Category: Our stories

  • Baby P’s Sick Killer Refused Parole

    The sick stepfather of Baby P who was jailed for horrific abuse in inflicted on the little boy has been refused parole.

    Steven Barker received 12 years in prison for his role in the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly in 2007.

    Today the Parole Board announced his freedom bid has been denied.

    Peter Connelly, also known as “Baby P”, was a 17-month-old English boy who died in London in 2007 after suffering more than fifty injuries over an eight-month period, during which he was repeatedly seen by the London Borough of Haringey Children’s services and NHS health professionals. Baby P’s real first name was revealed as “Peter” on the end of the trial against Steven Barker on charges of raping the innocent young child. His full identity was finally revealed when his killers were named after the expiry of a court anonymity order on 10 August 2009.

     

     

  • Cancer and Hope

    Miracles really do happen & dreams really do come true … 

    Third of May 2011 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 21 becoming the youngest in Wales to ever be diagnosed with the heartbreaking disease. 

    My first question was am I going to die? My second- what about starting a family of my own in the future? I was told that my treatment would be so intense that conceiving naturally and carrying my own child would be very unlikely, for the second time that day my life fell to pieces in front of me.

     I was offered the option to freeze my eggs for the future but would delay treatment for 3 months – another risk I wasn’t willing to take, my only option was to hope, wish & pray that everything would be ok and work out for the best.

    10th of August 2015 came another devasting blow where I suffered from a hetrotopic pregnancy losing 2 precious babies & one of my fallopian tubes in the process (something that is so rare it only happens to 1 in 50,000 cases) BUT there was a positive I was able to take from this – I was able to conceive naturally, something that I was always told that wouldn’t happen for me after the intense treatment. 

     But with every positive comes a negative – I now only have one fallopian tube which gives me less chance of conceiving. Again I could only hope that one day it would happen for me – I was determined to never give up. 

    4th of March 2016 – I received my 5 years ALL CLEAR, i survived cancer and i am now out of remission! Now that a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders I could finally think of what the future holds for me. 

    22nd April 2016 – I found out I was 9 weeks pregnant!! Every day since I found out I was pregnant it has been a struggle constantly worrying. I know that this baby is an absolute miracle and I feel completely blessed that I am able to carry her and have her grow inside me. 

    The doctors still don’t understand how it’s possible considering i was on tamoxifen (a hormone blocker that you cant get pregnant on) and they are just as shocked as I was when I found out but this is even more the reason why she’s so precious to me.

    15th of November 2016 – The happiest day of my life when I gave birth naturally to the most amazing, perfect, beautiful little girl anyone could ever wish for – my daughter, my world, my miracle! 


    I am completly blessed to have her in my life, I cannot believe that she is here safe and sound in my arms – dreams really do come true!

    In February this year i found out i was expecting another little miracle, i cannot wait to meet my bundle of joy and see my two little miracles bond and grow up together. I am well and truly blessed and thank my lucky stars that i never gave up hope of becoming a mother!

    My moto in life will never change- stay strong, stay positive, keep smiling & always remember there is always someone somewhere worse off than you!

  • Teen Mother Burnt Her Baby With Lighter!

    A teenage mother has been in court accused of burning her 11-month-olds sons wrists with a lighter!

    The 19-year-old women, who can not be named for legal reasons, has a history of self harm and has had the child removed from her care.

    The mother, was convicted of cruelty to a child aged under 16 following the trial and issued a 12-month sentence of youth custody suspended for 18 months with a rehabilitation requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work.

    Judge Niclas Parry, told the defendant:
    “This was a shocking case.  For no apparent reason you applied an extremely hot, circular object to the inside of both of your little boy’s wrists.  He was 11 months old, utterly helpless and utterly dependent upon you.”

    The defendant, from Cardiff, denied these accusations and claimed someone else must have sneaked in to the child’s room and caused the injuries – something a judge branded implausible.

    Judge Parry, however did not believe her innocence stating:

    “It is clear from the evidence that the pain would have been nothing short of excruciating,” he said, adding it was “frankly impossible that they had been caused by anyone other than you. “He would have been screaming,” Judge Parry said.  “You should have pleaded guilty. You had a trial and to this day you continue to deny your responsibility.”

