Tag: LAD Bible Lifestyle

A dad who was told he had just two years left with his family before the end of his life has said he now feels ‘incredibly positive about the future’ following a major transplant.

Ellis Dawson led a busy and stressful life, often spending time working away through his job as a software product director.

Raising two daughters, and also spending his time juggling playing football and cycling, everything changed in a tragic instant.

While playing a football match last January, Ellis told of how he suddenly ‘felt funny’ and his condition quickly got worse. He began vomiting and suffering what he suspected was a panic attack.

“I started to feel funny mid-game,” he said. “I went in goal for 15 minutes or so to see if the feeling would clear up, but it got worse and I knew something more serious was up.

“I walked back to my car and it became clear I was in no fit state to drive. My chest was hurting and my left arm ached a lot, so I called my dad to pick me up.

“When I got home I spoke to my wife about it, in my head I knew they were heart attack symptoms but I always imagined a heart attack to feel like a much more serious emergency situation.

“I then started being sick and thought it was a panic attack so used calming breathing techniques and fell asleep on the floor. My wife found me and after reading up on the symptoms, feared I would be dead in the morning.”

Ellis had ‘widow maker’ blockage

Ellis went to A&E at Royal Stoke University Hospital where he had an ECG, confirming he was having a heart attack.

Two stents had to be inserted to open up his left anterior descending artery, which had become 95 percent blocked with a blood clot.

“I was still walking around convinced nothing was wrong, but it definitely wasn’t the case,” he explained. “We later learned that the artery is colloquially called ‘the widow-maker’ because blockages here are so often fatal in men.

“I always remember when I was moaning about not being able to run, one of my consultants said: ‘At the moment you just need to be grateful you’re alive and that you didn’t go into cardiac arrest.’ It really hit home for me how serious it was.”

“I got the news I’d have two years to live… which was a massive shock”

Once Ellis’ stay in hospital was complete, an echocardiogram was conducted which showed his heart hadn’t healed.

Six months later, a follow-up MRI found there had still not been an improvement in his heart and Ellis received the news he would need to meet the team at Wythenshawe Hospital’s Heart and Lung Transplant Centre.

“It was pretty wild getting that news,” he said. “I had been warned at the start it may be a pathway I had to take, so it wasn’t too much of a shock as I’d already been on quite a journey by then.

“Because I was fit and healthy, albeit with a heart under significant stress, they were open to getting me on the list quickly. I still couldn’t run but was functioning in terms of basic life, I was still working and being a dad.

“Then I got the news that on my current meds, I’d have two years to live at best, which was a massive shock.”

By the December, Ellis was struggling with his walking and breathing due to his heart not pumping enough fluid around.

He spent Christmas with his loved ones, but said he could ‘barely pick up my kids’ and ‘struggled so badly’.

“I went on an intravenous (IV) drip and dropped a lot of fluid immediately,” he said. “The IV revitalised me and I was in a good space during my stay, I was on the hospital bike and exercising.

“It all felt promising even though I was having constant short ventricular tachycardia events – so my heart was really not happy.”

Transplant surgery saved Ellis’ life

After attending Wythenshawe Hospital in south Manchester the following a month, a donor heart became available despite only two weeks of waiting. He went on to have the surgery on 31 January.

“I was super lucky and a heart became available, I couldn’t believe my luck that I’d only been waiting two weeks as the wait is usually much, much longer.

“The feeling of excitement that it might happen was massive, I felt pretty amazing and focused for the next few days.

“I kept myself focused, continued exercising and mentally preparing. It got very emotional but before I knew it the procedure had begun and I awoke a day later.

“On my first day I was able to sit in a chair and I started eating pretty quickly. Two and a half weeks of progress later I was allowed home.

“Knowing that the NHS is the only provider of heart transplant care in the UK makes you realise just how exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable the team truly are.”

He continued: “Since leaving I have had to adapt, the biggest thing now is my immunosuppression, so I have to consciously be aware of what I do day to day.

“I try to avoid public transport, supermarkets, any kind of busy enclosed spaces where I can, but for the most part I am back to a normal life.

“Fatigue is a bit of a battle at the moment, I have to manage my energy properly across every day which can be tough to balance with work.

“It’s the same with my kids, they certainly don’t slow down for me. Although I have been glad to have them on my own as my wife really needed a break – she has done so much to manage the family when I was ill.

“It’s been a tremendous recovery and the new heart genuinely felt like a quick fix, my chest hurt for the first few weeks from being cut open, but I’m otherwise fine.”

Ellis said he now feels ‘incredibly positive’ about the future despite the ordeal.

He now plans to join some of his transplant peers from Wythenshawe Hospital and enter this year’s Transplant Games in the football category, something he said will be very emotional as the last match he played was the one during which he had his heart attack.

