11 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
tonies® launches new Sleepy Friends ahead of World Sleep Day – and beyond
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tonies® are the most sought after gift for children for both playtime and nighttime, though there is no denying parents are relieved the Toniebox exists.
If you’re not familiar with tonies®, you need to be. In short, the Toniebox is a musical story box, or a speaker, which connects to one of the Tonies characters and plays the songs, or stories from that film, book or show.
The Toniebox is a great alternative to get the kids away from the screens, and is a welcome alternative to reading books to your child at bedtime.
There are a variety of characters to attach to the Toniebox already, including Moana, The Lion King, Frozen, The Peter Rabbit Collection, as well as Peppa Pig, IgglePiggle and many more.
tonies® Sleepy Whale – Lullabies from the Ocean
Sleepy Friends are created with dreamy bedtime routines in mind, and Sleepy Whale is no exception. Pop him on their Toniebox and you’re all set for just over two hours of calming ocean sounds and lullabies designed to quieten your little snoozer’s thoughts, calm their bodies and send them off to sleep in a blink.
tonies® has expanded its collection with the new Sleepy Friends collection, which is perfectly timed as World Sleep Day falls on 14 March, just days before the clocks go forward on 30th March and we lose one hour. This may not seem like much, but the time change could disrupt your children’s sleep routine, and nobody wants that.
The new Sleepy Friends collection includes Sleepy Whale, Sleepy Penguin and Sleepy Octopus, all of which have been hand-painted for a delicate finish, and resemble sleeping animals – hence the name.
The trio of Sleepy Friends have been designed to help with bedtime, as they play sleepy lullabies, gentle white noise, and bedtime stories to comfort any child and soothe them off to sleep.
There’s also a new Sleepy Bear Night Light that provides a warm soft glow, on and off the Toniebox. When fixed to the top of the Toniebox, it plays 75 minutes of relaxing instrumental music featuring strings and bird songs, providing reassurance through the night.
The Tonies retail for £14.99 each, though Boots currently has a discount on, which saves shoppers 15% off their order when they spend over £40. All you have to do is enter the discount code ‘BABY15’ at the checkout.
However, the Toniebox is sold separately, so, if you don’t have the Toniebox you will need to purchase one for £79.99. But it is well worth investing in as it is padded, so extra durable, especially if little hands accidentally drop it on the floor.
The Toniebox requires you to press the ears to change the volume, or tap the sides to switch to the next story, or song. To simply fast forward, or rewind, just tilt the Toniebox in the direction, which makes for a more interactive experience.
tonies® has proved to be a hit, and I can vouch for them as my nieces will spend hours singing and dancing to the Disney Princesses, and fall asleep to the slower bedtime stories. I’m sure they will love the Sleepy Friends collection too, especially as it has proved to be successful with fellow shoppers.
One customer, who goes under the name Ellbm, gushed: ‘I got this a few weeks ago and it’s a godsend! I put it on every nap time and bed time for my son. It plays for around 2.5 hrs and it sends my little one off to sleep. One of my favourite Tonies.’
Another added: ‘This is what my little one listens to almost every night to go to sleep. So soothing.’
While a separate shopper praised: ‘Perfect for my daughter who struggles to get off to sleep straight away. Every night for the past seven nights she’s gone to sleep thanks to this lovely sheep! Definitely recommend this Tonie. All the songs are calming and relaxing.’
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11 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I thought I was hallucinating every day – then came my surprising diagnosis
The first thing that happens is a feeling of déjà vu.
I get tingling sensations throughout my body, and it feels like I am slowly being mentally separated from it.
This feeling is also called an aura – and it is one of the first signs that I am about to have a focal epileptic seizure.
Next, it feels like a large wave is washing over me and pushing me down into an underwater cave. At this point, I am aware that a seizure is about to occur but there is such a small window of time before its onset that I have rarely been able to notify anyone.
Instead, I often freeze or let my body enter an autopilot state.
I am still physically conscious when I enter the seizure but mentally I am absent, and I cannot make sense of or respond to anything around me. My eyes are wide open, but my vision is blurred, as though my glasses have been washed off, and all noise becomes merged or silenced.
For Sarah
Last year, on March 10, we lost our beloved colleague Sarah Whiteley. Sarah was a fantastic journalist; she was Metro’s parenting columnist and a valued member of our first-person and opinion desk.
Sarah died aged 39 from SUDEP – sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. It is thought that every year around 1,000 people die from causes related to epilepsy.
With support from Sarah’s family, Metro is fundraising for two very important charities: SUDEP Action and Epilepsy Action.
From March 10 to March 26, which marks Purple Day (epilepsy awareness day), we will be running a series of features and first-person pieces, raising awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP.
Sarah was so incredible at helping other people share their experiences; she was a born storyteller and we hope to do her proud with this series, while raising money in her memory.
From here, the seizure transforms into what I call a ‘hallucinogenic’ nightmare, as though I am trapped in that cave and have all my worst fears presented to me. When in this state my right arm and neck often shake and I start to sweat profusely, almost as though my body is trying to respond to what it thinks it is seeing.
This usually goes on for at least two minutes.
To a stranger my seizures would often go unnoticed – I have been told countless times that I look as though I am daydreaming. It is only those who I am close with (family, fiancé and friends) that know when I am having one.
When coming around, I feel exhausted and dazed, as though I have just run a marathon; I struggle to focus on anything and I am unable to speak – almost like a cable has been cut between my brain and voice box, and my body is trying to reassociate itself with my mind.
These sensations can last for up to an hour and consequently, I often have to sleep to recover.
I was diagnosed with temporal lobe focal epilepsy in the summer of 2016, when I was 19. I had just completed my A-levels and had been granted a place at university for a degree in veterinary medicine, as well as my provisional license to start learning to drive.
I first began noticing these ‘hallucinations’ in early 2015 – I cannot remember when I had my first one, but I distinctly recall having them during daily activities, mostly when exercising.
Then in December 2015, I had an MRI scan prior to a planned ear operation that revealed I had an atrioventricular malformation (AVM) in my left temporal lobe – but there was no mention of it being linked to epilepsy until I was referred to neurology.