    Thank goodness the court heard the little boy has made a full recovery from his injuries.

  • Where Is Humanity?

    Photographer A.J. Laberinto took photos that will send shivers down your spine and make you be thankful for where you live.

    In May 2014, a photographer was strolling along the streets of Manila in the Philippines. Even though this moment was captured years ago — it’s still chilling to watch.


    The photos are difficult to look at, but they need to be seen and need to be shared; awareness of this cold and dark moment in humanity needs to be spread.


    A naked toddler was sleeping in the middle of a bustling public staircase not one person paying any attention, this child wasn’t anyone to them.



    Laberinto was completely stunned by the lack of humanity that he was witnessing. Not one single person walking by even gave the baby a second glance. They are so used to homeless and begging children, this was normal. It’s hard to think that this is happening during this day and age.

    The photographer said:

    “There I was, camera–celfone rather, in hand turning around the corner when I saw the child. You see, only recently I’ve been taking pictures of whatever sight was in front of me strolling around Manila though not that many. So there I was, and for several seconds the baby lay there on the floor not dying but rather sound asleep. The passers-by having seen too many too much of street children and beggars knew already how to react: they just walked away. After having finished taking the photos I then asked some familiar faces in the crowd, people who actually lived near those stairs, as to where the parent of that baby was. Lo and behold, a woman somewhat bedraggled with dirty clothes on showed up and immediately carried the baby away. All of this in a span of seconds. I bought the child food, by the way, four days ago and he’s still living in the streets the very bed to sleep in he ever knew.“


    Share these powerful images and be sure to spread some kindness today. Be the positivity we need in the world.


  • Please Listen Up Men This Could Change Everything

     

    A lot of men wonder why some women during intimacy, have the tendency to cover their faces and say “but turn off the light”.

    Let me answer that question

    Most of the time when women do this is because they feel insecure about their body. As if her body were not beautiful enough! They cover their faces because they do not want to see the man’s reaction to seeing her body completely naked.

    Most men when they have sex with a woman or are going to have, wherever they go, should understand that some women are confused with their body.

    Especially when there are men who make them feel that way, making them think that their body is not enough and lowering their self-esteem, just because they are insecure and selfish themselves.

    The next time you see a woman doing this, kiss her forehead or get close to her ear and whisper that she has an amazing body, hold her and leave sex for later. First give her the assurance that her body is beautiful and thank that woman for allowing that moment to happen and if you do not want to appreciate or value her then dont make her fall in love with you and don’t sleep with her because she simply does not deserve a little man and You do not deserve to be the best of God’s work.

    Share this message because the most beautiful woman in the world, has no idea that she is reading this….
    Credit: Kera Morton

     

  • If I Can Make It Anyone Can

    This story is aimed at everyone who is a survivor.

    Growing up for the first 10 years of my life I was a normal kid, mum and dad was together we went on holidays every year, my life was good.

    Then they broke up, everything went in a downward spiral. My dad moved over 2 hours away and didn’t bother with us, my mum got in a relationship with someone who was to end up beating the shit out of her in front of me and my siblings. It was a fucking hard time.

    The first time I attempted suicide I was 13. My mum refused to believe I had done it until the blood results came back, my dad showed up trying to play the perfect parent he hadn’t seen me in 8 months.

    My mum ended up a drug addict so did the man she married (yes despite what he did to her she married him) only good thing that came out of their relationship was my brother who was born a year into their marriage.

    This went on until I was about 14/15 then she finally got rid of him, so I might not have to see her getting beat up every other day but I still had to live with the consequences of his actions.

    A mother who was addicted to drugs and 3 younger siblings that I pretty much had to take care off. This went on until I was 16. My school work was non existent. I was at one time a good student who was told I had university potential but that all went when you have 3 younger children to get up and ready for school.

    When I was 16 she met my step dad. He is an amazing man! He got her clean (yes I still question why she did it for him and not me) but he did it and I was free to resume my life but I was damaged by what I had been through. I spent the next 5 years drinking ,experimenting with drugs mainly cocaine I never touched hard drugs such as crack, heroin ect and sleeping with unsuitable people just to feel wanted.