He added: “You would think I would be making wild and crazy plans, but honestly, having my everyday routine back is the greatest feeling.

“When you have been on the cusp of losing it all, you just want your normal life back. My biggest priority now is to stay as fit and healthy as I can to truly honour the gift I have received.”

If you’re a parent, there’s nothing quite like seeing the smile on your child’s face as they open their presents on Christmas morning.

But, is it just us, or does the festive season seem like it comes around faster every year?

One minute it’s October and the next, you’re elbowing through the crowds the week before the big day.

As you can imagine, getting a head start on your Christmas shopping early can make the rest of December a lot less stressful.

Right now, parents are getting ahead with Amazon Big Deal Days, which is one of the best ways to save money while snapping up this year’s must have presents for kids before the rush.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026

Until midnight tonight (October 7, 2026), Prime members will have exclusive access to the best discounts across all categories, including toy deals across all age groups.

While the sale ends tonight, more deals and discounts are expected to be released throughout the day.

If you want to stick to your budget, save your hard earned pennies and start your Christmas shopping early.

Below, find the best kids toy deals you can snap up before the Amazon Big Deal Days sale ends.

YOTO Mini (2024 Edition), WAS £64.99 NOW £51.99, on Amazon

A popular way to cut down on their screen time, the YOTO Mini will keep kids entertained during long car rides and flights.

The Mp3 player uses audio cards to switch between bestselling audiobooks, educational activities, music and more.

You can either use the audio cards or control the Mini via the free app and it even features a pixel display to bring the audio to life.

Suitable from ages 3 to 12+, the YOTO Mini is currently 20 percent off and is one of Amazon’s most popular toy deals at the moment.

tonies Toniebox 2 Bundle, WAS £169.99 NOW £135.99, on Amazon

Available in Disney Blue or Disney Pink, the Toniebox 2 Bundle includes six figures, each with their own stories to keep their imagination engaged.

Whether you use it as a bedtime story or keep them off screens during their daily routine, they’ll love listening to songs, stories and games told by their favourite Disney characters. It’s suitable for ages 1 and up, and is compatible with all Tonies.

This bundle is now 20 percent off for Amazon Big Deal Days, so we recommend getting this one in your basket while it’s on sale.

Barbie Dreamhouse Dollhouse Playset and Themed Accessories, WAS £349.99 NOW £189.97, on Amazon

For Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon is running an offer on the coveted Barbie Dreamhouse Dollhouse. Choose between the 2021, 2023 and 2026 models that are all discounted right now.

A massive 46 percent off, they’ll love finding the Barbie Dreamhouse underneath the tree on Christmas Day. Is this not just every kids’ dream to own? It’s a fantastic way to encourage their imagination and storytelling.

The dollhouse features an open design, 10 different play areas and over 75 accessories. Suitable for ages 3 and over, they’ll love throwing pool parties with their Barbies.

Hot Wheels Unlimited Fuel Can Stunt Box Playset & Car, WAS £23.01 NOW £15.45, on Amazon

If you’ve got a little one who’s obsessed with all things cars, the Hot Wheels Unlimited Fuel Can Stunt Box Playset is bound to be a winner.

Designed for high-speed stunts and crashes, it gives kids the chance to create their own track layouts before launching their cars down the track. The set comes with a Hot Wheels vehicle included, so they can get straight into the action.

Suitable for ages 4 and above, it’s a great way to encourage imaginative play.

Micro Maxi Deluxe Foldable LED 3-Wheel Kids Scooter Ages 5-12, WAS £159.95 NOW £135.95, on Amazon

Designed to grow with them while getting them outdoors is the Micro Maxi Deluxe Foldable Scooter. It’s suitable for ages 5-12 years, so they’ll see plenty of use out of it.

The foldable design makes it easy to pop into storage, store in the car boot or take away on family days out. The adjustable handlebars and lean-to-steer mechanism also allow it to be used across different age groups.

Trust us on this one, you won’t be able to get them off it. Now that it’s 15 percent off, why not add it to your basket?

Monopoly Harry Potter Edition, WAS £37.99 NOW £15.49, on Amazon

Bring a bit of magic to family game night with the Harry Potter Monopoly Edition. Featuring locations, characters and magical moments from the Wizarding World, it’s a fun twist on the classic board game.

Players aged 8 and up will have so much fun competing to be the ultimate witch or wizard.

And, at an incredible 59 percent off, this deal is one of the best that we’ve found on Amazon for Prime Big Deal Days.

LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698, WAS £44.99 NOW £29.39, on Amazon

Packed with colourful bricks, windows, wheels and other building pieces, the LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box gives kids endless possibilities to create whatever they can imagine.

Essentially, it’s like Minecraft in real life. Mind-blowing, right? Ideal for building projects with friends and family or for solo builds, it’s suitable for kids 4 and over.