My referral led to more scans and neurology consultations, where it was explained to me that my daily ‘hallucinations’ were in fact focal epileptic seizures, and that they likely stemmed from my AVM.
Epilepsy Action
Epilepsy Action supports the 630,000 people with epilepsy every day through their helpline, information, groups and services.
The charity’s ambition is to create a world without limits with people with epilepsy. By raising awareness of the condition, too often misunderstood and invisible. By changing the narrative around it, collaborating with healthcare professionals and campaigning for better services. By working to get everyone in the UK to know what epilepsy is and how they can support.
You can donate to Epilepsy Action here.
This came as quite a surprise – and a huge learning curve. I had only heard of tonic-clonic seizures (where people stiffen, fall the floor and shake) and knew nothing of focal seizures, despite the fact I’d been having them on a daily basis since earlier that year.
The most challenging aspect of my diagnosis was that all of what I had worked so hard to achieve, such as attending university to study veterinary medicine, came to a grinding halt. I felt angry and scared that my independence and lifelong dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon were being taken away from me.
Even after taking a gap year to try to get my seizures under control with anti-epileptic medication, I was prevented from starting the veterinary degree on medical grounds.
It took me a few years to accept my epilepsy diagnosis, but I eventually decided to return to biological sciences, completing a degree in it at a different university and specialising in animal biology and conservation.
It was during my degree program and the course of the pandemic that I began to fully accept my condition for what it was. I had finally found something I had a passion for and a supportive network of friends and family.
I also managed to get a pinch of my independence back.
But my inability to drive has hindered me most – I have to consider public transport routes or rely on other people when making plans or getting to work. It’s not easy for me to go where I want, when I want to.
Over time, I built the confidence to be able to go out on my own – whether it’s to walk the dog, pop to the local shop or out into the city, knowing I am unlikely to have a seizure.
It was during this time I met my fiancé who helped me maintain a positive outlook on life.
He also encouraged me to go forward with gamma knife radiotherapy to help treat my AVM. The treatment was put forward to me in 2021 as an option to remove the AVM with the ultimate aim of reducing my heightened risk of a stroke.
Roll forward to the present day and, having undertaken only one treatment of gamma knife radiotherapy in September 2022, I now not only have no AVM, but I also have the stroke risk of a normal human-being.
I continue to take medication intended to treat focal epilepsy – but it’s been a tedious process. Since my diagnosis, I have tried over five different anti-epileptic medications and after going back and forth with my neurology team, I was able to finally settle on my current medication and their doses at the start of 2024.
Earlier doses didn’t completely stop my seizures and came with a whole host of uninvited side effects, including depression, fatigue and memory loss.
At first I struggled to carry out daily tasks as simple as getting out of bed or brushing my teeth.
But while the drugs still affect me now, I have strategies in place to help reduce their impact, such as setting small daily goals, journaling feelings and taking photos of moments I wish to remember.
With the gamma knife radiotherapy and correct medication, I am now one-year seizure free, which means I have many exciting prospects for my life going forward, such as starting a family with my fiancé.
Having epilepsy has had many positive impacts on my life. It has taught me resilience, patience and perseverance.
Since diagnosis, I have solo travelled to multiple countries, volunteered in research and conservation projects, hiked many mountains, graduated with a first in biology and so much more.
It all required additional precautions – medical insurance, seeking help or advice where needed – but I have learnt that having a disability does not stop you from achieving great things, so long as you set your mind to it and surround yourself with those who will cheer you on.
My condition can feel quite lonely as the majority of people don’t know of or understand focal epilepsy and the seizures it presents – they are much more subtle than tonic-clonic seizures and not as readily identifiable.
The dramatic way epilepsy is presented in the television and media also means there is also a lot of fear and stigma. I wish people knew more about the variety of forms of epilepsy and the types of seizures, alongside a better understanding of the side effects that can come with them.
Seizures are, in my opinion, only 10% of what it is to have epilepsy. The side effects of medication and seizures, and loss of independence, make up the remaining 90%. You have to shape how you live around your diagnosis.
Going forward, I hope that I continue to remain seizure-free and continue regaining some of the independence I lost – I am hoping I can return to my root desire to be in the veterinary field by progressing into a career in veterinary nursing.
I know I shall continue to face challenges, especially with the side effects of my anti-epileptic medication.
However, I know that with perseverance and patience, I can achieve what I plan to, and they are just small hurdles I have to jump to get to my end goal.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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11 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Dunelm’s Egg Chair is back in stock and it’s a garden must-have this summer
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the birds are chirping, and it is staying light for longer, which means spring is here and summer is on the way.
If you’re anything like us you may have found you are being beckoned by the sunshine to enjoy the outdoors lately, and the best way to do so is in a comfortable hanging egg chair.
Egg chairs have been hugely popular in recent years, and the hype around the garden furniture is not going away any time soon. In fact, we’d say the popular seat is growing in popularity even more so.If you are looking to spruce up your garden, patio, or balcony, there is only one thing for it – Dunelm’s Santorini Egg Chair, which is giving us major The White Lotus vibes.
Santorini Egg Chair
The one seater has been crafted from a sturdy steel frame, with woven rattan detail, which is weather resistant. The chair hangs off the main chassis, and only one person can cocoon inside at a time. It measures 118cm in width, 121cm in depth and 188cm in height. Available in four colours, including jade green, ginger orange, pastel blue and multicolour. Requires full assembling.
The Santorini Egg Chair is Dunelm’s cult egg chair, which is finally back due to popular demand.
The hanging design is curved like a cocoon, which makes for the perfect outdoor snug to read a book in on a balmy summer’s day.
The frame has been crafted from powder-coated steel, while the woven rattan texture is durable to hold one person – plus it looks super stylish.
Dunelm is one step ahead of the curve, and is well aware the British weather is temperamental, which is why the materials used are weather resistant. Though we would advise you to cover the egg chair in the winter season just to protect the creation from wearing and fading.
Dunelm’s Santorini Egg Chair is available in four colours to suit any outdoor colour scheme, including pale blue, jade green, ginger orange and a vibrant multi-colour version.
It is also important to note this egg chair arrives as a flat pack and requires assembling.
The Santorini Egg Chair is a new arrival, so customers have yet to provide feedback on the item, though one shopper was quick off the mark to nab this design and was very impressed.