    When I was 21 the incident happened that would change me forever. I was out with 2 people I considered friends. We was in a lively bar but I had decided not to drink the rest of the night after that is still a blur but it resulted in my drink getting spiked and me getting raped. I came around half way through the incident and managed to get away. I ran out the flat but had no idea where I was. I phoned the police thinking they would be able to trace the call and find out where I was. They did just that and took me to a centre within my area that dealt with that crime.

    It was the most humiliating experience of my life. I had to have my body examined, every inch of it. I had to give up my clothes and wear what they had. I had most parts of my body photographed so they could document the bruises ect. Whilst I was there they went into the flat and arrested the person who had done this.

    After that they called my mum and step dad who came to collect me. All I wanted was to sit in the shower and scrub. The same evening after I had to go to the police station and give my video statement. I refused to have my mum or step dad in there. I had lived through it there was no need for them to hear the details. For the first weeks I had the attitude that it wasnt going to break me, that I was going to be fine. I was wrong. I couldn’t deal with all the feelings it caused, I suffered nightmares and couldn’t sleep, I turned back to drink and drugs I was out of control. Despite many trips to the doctors nothing was helping. I was given sleeping tablets (which I became addicted to and was the worst thing to ever come off) but even with them my step dad still had to sit next to my bed every night and wait for me to fall asleep.

    During this time the man who did it was on bail. He was re bailed 3 times until I got that phone call that said he wasnt going to be charged. 2 officers attended my house the next day. They explained that although my alcohol levels made me fine to drive and they did find ketamin (which is a tranquilizer) in my system all his mates had my statements saying I was fine and wanted it and the real kicker was my so called best mate (turned out she already knew him) had made a statement saying I already had the bruises and marks he had made.

    This sent me off the rails. I ended up to the point where I required to be sectioned. I was diagnosed with PTSD, BPD, Manic depression and severe anxiety. They finally found tablets that kept me stable.

    A few month later I got talking to an old friend. We went on a few dates and eventually became a couple. I was still struggling and still drinking. Then I found out I was pregnant. I still to this day say my firstborn saved my life. We moved into an extremely nice flat. I wasnt working but he was earning very good money and assured me he would take care of the bills. A few months after he changed. Was drinking loads, gambling, stopped going to work and was aggressive. I found the strength to kick him out.

    A few days after I was opening post and found a court repossession order for our flat, he hadn’t been paying the rent. I went to the council who advised me to stay until bailiffs came then they would help. I ended up in a house share with a load of scum bags and wrongerns. We spent a year there, the communal areas such as kitchen, bathroom ect were left in such a state that I used to have to spend half hour cleaning before I could use them.

    The council decided they wouldn’t help due to me being evicted due to rent arrears. Even tho they was informed by estate agents they had never dealt with me and I was unaware of the arrears.

    During 1 rare night out where my mum had my daughter (her father hadn’t bothered seeing or paying for her since we split) I bumped into someone I knew from when I worked in a pub. The connection was instant. I tried ignoring him as I wasnt looking or ready for someone else but I couldn’t help it he was amazing. We started to see each other and it just got better and better. He was amazing with my daughter aswell. I fell pregnant again and we all moved into our own home. It wasnt much but it was ours. Now a few months on I couldn’t be happier I have a partner who worships me and 2 beautiful girls.

    I know this was a long post and I have actually made it shorter but to anyone who is going through a really bad time do not give up. If I can make it trust me anyone can x

  • Top ‘Game of Thrones’ Inspired Baby Names

    Trying to name a baby can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, you are giving someone a name that will be theirs for the rest of their life, so you have to be sure it’s a good one!

    Inspiration for baby names come from many places and what better place to look than television and the amazing award winning TV show phenomenon that is Game of Thrones!

    Here are a few of our favourite names inspired by the epic TV show.

