually increased my distance. By the time I started radiotherapy in July 2025, I’d set myself a challenge to run after every treatment.

The first mile or two was always hard work – radiotherapy doesn’t affect your immune system the way chemo does, but it does make you tired – and sometimes I’d cry, but I’d always push through. Ultimately, I always finished happy, feeling grateful for the beautiful surroundings.

After the 15th and final round of radiotherapy, I decided to organise an ultramarathon in the Peak District, to raise money for Cancer Research.

While it was mostly for me – I wanted to get my life back on track and prove I could do it – I also wanted my children to see that, even after something so challenging, you can come back stronger. 

Despite the stormy weather, over 15 people turned out to support me, I had a blast and raised £4,000 for Cancer Research. 

The past year has been incredibly hard, emotional and unpredictable. I never thought cancer would happen to me, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that early detection can save lives.

My doctor told me that if I’d found the lump just six months later, we might have been looking at secondary cancer and my story could have had a very different ending. 

Instead, despite some fatigue from ongoing cancer and hormone treatment, my health is getting stronger every day and I’m able to look to the future.

I’ll have mammograms once a year but I also have many more races ahead of me – including a 30-mile event in Portugal next month – and I can’t wait to get started.

On your marks. Check your breasts. Go.

As told to Sarah Haselwood

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If your windows are fogging up, your walls feel a bit clammy, or your bedroom’s started to smell musty, you might have a damp problem – but this clever little gadget could be the solution.

With the rising cost of energy, households are finding ways to keep their homes dry and warm without turning on the central heating. 

One hack savvy shoppers are swearing by is investing in a great humidifier – to be more specific, the EasyAcc 1200ml Electric Dehumidifier. 

EasyAcc® 1200ml Electric Dehumidifier with Ultra Quiet & Auto Shut Off

Compact and quiet, this dehumidifier uses ultra-quiet Peltier technology, running at less than 35dB so it won’t disturb your sleep.

It removes up to 400ml of moisture per day and holds 1.2 litres in its tank. Energy efficient and cost-effective, it uses just 0.79kWh over 24 hours.

It also features auto shut-off and seven soft night light options, perfect for keeping your home fresh and dry.

Buy Now for £46.99 (was £58.99) – save 20%

Praised as ‘compact and ultra-quiet’ by happy customers, the home gadget is now 20% off on Amazon, down from £58.99 to just £46.99. 

Thanks to semiconductor cooling technology and a powerful suction fan, it can remove up to 400ml of moisture per day, helping keep bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, wardrobes, and even wet laundry fresh and dry by reducing dampness and preventing musty smells.

Using Peltier technology, the dehumidifier runs at under 35 decibels, making it quiet enough to use on your bedside table, even as you sleep. 

Better yet, it’s energy efficient and uses just 0.79kW over 24 hours, so you can leave it running without worrying about soaring energy bills.

Struggling with a seriously damp home? The EasyAcc dehumidifier collects up to 1.2 litres of moisture, with a water tank that’s easy to remove, empty and clean.

There’s no need to worry about switching it off either as it automatically shuts off when full and flashes a red light to let you know it’s time to empty it.

Lightweight (weighing just 3.3lb) and compact at just 13.7 x 14 x 20.5cm, this nifty dehumidifier also features seven soft night light settings – perfect for adding a gentle glow to your room (handy if you’re up in the night for a loo trip). Prefer darkness? You can switch the lights off completely too.

With a seriously impressive online rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, previous buyers have left scores of positive reviews.

One buyer, Mart, said: ‘I picked this up mainly to tackle the condensation that always appears on the windows during the colder months, and I’ve been really impressed with how well it works. Within a few days of using it, I noticed a huge reduction in dampness and that “musty” feeling in the air. Now, after about six months of pretty much constant use, I can say it’s made a real difference, no more waking up to water running down the windows.’

A review left by a buyer called Jet said: ‘The 1200ml Electric Dehumidifier is brilliant! I was amazed how quickly water began to gather in it once I had placed it in my motorhome. So pleased I bought it.’ 

And a review from Liz said: ‘Had this for a year now. It’s absolutely brilliant and continues to do its little job amazingly! Quiet, compact and works really well. I’d definitely recommend it.’

So, if you’re looking for an affordable, energy-efficient way to combat damp this autumn/winter and keep your home feeling fresh, EasyAcc’s 1200ml Electric Dehumidifier could be exactly what you need. 

Consider us sold. 