One Dunelm shopper, who goes under the name Wobbly Mammoth, shared: ‘Lovely chair, it’s comfy with a nice bounce to it – the cushion is just right and really helpful to have arms to it. There were some chips in the paint on the stand, which is very heavy (as you’d hope). It’s quite tricky to put the actual egg part together, it looks like there is more wiggle room between bolts joining the two halves than there is. Just waiting for warmer weather to put it outside. Hardest part was choosing a colour.’
If previous years are anything to go by Dunelm’s Egg Chair will fly off the shelves, so you will want to shop quickly.
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10 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Simba launches impressive 20% off sale on mattresses ahead of World Sleep Day
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Simba is the leading bedding brand, so we are delighted to see it has launched an almighty sale on mattresses to honour World Sleep Day.
World Sleep Day, which is obviously one of the most important dates in the calendar, falls on 14th March. To celebrate the occasion Simba has launched up to 20% off sale, which will run from now until 16th March.
There are plenty of sleep aids we swear by, but a supportive mattress is another key contender to help enjoy an undisturbed night’s sleep.
Mattresses can cost a fortune, but it is an essential worth investing in to help you sleep soundly, and comfortably. However, the dent in your bank balance is made a little gentler with Simba’s current sale.
Not only is Simba offering shoppers up to 20% off its award-winning mattresses, but there are ther deals to shop too, including 15% off select duvets, beds and bundles.
Simba is a certified BCorp brand, and uses recycled materials, which is another big tick on our eco-conscious shopping wishlist.
Simba’s mattresses cover all bases, from hybrid designs, mattresses fitted with pocket springs, as well as creations for every type of sleeper, and season.
Whether you are replacing your existing bedding, or you are shopping for a bigger, more supportive mattress, Simba is the place to shop.
Plus, it offers a recycle scheme in case you are getting rid of an existing mattress in favour of a plush new Simba design.
No discount code is needed to shop the deals, simply add your favourite pieces to the basket and checkout.
We have whittled down the must-have mattresses to shop in Simba’s sale before it ends.
Shop Simba’s Sale
Hybrid Mattress
The Hybrid Mattress is Simba’s signature mattress, and one of the brand’s bestsellers, as over 500,000 have been sold, according to the sleep label. It offers medium to firm support, thanks to the open Simbatex foam structure that offers elasticity, comfort, support and breathability. The patented titanium Aerocoil springs offer the desired support and pressure relief, while the CertiPUR foam base features five layers to support your body through your eight hour snooze.
Hybrid Pro Mattress
The Hybrid Pro Mattress is a bestseller at Simba, and with good reason. The double layered mattress has been crafted from 1,900 Aerocoil micro springs, which supports the body. The hybrid design also utilises Simbatex foam, and SupportCare technology, which ensures this mattress offers edge to edge comfort and support.The natural wool top layer helps to regulate the body temperature, and encourages breathability.
Hybrid Luxe Mattress
The Hybrid Luxe Mattress is a level up from the Hybrid Pro Mattress. It boasts nine layers, all of which combine to provide optimum support.With triple spring layers, that utilise 5,700 Aerocoil springs, as well as a layer of micro springs, combined with Simba’s signature Simbatex foam, and edge to edge support, this deep mattress is like sleeping on a cloud. Perfect for hot sleepers as the bamboo-infused wool boasts moisture-wicking properties to help regulate your body temperature.
Hybrid Ultra Mattress
The Ultra Mattress is another level up from the Luxe Mattress, which measures 34cm in depth and features 11 layers of support and cushioning.Crafted from 7,300 springs, a double Simbatex foam layer, for medium firm support.The FusionCool technology blends kapok, wool and bamboo for a breathable and moisture wicking top layer.
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10 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Struggling with your skin? This £4.99 personalised night cream tackles everything
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
When your skin isn’t looking or feeling the way you want it to, it can be a total mare finding the right products to target each and every qualm.
Dry skin and acne? Wrinkles and oiliness? All of the above at once? Been there.
But what if we told you there was a product that could treat all your skin issues in one, and that each ingredient had been specially selected by a dermatologist and dosed at your ideal level?
Oh, and that you wouldn’t even have to go to the doctors and beg on all fours for a solution?
Enter Renew + Me and their super clever, tailor-made Nightly-Active-Cream.
Renew + Me Nightly-Active-Cream
A totally personalised skincare superhero to target to your skin upsets, this potent evening treatment has been designed to deliver a concentrated boost of prescription and gold-standard actives without the cupboard full of expensive potions and lotions. Use code AFF5METRO at checkout to claim your first month for just £4.99.
A totally personalised skincare superhero to target to your skin upsets, this potent evening treatment has been designed to deliver a concentrated boost of prescription and gold-standard actives without the cupboard full of expensive potions and lotions.
The best bit? If you use code AFF5METRO at checkout you’ll receive your first month for just £4.99 (£29.99 per month thereafter).
Ideal for mid-life skin and age-related skin concerns, Renew + Me (sister brand to Skin + Me) provide you with formulations that will fit seamlessly into your existing routine and maximise any ‘tweakment’ results.
Designed by dermatologists and tailored to your skin’s needs – from wrinkles and uneven skin tone to dark spots and even acne, you can think of this Nightly-Active-Cream as your direct route to smoother, firmer, more radiant skin in as few as 12 weeks.
Because yes, the results really are gorgeously plump, smooth and glowing skin with consistent use, with skin cell turnover amplified, collagen production boosted and skin tone and texture totally improved.
But how does it work?
You’ll tell Renew + Me’s derms all about your skin and it’s qualms, as well as your complexion goals. This will be accompanied by photos of your skin so they can really see what’s going on.
Then, a highly qualified panel of dermatology experts will decide on just what your skin needs, whipping you up a totally personal treatment that is then delivered to your door.
This formula comes in a clever dispenser which perfectly releases just the amount you need to apply each day. This will last you the month, by which time your next Nightly Serum will have arrived in the post ready to use. What could be simpler?
What’s even more unique about this service is the ongoing support and regular check-ins – much like having a private skin expert in your pocket.
Skin clearing up? Ready to move onto a more potent dose? Prefer additional actives? All you need to do is ask and your personal cream will be amended to suit you.