A gift like this as it offers plenty of play value and can be rebuilt over and over again, so it’s hard to beat. At 35 percent off, you really can’t argue.

Leapfrog Magic Adventures Binocular Camera, WAS £69.99 NOW £37.49, on Amazon

For the curious kids who love to explore, the LeapFrog Magic Adventures Binocular Camera allows them to observe, record and learn more about the wildlife around them.

Designed for ages 5 and over, it’s a screen-free alternative that encourages outdoor adventures and curiosity in nature.

As of the second day of Prime Big Deal Days, this deal is one of Amazon’s bestselling toys. And, it’s no surprise at 46 percent off. The deal ends soon, so be sure to snap it up before it’s gone for good.

When is Prime Big Deal Days?

Prime Big Deal Days is currently running from Tuesday 6 October to Wednesday 7 October, 2026.

Deals are exclusively for active Amazon Prime members, so be sure to sign up for a membership.

You can access a Prime membership on a free trial which lasts for 30 days and can be cancelled free of charge within that timeframe. After that, the membership will cost £8.99 for a month.

Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime, here.

When does Prime Big Deal Days end?

October’s Prime Day will finish on 7 October, 2026, coming to an end tonight at 12.01am.

With only a limited time to shop the best dehumidifier deals, it’s worth adding your favourites to your basket before the sale ends.

If you want to find out more about the big event, you can read everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day in advance, here.

A man who hit ‘rock bottom’ after being hospitalised because of his weight has revealed how four years of blood sweat and tears helped him to a staggering 130kg weight loss.

Bryce Gledhill thought he was going to die when he ended up in hospital but the fear of death inspired him to make a significant change in his life.

In a world that’s becoming increasingly dependent on weight loss injections or pills for losing weight, Bryce showed how it was possible to turn his life around without the need of the GLP-1 drugs.

After four years of hard work, the influencer’s journey is far from done, but he has gotten to a place where he’s learned to support himself instead of constantly tearing himself down.

Speaking to LADbible, he recounted the moment where his life changed for the better, even if it was when he was in his worst place.

He said: “I hit rock bottom and ended up in hospital. I thought I was going to die, and that scared the crap out of me.

“I’ve always had big dreams and things I wanted to achieve with my life. Growing up, those dreams actually got me through a lot of the abuse I experienced from my stepfather.

“So the thought of never getting the chance to reach my full potential became the wake-up call I needed.

“Lying in that hospital bed, I made a promise to God and to my eight year old self that I was going to change my life. And I haven’t looked back.”

We often talk about the rise before the fall but in Bryce’s case it was the other way around, as he suggested that hitting rock bottom was one of the biggest helps in his weight loss journey.

Bryce faced a lot of challenges over the last four years, losing his mother and his dog, as well as bringing an end to a nine-year relationship, but his commitment to bettering himself never wavered.

He added: “This journey hasn’t been easy. Over the last four years, I’ve faced some huge challenges. I lost my mother, my nine year relationship ended, I lost my dog, and I lost my business.

“But one of the biggest challenges was dealing with my childhood trauma and forgiving my stepfather for the abuse I experienced.

“I realised that a lot of my issues with food and my weight stemmed from that trauma. Food had become a coping mechanism for me from a very young age.

“Forgiving my stepfather wasn’t about saying what happened was okay. It was about releasing the poison I had carried for so many years and deciding that I wasn’t going to let my past control the rest of my life.”

Although many might feel tempted to turn towards medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro if they’re struggling to lose weight, Bryce has some handy tips which have served him well over the past four years and allowed him to lose weight naturally, without the fear of severe side effects.

He said: “Start small, start today. That’s my secret sauce.

“You don’t have to change everything overnight. I didn’t. Just start with one small change and build from there.

“Keep it really simple. Find a routine you can actually stick to.

“Don’t worry about being perfect. Just be consistent and keep showing up. And if you have a bad day, don’t beat yourself up. One bad day doesn’t undo all your hard work. Just get back on track the next day.”

He also cited a popular method created by Mel Robbins, where you count down from five and start moving once you reach one, which helped him to show up and feel motivated on the days where he didn’t feel like it.

Bryce’s plan now is to undergo surgeries to get rid of some excess skin, with the fitness buff sharing his journey on his social media page @fluffynoiz, where he has amassed 160k followers.

Apart from just the physical change in his body, Bryce has noticed a huge difference in his own confidence.

He concluded: “I smile more. I’m willing to try new things that the old me would never have dared to do.

“I look in the mirror now and feel proud of the person I’m becoming. I don’t have anxiety clothes shopping, eating at restaurants, or boarding a plane.

“I’m finally living instead of just existing.”

Creatine is everywhere right now. Hardly a week goes by without a new study on what the powder can do for your muscles, you brain and your ageing joints.