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Let’s face it, summer has well and truly sodded off. It’s wet, windy, and dark before dinner, and Storm Benjamin is threatening to blow our bins into next week.

So now’s the perfect time to hunker down and stock up on the snuggly stuff. And lucky for us, Oodie is having a seriously good sale right now, packed with plenty of comforting gems.

The Oodie Original is the wearable blanket that launched the brand into cult status. Even Martin Lewis gave it a thumbs-up as a smart way to stay warm without cranking the heating. And let’s be honest, if it’s good enough for Martin, it’s good enough for us.

Burgundy Oodie™ Original

Wrap yourself in next-level comfort with the Oodie™ Original – the ultimate wearable blanket for cosy days and snuggly nights. Now available in Small/Medium and OOD sizes.

Buy Now for £39 (was £65)

There are plenty of colours and patterns available, and it’s now £26 off at just £39. With its oversized fit, super soft fabric, cosy hood, and roomy sleeves, the Oodie Original is basically a hug in clothing form. Oh, and it’s even got pockets for snacks. Be still our beating belly.

‘my favourite thing of all!!!’ Sally said in her review, while Anie added: ‘Wish I had bought one sooner.’

How about some cloud-like comfort on your feet? The Pink Sherpa Slides are now £39, and have a plush sherpa lining, a grippy rubber outsole, and they’re vegan too. Great for indoors and quick trips outside, whether you’re popping out the bins or doing an emergency milk run. They even get bonus points for the moulded footbed with arch support, because your feet deserve it.

Pink Two Strap Sherpa Slides

The Two Strap Sherpa Slide offers cosy comfort with soft sherpa lining, adjustable Velcro straps, and a moulded footbed with arch support. Its durable rubber outsole makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor wear, and it's made from 100% vegan materials.

Buy Now for £39 (was £49)

‘I LOVE THESE SO MUCH,’ Sarah said in her review. ‘I wear them none stop 10/10.’

For those cosy nights in, you can’t go wrong with the Space Black Blanket – now £39. It features Oodie’s signature ToastyTek™fleece, which is a specially engineered fabric that’s ultra-soft, super warm, and breathable to keep you toasty without overheating. Plus, it’s reversible and machine-washable. 

Space Black Sherpa Blanket

Designed in timeless, classic colours, it’s made to effortlessly complement your living space while keeping you warm and cosy.

Buy Now for £39 (was £55)

‘This Is The Best One I’ve Ever Seen Is Absolutely Amazing,’ Piper wrote in her enthusiastic review. ‘I Feel Like Everyone Should Have One Like This. You’re Just So Amazing And I Wish Everyone Could Have One.’

Still a human furnace even in winter? Oodie’s for you covered with its Pink Leopard Cooling Pyjama top and bottoms at £20 and £25. With four-way stretch for total comfort and breathable, naturally cooling fabric, it keeps you sleeping well without the sweat.

Looks like we’re about to do a little lunchtime shopping!

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A man was left saying his wife was ‘lame’ after she gave him a cookie, addressing whether or not he’d passed his exams to become an attorney but people said he’d ‘won the wife lottery’

Everybody loves a comeback story — especially when it’s the perfect excuse for a shopping trip.

GAP is making its way back onto the high street, with three new stores opening across London this winter.

In 2021, GAP closed all of its UK stores, following a long period of financial hardship.

The US retailer was struggling to compete against the likes of Zara, Primark, and Uniqlo.

But now, just four years later, GAP is back. The new shop locations are Covent Garden, Westfield, and Wembley Park’s London Designer Outlet.

The first store, based in London’s Covent Garden, will open on 7 November, with the other two stores being unveiled across the month of December.

And nostalgic shoppers online are excited to be able to pick up GAP products once more.

‘I hope their jeans are still of decent quality, because they’ll win me back if they are,’ wrote one hopeful Redditor.

While another said the brand has ‘great 100% cotton jeans and sweaters.’

Meanwhile, others are pleased to see the UK high street seemingly turning back the clock: ‘Pizza Hut is restructuring, GAP’s coming back… the 90s is so back baby!’

And one Redditor asked: ‘What’s next to come back? Etam?’

GAP, originally founded in California, has been operating exclusively online since 2021, joining a myriad of other companies who were forced to abandon its high street presence due to market demands.

Fans of the brand have also been able to purchase GAP products in-store at NEXT or online at Urban Outfitters.