But what’s in the ‘magic’ formula, we hear you ask?
Each Nightly-Active-Cream from Renew + Me will include one of multiple of the brand’s Core Prescription Ingredients such as gold-standard retinol or Tretinoin, as well a number of Cosmeceutical Actives and a Soothing Hydrating Blend, working together to bring you your best skin yet.
Users are already loving the tailor-made skincare, too, calling it a ‘miracle in a bottle’.
‘I started to use the Renew+Me serum/cream at night a few months ago and not only me but people around noticing my glowing skin.’ Raved one five-star reviewer. ‘My anaesthetist said that whatever you are using please don’t stop! I won’t for sure!
‘I have sensitive, dry, ageing skin, but this product is not irritating at all. Each morning I wake up with the best feeling, of how healthy my skin is, since I started to use this miracle serum/moisturiser.’
Another agreed, adding: ‘Easy to apply, absorbs straight away, not greasy, feels creamy & luxurious, leaves my skin feeling super soft.’
Ready to transform your skin? Use code AFF5METRO and get one month of totally personalised skincare for just £4.99.
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Imagine the scenario: a loved one has just been diagnosed with epilepsy, a much-misunderstood brain condition that can manifest in unpredictable ways.
You are probably feeling concerned, frightened and almost certainly powerless.
In fact, there are numerous ways to support those around us living with epilepsy, whether it’s a friend, relative, or a stranger, from creating a safe space to offering reassurance and simply asking questions.
What are epileptic seizures?
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain.
In those of us without the condition, electrical activity happens constantly as networks of brain cells send messages to each other to control all our thoughts, movements, senses and body functions.
However, when there is a sudden, intense burst of electrical activity in the brain, the messages between cells get mixed up and the result is an epileptic seizure.
The way a seizure manifests depends on which area of the brain is involved, and it doesn’t always result in the loss of consciousness; seizures range from strange, uncontrollable feelings or movements to falling to the floor and shaking.
How to recognise a seizure
Tonic-clonic seizures, perhaps the most commonly known seizure where a person stiffens, drops to the floor and begins to shake, is one of roughly 40 different types of seizure. Each have their own set of symptoms.
Being able to distinguish between the different types of seizures can help you to choose the right course of action.
For Sarah
Last year, on March 10, we lost our beloved colleague Sarah Whiteley. Sarah was a fantastic journalist; she was Metro’s parenting columnist and a valued member of our first-person and opinion desk.
Sarah died aged 39 from SUDEP – sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. It is thought that every year around 1,000 people die from causes related to epilepsy.
With support from Sarah’s family, Metro is fundraising for two very important charities: SUDEP Action and Epilepsy Action.
From March 10 to March 26, which marks Purple Day (epilepsy awareness day), we will be running a series of features and first-person pieces, raising awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP.
Sarah was so incredible at helping other people share their experiences; she was a born storyteller and we hope to do her proud with this series, while raising money in her memory.
Some of the most common types of seizure are:
- Tonic-clonic (formerly known as Grand Mal): the person stiffens, falls to the floor and starts to shake or jerk.
- Absence seizures (formerly known as Petit Mal seizures): the person abandons what they are doing and appears to ‘switch off’; this usually lasts for a few seconds.
- Myoclonic seizures (also referred to as ‘myoclonic jerks’): the person has sudden, short jerks that can affect some or all of their body. The jerking can range from very mild – like a twitch – to very forceful. They usually last a few seconds, but some people have them consecutively in clusters.
- Focal seizures: a seizure that begins in one side of the brain. The person may stay fully aware, or may lose awareness. They may experience movements. Additional symptoms may also include things like changes in emotions, thinking and sensations.
- Tonic seizures: if a tonic seizure starts in both sides of the brain, all the person’s muscles tighten and their body stiffens, and they may fall to the floor. If a tonic seizure starts in one side of the brain, their muscles tighten in just one area of the body.
- Atonic seizures (also referred to as ‘drop attacks’): usually, the person’s muscles will go limp and they fall, sometimes resulting in injuries. Alternatively, their head may drop forward or they might sag at the knees. Atonic seizures are usually very short.
There are two types of non-epileptic seizure: febrile, which is related to a high temperature in children and dissociative, which can mimic epileptic seizures but are not caused by electrical activity in the brain.
Epilepsy Action
Epilepsy Action supports the 630,000 people with epilepsy every day through their helpline, information, groups and services.
The charity’s ambition is to create a world without limits with people with epilepsy. By raising awareness of the condition, too often misunderstood and invisible. By changing the narrative around it, collaborating with healthcare professionals and campaigning for better services. By working to get everyone in the UK to know what epilepsy is and how they can support.
You can donate to Epilepsy Action here.
How to help someone having a seizure
If you suspect someone may be having a tonic-clonic or a tonic seizure, Epilepsy Action recommends following ‘CARE’:
C – Comfort. Cushion their head with something soft to protect them from injury and keep them comfortable
A – Action. Time the seizure, and clear anything that could be harmful out of the way. Check if the person has a medical ID or bracelet with more information.
R – Reassure. When the seizure has stopped, place them in the recovery position, offer reassurance and stay with them as they come round.
E – Emergency. Call 999 if the seizure continues for over five minutes, the person is badly injured, another seizure starts immediately, the person has trouble breathing after the seizure or has never had one before.
For other types of seizures, such as Absence, Myoclonic and Atonic:
- Guide them out of harm’s way (especially if they’re having repeated absences)
- Stay with them, and be calm and reassuring.
- Explain what they may have missed, what’s happened or where they are if necessary.
- Help to get them emergency medical care if they are injured, or to seek ongoing care if it’s their first seizure.
Remaining calm is important. Depending on seizure type, many people with epilepsy remain aware of their surroundings even as they seize, so continuing to talk to them, keeping your voice neutral and reassuring, can help a loved one or stranger to feel safe throughout.
SUDEP Action
SUDEP Action provide key services for those who have been affected by epilepsy and SUDEP.
They offer free bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one to SUDEP, counselling and assist grieving families during the inquest process.
SUDEP Action is passionate about providing information about SUDEP to help reduce risk to those living with epilepsy, as well as driving research to prevent future deaths.