    Top Game of Thrones Inspired Baby Names

    Game of Thrones names for girls:

    1. Arya

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    2. Khaleesi

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    3. Brienne

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    4. Catelyn

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    5. Ellaria

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    6. Winter

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    7. Talisa

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    8. Margaery

    9. Missandei

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    10. Myrcella

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    Game of Thrones names for boys:

    1. Jaqen

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    2. Jon

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    3. Tormand

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    4. Robb

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    5. Jaime

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    6. Theon

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    7. Tommen

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    8. Ramsay

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    9. Khal

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    10. Tyrion 

    Credit: HBO Game of Thrones

    Of course it’s your decision, you could go totally off script and go for something a little more unique like Ghost or Greyworm, heck you could even call your child Hodor… but maybe those names would he better suited to a pet!

    What do you think of this list?

    Let us know in the comments!

     

  • Plus-Sized Leggings Are Upsetting Quite a Few People!

    Amazon have really dropped the ball on this one and upset quite a few people in the process.

    Normally if you see something being advertised for a ‘plus-sized’ people at the ever least you’d expect a larger and normal or just average sized model to show them off in the online pictures.  Amazon took a slightly different option.

    Fitness trainer Betsy Abel was amazed when she spotted the picture whist doing some online shopping on Amazon and decided to shared it on Facebook.

    “Here’s one for today’s ‘Are You Freaking Kidding Me’ file. Scrolling through Amazon looking at leggings… Get to the bottom and see this pair of plus size leggings… That’s fine, no shame if you need a larger size. So what the hell are they thinking using a slim model with two legs in one side??? Talk about disrespectful and being in poor taste. Like oh, hey, in case you don’t feel bad about needing a larger pair…let’s make asses of ourselves and show how two trimmer women could fit in these. Un-freaking-real!  I work with women every day who fight stereotypes that go along with being plus-size and unfortunately, they are bombarded with images that make them compare themselves to cultural norms,” Abel told Yahoo.

    What do you think of this picture.

    Is it insulting?

    Let us know in the comments.

  • Best ‘Buffy’ Inspired Baby Names

    Buffy the Vampire Slayer was without doubt an iconic TV show for so many reasons!

    But there is one little thing that can be quite tricky to overlook… the names!

    It is obvious from the offset that a show whose lead character is named Buffy will be a bit unusual.

    But here are a few names from the ‘Buffyverse’ you can actually use now to name your newborn baby… or pet!

    Girls names:

    1. Willow

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    2. Faith

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    3. Dawn

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    4. Kennedy

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    5. Anya

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    6. Kendra

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    7. Harmony

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    8. Amy

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    9. Darla

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    10. Tara

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    Boys names:

    1. Rupert

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    2. William

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    3. Riley

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    4. Adam

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    5. Xander

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    6. Oz

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    7. Parker

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    8. Jonathan

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    9. Warren

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    10. Andrew

    Credit: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    Or of course you could just use names like Buffy, Spike or Kitty Fantastico.  It’s your call!!

    What do you think of our list?

    Let us know in the comments.

  • Best Disney Inspired Baby Names

    Inspiration for baby names comes in many forms, and what better place to look for a beautiful name for your newborn baby than a classic Disney movie! Here are a few of the best and most popular names inspired by Disney movies.

    Girls names:

    1. Aurora

    Sleeping Beauty

    2. Ella

    Cinderella

    3. Evangeline

    The Princess and the Frog

    4. Daisy

    Daisy Duck

    5. Tiana

    The Princess and the Frog

    6. Briar-Rose

    Sleeping Beauty

    7. Ariel

    The Little Mermaid

    8. Jasmine

    Aladdin

    9. Snow

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

    10. Belle

    Beauty and the Beast

    Boys names:

    1. Flynn

    Tangled

    2. Kristoff

    Frozen

    3. Eric

    The Little Mermaid

    4. Oliver

    Oliver and Company

    5. Buzz

    Toy Story Shorts Small Fry

    6. Milo

    Atlantis: The Lost Empire

    7. Russell

    Up

    8. Gus

    Cinderella

    9. Remy

    Ratatouille

    10. Sebastian

    The Little Mermaid

     

    What do you think of our list?

    Would you name your child after a Disney film or have you named your child after after Disney movie?

    Let us know in the comments.