And there’s still appetite for the brand, with vintage and thrifted GAP jumpers regularly featuring on second-hand retail platforms like Vinted and Depop.

It seems GAP is attempting to capitalise off of this kind of interest, incorporating its ‘iconic heritage’ into the new flagship store.

Customers will not only be able to buy classic items such as jeans to fleeces, but they’ll also be able to purchase records.

Back when Gap announced that it was shutting its doors, YouGov research director Richard Moller theorised that while the brand offered top quality items and a strong customer experience its troubles likely stemmed from ‘struggles with its reputation, recommendation from customers and value for money perception.’

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Not to be dramatic but there is nothing worse than jumping out of a warm cosy bed and putting your feet on the cold floor in winter.

Which is why a great pair of cosy slippers to see you through the colder months is an absolute essential.

As we all know, staying warm as the temperature drops and energy costs rise can be a struggle, which is why many Brits are turning to cost-cutting measures before switching the heating on.

Heated blankets, small space heaters and an extra layer of clothing are all great money-saving hacks but a snuggly pair of slippers is really going to keep your feet nice and toasty.

Tan Stitch Detail Platform Slippers

A seasonal staple with serious style points – these faux suede slippers from Tu Clothing are cosy, chic and budget-friendly.

Featuring a fleece-lined interior, platform sole and stitched detailing, they’re perfect for padding around the house while keeping your feet warm and your look on-trend.

Buy Now for £15

And what better than a pair that cost just £15 and look exactly like luxury Uggs?

The Tu Clothing Tan Stitch Detail Platform Slippers from Sainsbury’s are an absolute steal if you ask us.

With a soft, fleece lining, these slippers are like putting your feet into soft clouds and the platform height means you’re slightly elevated away from any cold tiles or wooden floorboards!

Don’t get us wrong, we love a pair of Ugg Tasman’s but the luxury alternative, made from real sheepskin, just isn’t affordable for all.

At £115 a pop, they’re a splurge item so why spend an extra hundred quid when you don’t have to?

The Sainsbury’s pair does exactly the same job at a fraction of the cost.

Consider us sold.

Because let’s be honest, when it’s freezing outside, your thermostat’s low, and your floor feels like an ice rink, slipping your feet into something soft and snuggly is the small pleasure we all need.

And if it looks like a designer version and costs less than a takeaway? Even better.

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If you’re after a coat that keeps you warm without making you look like you’re wearing a duvet, we may have just found the one – and it’s now going for a bargain.

The Lorena Quilted Coat from White Stuff has been quietly gathering a bit of a fanbase, and thanks to a cheeky little price drop, it’s now firmly on our radar. 

Lorena Quilted Coat

Rainy Tuesdays, dog walks, or just unpredictable British weather – this quilted coat from White Stuff has you covered.

It’s shower-resistant with a hidden hood tucked into the collar, and the adjustable drawcord waist means you can cinch it in for a flattering fit, whatever the forecast.

Buy Now for £55 (was £110) – save 50%

Down from £110 to £55, it’s been described by shoppers as ‘flattering, cosy and not too bulky’ – which, let’s be honest, is the winter trifecta.

Available in a classic khaki green colour, it’s the kind of coat that goes with everything – think jeans and wellies on the school run, or thrown over a knit and midi skirt for pub lunches and weekend walks.

The longline cut and diamond quilting give it a chic, slightly Scandi feel, while the high neck and roomy pockets are super practical. It’s warm, but still lightweight so you won’t feel like you’ve wrapped yourself in your nan’s duvet.

Shoppers have been loving it too. One happy customer, Choccy, left a review saying: ‘A lovely coat which both looks and feels good quality. The waist can be pulled in and it has zips at the bottom, which are good for opening when driving. Warm but not too warm. An effective hood which folds away neatly too.’

Another wearer called Sharon25 wrote: ‘Love this coat. Great colour. Not too bulky. The pull-in waist is very flattering.’

And reviewer, JessG, said: ‘Great for the school run – pockets fit loads in and a great size hood.’

Whether you’re waiting by the school gates, doing a coffee run or heading off on a long countryside stomp, this coat ticks all the right boxes. 

Just don’t hang about – the 50% price drop won’t last forever, and sizes are already disappearing fast.

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His Majesty King Charles III’s royal residences will all be undergoing changes this weekend – and it’s a painstaking process that takes all hands on deck

There are growing calls for Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, to be ousted from Royal Lodge in Windsor – but it turns out Sarah has a back-up plan with accommodation lined up already