You can donate to SUDEP Action here
While some people recover quickly after a seizure, others can feel disorientated and take time to feel better. If you’re able, stay with the person post-seizure. If they are able to communicate, use the ‘four Ws’ to check their awareness: who they are, what happened, when, and where they are.
Help them to get into a safe, comfortable place (especially if they have had a seizure in a public place) and offer to call a friend, relative, or additional medical aid if necessary.
How to help care for a loved one living with epilepsy
Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be lonely at any time or stage in life – even more so considering that for 50% of people diagnosed with the condition, there is no known cause.
To offer support, start by asking about your loved one’s care plan. This will have more information about their condition, their treatment and how to help in the event of a seizure, and will give you the basic details on their needs.
You can also offer to be their emergency contact. This might mean adding your details to an epilepsy ID card or being highlighted as their emergency contact in their smartphone. This usually involves having information about your loved one’s diagnosis, requirements and any medication, so it’s important to stay up-to-date.
Epilepsy Action offers a free seizure diary to help people track and manage their condition. Helping to fill this in, or review it with your loved one, will give you a better idea of the frequency of their seizures and help them to take proactive steps in managing their condition.
You can undertake some epilepsy awareness training. This can be done online, and Epilepsy Action also offers training designed for the workplace.
Finally, simply listen and offer your support. Understanding that epilepsy can be a complex and life-changing condition while standing by their side can be invaluable.
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.
‘I am really sorry because you are a young man and this is a life limiting condition.’
After months of waiting for answers, the neurologist delivered them with crushing clarity.
It was October 2024, and my husband Andrew had just been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) aged 51 – which affects your brain and spinal cord. The condition causes muscle weakness and gradual paralysis, making walking, talking, swallowing and eventually breathing impossible.
The doctor’s words didn’t feel real. I thought he’d got it wrong. We’d been reassured in a previous appointment that it was unlikely to be MND. Andrew was fit and healthy, so I was sure he could survive.
‘Don’t look up the life expectancy’ was the doctor’s first advice – so, of course, we immediately did.
We read that the average MND patient lives for about two to three years, and that there is no cure.
I’ve faced adversity in my life – I fled the Bosnian war growing up – but nothing prepares you for a diagnosis like this. Our family bubble had been burst.
I met Andrew online in 2006. There was an immediate connection between us from our first date in London’s Hyde Park, despite my exam-like questions about shared interests and whether he wanted marriage and kids.
Fortunately, he did. We were married within 18 months, and renovated a fairytale Georgian house in Hampshire, where we raised our two children in a joyous world of long walks, music and art.
Things changed in July last year, when Andrew noticed muscles twitching in his limbs; the spasms spread to his whole body within a few weeks.
At first, we were worried but didn’t catastrophise. We knew MND was a possibility, but it was the worst of many. Andrew joined the waiting list to see an NHS neurologist, but with a waiting list of months and his spasms getting worse he decided to book a private appointment.
Here, he was told it was unlikely he had MND, as he was showing no signs of Bulbar Palsy, a type of MND that primarily affects the tongue and can be spotted easily as it causes tongue weakness. Although Andrew did suffer from tiredness and mobility problems – his ankle was very weak, making it difficult to walk long distances.
But Andrew’s NHS appointment in October made it clear this wasn’t the case. He had MND and he was going to die.
We tried to stay upbeat, but started hitting barriers straight away. The biggest source of hope for MND patients is that cases caused by a faulty SOD1 gene could be treated. However, this is very rare; just 2% of people have this type of MND.
On the day Andrew was diagnosed, he had a blood test to check whether he was a member of the 2% club, but in January we were told his blood sample had been lost.
He now has to wait until May to find out if there’s any hope, leaving us no choice but to tell the children, aged 12 and 14.
We’d put off telling them for as long as possible, but we reached a point where Andrew couldn’t even go for a walk. We made up reasons for why, like saying ‘Daddy has a lot of work’, but there is a point at which you can’t keep making excuses.
It was the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do.
The kids sat on the sofa and Andrew talked them through how his ankle was getting weak, and this was part of a bigger problem. We all cried.
Our daughter said, ‘But what would be the point of life without you?’
What is Motor neurone disease?
Motor neurone disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It mainly impacts people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages.
MND is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. Over time, these cells stop working, and the disease gets gradually worse – moving, swallowing and breathing get increasingly difficult.
Currently there is no cure for the disease, which shortens life expectancy and eventually, leads to death. Treatments do exist that mean some people can live with the condition for many years, including physiotherapy and a medicine called riluzole that can slightly slow down the progression of the condition.
In most cases, it is not hereditary, but having a close relative with motor neurone disease can sometimes mean you’re more likely to get it.
The NHS lists the early symptoms as:
- weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs
- slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foods
- a weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons
- muscle cramps and twitches
- weight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time
- difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations
The NHS advises you to speak to your GP if you experience the symptoms. ‘It’s unlikely you have motor neurone disease, but getting a correct diagnosis as early as possible can help you get the care and support you need,’ they state.
For more information and support you can contact the MND Association.
Our son was also upset but wanted to know how this would affect Daddy’s salary, which was met with both laughter and explanations.
His question was a good one. My husband’s disease is a health problem, but it’s also a life problem. Every aspect of our lives has been upended, including our finances.
I’m a guitar teacher but also spend a lot of time looking after the children, so Andrew has always been the breadwinner. As an NHS consultant psychiatrist, he’s always been well paid and we rely on his income.
But when he was diagnosed, Andrew was advised to retire immediately instead of taking sick leave. He refused to. His life insurance is also refusing to pay out, claiming he could still recover from this incurable disease.
It’s a baffling decision – we’re all hopeful a cure can be found, but it’s not here yet so there’s no excuse for them to be so optimistic.
With Andrew unable to work and me too busy to work properly alongside looking after him and the kids, we’re struggling to pay our mortgage and will probably have to downsize.
I’ve reached out to charities for help to mixed effect. Our local hospice has been brilliant and will provide palliative care when needed, and an MND charity gave us a grant to pay for a family holiday.
But there’s not enough being done to find a treatment or cure.
This wouldn’t be acceptable with any other disease, so why should it be tolerated by families like mine whose lives are being destroyed?
5,000 people have MND in the UK at any one time. That’s 5,000 people who may be feeling invisible, vulnerable, and let down and essentially left for dead.
We need to break the taboo around MND and find a cure – now.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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8 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I’m a drinks writer — don’t write off these end-of-season wines under £10
It’s sunny, the crocuses are out and we’re finally free of dark mornings. That can only mean one thing…
It’s time to make a beeline for the end-of-season wines in the supermarkets before the spring/summer ranges come in.
Hang on though, are there actually specific wines for different seasons?
Yes, just like fashion and food, wine ranges are given a seasonal shake-up right about now. It’s out with the rich and heavy, in with the fresh and nimble. I mean, it makes sense, we’re not looking to guzzle walloping reds and buttery whites whilst wearing a t-shirt. Not on my watch, anyway. Plus, you can’t eat seasonally without drinking seasonally, fact.
A proportion of wines in many a range that will be ditched come the warmer weather. And even those that remain have no place in our drinking repertoire if they don’t match the season. It’s a case of so many wines, so little time. We’re can’t be getting bogged down with seasonally inappropriate bottles.
Think of springtime drinking as you would getting dressed. Early spring is famously that awkward hinterland that calls for that winter/summer hybrid outfit; winter coat, whipped off at the slightest glimmer of sun to reveal a summer tank top or t-shirt underneath. We’re accessorising it with a scarf, umbrella, wellies and sunglasses, naturally. Well, it’s the same situation for wine, minus the ‘whipping off’ part.
The best end-of-season wines under £10
The best thing about this time of year is that there are deals to be had. Though, to caution you, with the whole duty mess as it currently stands, wine prices have gone up and promotions aren’t looking nearly as compelling as they used to be.
But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. With that in mind, here are some wines to grab before they lose their seasonal relevance, and they’re all under a tenner.
Big Fin Chardonnay, Australia, £6.99 (save £2), Waitrose
Yes, buttery Aussie Chardonnays have made a comeback. And though they were great at comforting us through the long winter months, there are much fresher options for spring/summer. This one has the joyous flavours of a tropical beach breakfast, think White Lotus only less twisted. It has fleshy flavours of sliced pineapple, mango and papaya on hot buttered toast.
Irresistible Macon Villages Cave de Lugny, France, £9, Co-op
Sub-£10 Burgundy makes me nervous. It’s always such a lottery as to whether it’s actually going to be any good. Luckily, we can breathe a sigh of relief, as this one’s peachy, literally. It’s unoaked, so not a million miles from the purity of Chablis in style. If you’re a fan of stone fruit, mouthwatering dry whites with a pinch of dried herbs, you’re in for a treat. Disclaimer, you can drink this into spring, no problem.
Taste the Difference Fronton Negrette Rosé, £8.50, France, Sainsbury’s
Rosé is a spring/summer staple, so it’s surprising that this one is on my list. So, why is it? Because I’d class this one as a ‘winter rosé’. It’s darker in colour than the barely-there pinks we mainline in warmer weather, ideal for hearty dishes and chillier weather. There’s some delicious fruity flavours of blackberries and raspberries, alongside liquorice and Palma violets.
Des Tourelles Bordeaux Superieur, £6.75 (save 75p), Tesco
This used to be £5 a couple of years ago, ah, good old duty and inflation. Still, it’s exceptional value at just under £7, for an everyday sipper from Bordeaux. And though it’s not overly complex, it’s delicious, frankly. Stuffed with black cherry, mocha choca, blackberry and creamy almond flavours in this Merlot-dominated blend.
Specially Selected Italian Aglianico del Vulture, Italy, £7.99 (save 50p), Aldi
This has kept its place in Aldi’s range, and interestingly, it’s still categorised as a ‘seasonal line’ even though it was also in their autumn/winter collection. Anyhoo, with an unapologetically hearty style, it’s made from the uber-savoury Aglianico (alli-an-iko) grape. When it’s youthful, like this one, you’ll get a mouthful of leather, cured meat and dried dates. It’s rustic, structured and earthy, in the best way possible.
Molise Biferno 2018, Italy, £9.50, Italy, Co-op
This is a ‘bring round to someone’s house’ wine, if you know what I mean. I’ll explain why. It’s a talking point that will set tongues wagging, made predominantly from the Montepulciano grape. From southern Italy, this brooding red is all prune and sweet baking spices in flavour, with a concentrated kirsch note woven through.
Mucho Mas Vino Tinto, Spain, £8, Sainsbury’s
What’s the saying? Not ‘mad as a March hare’, but ‘March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb’. Well, this gutsy Spanish red will get you through the lion part, no problemo. What we have here is a spicy blend of Tempranillo and Syrah, unusually, aged in American oak barrels for four months to bring in sweet coconut notes.
And there’s one more bottle that has to get an honourable mention here, although I’m sorry to say it does cost more than £10…
Taste the Difference Discovery Collection Loin de L’Oeil, France, £11.50 (save £2.75) Sainsbury’s
I’m a fan of Sainsbury’s Discovery Selection, mainly for promoting off the beaten track wines like this one. A French regional wine, from the south-westerly Gaillac region, made from a white grape you don’t see around too often. The grapes are left to partially dry out on the vine, which adds boatloads of concentration, plus the wine is then aged on its yeast lees for winter-warming, mega-rich creaminess.
Looking for more expert drinks content?
If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro’s Drinks Column is where you need to be.
Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), this is a haven for those who love to celebrate.
Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape.
Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter?
What happens when you put wine in a blender?
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Lying in bed next to my husband, John, I writhed in agony. Something was horribly, terribly wrong.
‘John, I’m dying,’ I managed to cry out in pain.
It was 4am in March 2009 and our then-four-year-old son was asleep in the house so John jumped into action, calling an ambulance and asking my mum to come over and babysit.
For two weeks leading up to this I’d been bleeding heavily outside of my cycle with painful cramping. I’d been to the GP where we live in Edinburgh and even to A&E multiple times but no one had been able to help or give me any answers.
Now it was much, much worse.
I had this instinct that something very serious had happened and I knew my life was at risk.
With the blue lights of the ambulance outside lighting up the hallway, my four-year-old appeared in the doorway, bleary-eyed.
‘Mummy is going to be fine, a doctor is going to make me better,’ I promised him, before leaving him with my mum to travel to hospital with John.
At the hospital, we were kept waiting in A&E and the pain continued but when I passed more blood and tissue I pleaded with John to get help – I couldn’t wait any longer.
John got me the attention I needed and I was quickly seen by a consultant who soon told me, with certainty, that I was experiencing a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and an immediate operation was required.
I barely remember signing consent forms before being rushed into life-saving surgery.
It was only after waking up in recovery that I began to understand what had happened to me.
I had heard the term ectopic pregnancy before, but didn’t know much about it. Plus, I had been fitted with a copper coil after my son was born – I shouldn’t have fallen pregnant at all.
I learned that an ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilised egg grows outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
The foetus can’t survive outside of the uterus but the tissues can grow and cause a blockage that will eventually burst (rupture) out of the fallopian tube.
When this happens, it’s a life-threatening emergency because it can cause such huge blood loss. It also means that the ruptured fallopian tube has to be removed.
If an ectopic pregnancy is detected before it ruptures, it can usually be treated safely.
I hadn’t been given that opportunity.
For two weeks, I’d tried to find answers to the pain I’d been experiencing. I’d taken time away from my busy job as a senior account planner at an ad agency to attend appointments and visit the hospital, where medical professionals didn’t lay a finger on me or even give me even a blood or urine test.
At home, our preschool son had wanted me to play, but for a fortnight I’d spent most of my time curled up in a ball in agony, while trying to keep up with work. It was horrific.
The doctors I’d seen before the rupture should have recognised the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, and I should have been tested, but instead I’d been left in a state of decline.
Close friends and colleagues had commented on the fact that my appearance was turning grey, rather than my usual healthy pink.
Once I’d been dismissed from hospital post-surgery, I was signed off from work for three months to recover from the huge blood loss and emergency procedure.
I spent the recovery time lying on the sofa, eating the prescribed spinach and red meat at mealtimes. I was keen to get back to work, but needed to build my strength back up first.
On my first day back my boss asked to see me. I hoped he would reassure me that I had been missed, let me know what exciting new projects he had lined up for me, or even just ask after my health.
But during our meeting he didn’t ask after my health, but rather seemed to dismiss the seriousness of my experience and I understood from our conversation that the work I’d completed, on the day I was hospitalised, had been considered ‘substandard.’
I was staggered and it was at that moment that I knew I needed to make a change.
John and I had discussed trying to have a second child once I had recovered, so despite having set my sights on working in advertising since my teenage years, I decided to leave the industry, hoping to take maternity leave and never go back.
Thankfully my daughter was born in 2010 with no issues despite me having only one remaining fallopian tube.
And when my statutory maternity leave ended, I handed in my notice.
For 18 months, I stayed at home with our children and gave myself the time and space to plan my next career steps.
We’d been through such a sobering experience that I wanted to be present with my family.
I also decided to give feedback to the Scottish Health Board to ask them to improve their training to recognise the risk of ectopic pregnancy in female patients with abdominal pain and to test for pregnancy in all women with symptoms.
I was told too much time had passed for my complaint to be actioned officially, but I still felt better for raising the issue. I hope it made a difference.
The whole experience was hugely damaging to my confidence and I decided not to return to advertising agencies when I did go back to work.
In fact it took years for me to return to my first career love, marketing.
While our children were young I launched and ran a hip-hop dance company flexibly around nursery and school hours.
Finally, in 2017 I felt I had the confidence to go back to my marketing roots and started Enjoy Marketing.
Over time, my offers and services grew. Now we have a team of five working for us, including John and me. Everyone at Enjoy Marketing is treated with respect and trust which remains a huge priority for me.
I’ve also launched a podcast – From Overlooked To Fully Booked – to support other business owners on their journey and help make marketing accessible to them.
All of this is only possible because I’m still here. I’m so lucky I can say a ruptured ectopic pregnancy only changed my life, rather than ending it.
As told to Michelle Morgan Davies
This article was originally published January 5, 2025
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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7 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2025 – perfect presents for new, current and expecting mums of all kind
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As the year continues to zoom by at lightening speed, March 30 will be here before you know it, and along with it, Mother’s Day.
Whether you want to celebrate your mum, nan, grandmother, aunt, best friend, sibling who’s always been there for you or anyone else that’s been a motherly figure to you, our shopping expert has searched the high street for the very best Mother’s Day buys.
From hampers to earrings, pizza ovens to serums and even a gorgeous new handbag, she’s found it all – and priced from £10 too.
This could be an extra special Mother’s Day this year as you’ve either had or are expecting a little bundle of joy this spring – so she’s found some items that not only double up as gifts, but keepsakes too.
Whoever you might be buying for, make this a Mother’s Day to remember – and fingers crossed the sunshine lasts long enough to enjoy Sunday lunch in a pub garden or BBQ too.
Best Mother’s Day Gifts
Drowsy Damask Rose Silk Sleep Mask
Providing the ultimate escape for tired eyes, this silk eye mask from Drowsy will help your partner (or just you) drift into the most peaceful beauty sleep every night.
Made from luxury silk, this dusty pink eye mask has a big, cloud-like padding for extra comfort – plus an adjustable headstrap, so you can ensure that it stays secure throughout the night.
The Mini Blush Letterbox
Bring a touch of joy to someone's day with Moonpig Flowers. With exquisite bouquets for every occasion, you can craft a delightful moment of sheer beauty right in the comfort of their home.
Lepelclub Pearl Coupe Glass
Boasting an elongated stem and a wide bowl, this piece is hand-embellished with fabulously chic pearl details, adding a touch of elegance to any setting.
The Thank You Hamper
This charming wicker basket is brimming with delightful Afternoon Tea essentials. Enjoy our Royal Blend tea, a trio of buttery biscuits, indulgent chocolate truffles, and a Strawberry Preserve crafted for those freshly baked four o’clock scones.
Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Wellbeing Soak
This bath oil will transform any old bath and body routine into a decadent experience, designed to help enhance your partner's wellbeing.
Formulated with a blend of organic oil, including rosehip, Inca inchi and chia seed, the luxurious bath oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants – all to help intensely moisturise and nourish the skin. The result? Soft and silky smooth skin.
Vertuo Pop Coffee Machine in Aqua Mint
Standing at just 25 cm, the Vertuo Pop proves that great things come in small packages. With a single button, you can unlock the perfect brew every time. Each capsule is meticulously scanned to tailor the brewing process, ensuring every cup is just right. The centrifusion extraction system brings out the rich aromas of each blend, whether you fancy an espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, or a full mug. Prepare to be spoiled for choice!
Set of 2 Mini & Mummy Mugs
Savor a delightful coffee and babyccino moment with our charming Mini & Mummy mug set. This set features two stoneware mugs, each adorned with 'Mini' and 'Mummy' on the front. Both mugs are conveniently dishwasher-safe and microwaveable.
Dr Hauschka The Complete Skincare Concept Skincare Gift Set
Step into Spring with skincare confidence! Our classic 3-step routine and double cleanse feature Soothing Cleansing Milk, Cleansing Balm, and a washable, reusable natural sponge. Follow with Toning Facial Toner and protect your skin with our iconic Rose Day Cream Light. Each gift set comes in a limited-edition cosmetics bag.
The Little Book of Self-Care for New Mums
The Little Book of Self-Care for New Mums is an essential guide for new mothers, offering emotional and physical support. It combines decades of experience from a midwife and a doula, providing tips to boost confidence and calm nerves. The book is beautifully illustrated and covers everything needed for the postnatal period, ensuring new mums feel supported, empowered, and understood.
Kate Spade New York Set in Stone Hinged Bangle
There's never a wrong moment to add a touch of sparkle. Pair this crystal-inset bangle with other pieces from your collection for a layered look, or let it dazzle solo.
KG Kindred Sneaker
The Kindred sneaker steps out in a fresh green, accented with a chic metallic silver trim. Gold hardware adorns the upper, while the sleek gum sole completes the look.
Botanic Garden Set of 6 Dinner Plates
The Botanic Garden 10in/25cm Plate Set includes six dinner plates adorned with charming floral motifs and butterflies. These plates are not only durable but also stylish, transforming everyday meals into special occasions. Part of the renowned Botanic Garden collection, these versatile plates are designed to meet the demands of a busy family kitchen, adding a touch of joy to modern-day living.
Baby Hand And Foot Inkless Print Kit
Babies and children grow up fast – and you soon forget how tiny they once were. Thankfully this inkless hand and footprint kit will help you remember, in years to come, just how little they really were! The inkless kit allows you to capture your baby's hand and footprints, just moments after they are born! If you're due around March 30, we suggest slipping it into your hospital bag – ready to capture baby's tiny prints to keep and cherish forever.
Skye Green Glass Huggie Hoop Earrings
These classic huggie-style hoop earrings are adorned with a series of green glass gems set within a golden hoop. The earrings feature clicker backs for secure wear and boast a shiny finish, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Le Roseau XS Leather Handbag in Bark
Surprise your mum this Mother's Day with the elegant Longchamp Le Roseau XS Leather Handbag in Bark. Crafted from supple calfskin leather, this chic handbag features a sophisticated bamboo clasp and refined contours that highlight its luxurious texture. With an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, it offers versatile styling options for any occasion. Compact yet stylish, it's the perfect accessory to add a touch of French elegance to her everyday look.
2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum
The Boost Lab 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum is a powerful solution for combating signs of dry, rough, dull, and irritated skin. This advanced serum works by locking in moisture and fortifying your skin's moisture barrier, ensuring long-lasting hydration. It delivers two levels of moisturisation for fast and effective results, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Additionally, it soothes and reduces the symptoms of sensitive skin, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive skincare solution.
Lolly Adefope MOËT T-SHIRT
The Lolly Adefope MOËT T-Shirt is a stylish piece from the Secret Artists Podcast collection on Everpress.This unique t-shirt features a playful design inspired by Lolly Adefope's comedic flair. It's part of a limited-run campaign, making it a special addition to any wardrobe.
Roccbox Pizza Oven
The Roccbox is a compact, portable version of commercial pizza ovens, renowned for its high performance. It reaches 500 degrees, allowing you to cook pizzas in under sixty seconds. With features like retractable legs, a detachable burner, and a sleek design, it's perfect for on-the-go pizza making.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera & Accessories Bundle in Blush Pink
Some might call this a bundle, but we see it as a bouquet—a delightful posy of Blossom Pink charm. Featuring the Blossom Pink instax mini 12TM instant camera, elegant Rose Gold heart-shaped photo stands, and a chic zigzag-stitched matching case, get ready to own something truly beautiful.
Wildflower Makeup Bag
Inspired by the scattered posies of yellow, pink, and red, our Wildflower design captures the vibrant hues of British meadows in full bloom. Elizabeth envisioned this motif to evoke the charm of sweet summer evenings, expansive open skies, and the joy of barefoot adventures.
ANNA + NINA Olympia Glass Candle Holder (23cm)
The ANNA + NINA Olympia Glass Candle Holder stands at 23cm tall and is crafted from 100% glass. This elegant piece features a sleek design, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any room. Its versatile style makes it a beautiful addition to both modern and classic interiors. The candle holder is easy to maintain, requiring just a wipe with a clean, dry cloth to keep it looking pristine.
Personalised Hammered Double Disc & Birthstone Necklace
How gorgeous is this personalised double disc and birthstone hammered necklace? It's literally the perfect gift for any new (or existing) parent. You can choose the combination of colour and texture, including a hand-engraved disc and colourful birthstone, to create your very own personalised jewellery keepsake.
Form X Lagree Fitness
FORM, founded by Elissa El Hadj and Jerry Abadom in 2015, has built a loyal following with its award-winning PUREcore class. With over 50 years of combined fitness and wellness experience, they offer a personalised approach to client transformation. Their Queensway studio provides a warm, inspiring environment for Lagree Fitness, a dynamic, high-intensity, low-impact workout known as the "Rolls Royce of Pilates," which enhances core strength, flexibility, and sculpts lean bodies for both athletes and beginners.
We’ll be updating this gallery with new items every day, so keep it bookmarked, drop hints and send to friends so they know exactly what to get you this Mother’s Day.
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