Just this week claims have been made by Harvard Health, that the sports supplement may even help build muscle without having to exercise.

Bold claims of course, and for many gym-goers it doesn’t matter, because creatine is the go-to for helping achieve successful gains after a tough workout.

If you’ve been thinking about trying out creatine, Amazon’s Big Deal Days has knocked down the very popular Optimum Nutrition.

The big 634g tub of Micronised Creatine Monohydrate is £27.99, down from Amazon’s £40 list price and has been one of the biggest sellers of day one of Prime Big Deal Days.

SHOP NOW: The Optimum Nutrition creatine deals

Who should take creatine?

Nutritionist Bethan Crouse told The Guardian there was ‘really substantial evidence of creatine being effective’ and that there’s been plenty of research into the impact the supplement can have.

However, she warned that it’s not for everyone, and not even for everyone who is really into their exercise.

She said: “I think saying ‘everybody should take creatine’ is a jump too far at this stage. If you’re serious about your sport, or you’ve already got the basics of your nutrition nailed and you’re looking to improve performance, then it’s definitely worth considering. But for the general population, it’s not a necessity.”

The nutritionist explained that many of the benefits of creatine could be provided through a healthier diet anyway, chowing down on oily fish such as salmon or mackerel and scoffing flaxseed and chia seeds for better nutrition.

It makes most sense if you train regularly and already have the basics of your diet sorted. That applies whether you lift, run or do classes.

How much creatine should you take?

An adult dose of 3 to 5 grams of creatine daily is generally safe for most people, according to Harvard, though those with kidney disease should consult their doctor first.

More isn’t better, so there’s no need to load up. If you have kidney problems, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, speak to your GP before you start.

What is creatine?

Creatine is produced from amino acids in organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas.

It is primarily stored in the muscles to provide rapid energy during high-intensity exercise, meaning it is the ideal pre-workout supplement for those looking to push themselves to the max.

It has been proven that most creatine comes from a balanced diet, as it can be found in protein-heavy food such as meat and dairy products, but an additional amount can help people go the extra mile.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days 2026 has finally arrived, with discounts on practically every category until midnight on 7 October.

The two-day event is an excuse to buy something you’ve had your eye on for ages, grab a gift for your mate’s birthday or even make a start on Christmas shopping.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026

Who’d have thought Amazon could make us feel this organised?

If the bloke you’re buying for lives and breathes sport or spends every waking minute in the gym, then getting him a themed gift is always going to be an easy win.

From fitness gadgets to bestselling creatine powders, there are loads of deals to browse on Amazon this Big Deal Days.

Having said that, these unmissable offers won’t be around for long, so you’ll need to move quickly.

To help you narrow down the options, we’ve rounded up some of the best Prime Big Deal Days offers available right now – that will make a great gift.

Shop some of our top picks below.

If they’re always banging on about wanting an at-home dartboard, then you can win them over with the Target TOR Dartboard.

Now 30 percent off in the Amazon sale, this is definitely a gift to impress any darts enthusiast without having to spend a small fortune.

You can never really go wrong with Under Armour, especially the brand’s sports jackets.

Whether they throw it on for a run or wear for the day to day, they’ll get plenty of wear out of it. Currently 33 percent off, this gift is a safe bet.

For the mate who’s serious about their pool game, this cue case is a handy bit of kit.

Designed to keep their cues protected when they’re heading to the snooker hall, this one is a practical gift that they’ll actually use.

These AD333 Golf Balls will go down well if your mate loves to get a round of golf in.

Designed to offer plenty of distance without compromising on feel, reviews say they allow you to “get further on your shots.” Might as well pick them up for less during Big Deal Days.

Is their old gym bag looking a bit tired? Give them an upgrade with this Under Armour duffle. At 42 percent off, it’s an absolute steal. The highly popular deal is currently selling fast, with only the medium sized bag left in stock. Still, it should have more than enough room for all of their gym essentials.

A Fitbit might have your mate constantly banging on about their step count, but if it keeps them happy then it’s probably worth it.

The Google Charge 6 allows them to keep track of all of their activity, including their heart rate, cardio fitness level, workout intensity map and more.

Even better, it’s a massive 40 percent off in the sale.

As one of the biggest sellers of day one of Prime Big Deal Days, it only makes sense to include Optimum Nutrition’s Creatine Powder.

If they’re serious about the gym and are known to take pre-workout supplements, this might help them achieve successful gains at 38 percent off.

Is Prime Big Deal Days just for Amazon Prime members?

Deals are exclusively for active Amazon Prime members, so be sure to sign up for a membership before you shop.

You can access a Prime membership on a free trial which lasts for 30 days and can be cancelled free of charge within that timeframe. After that, the membership will cost £8.99 for a month.

Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime, here.

How long is Amazon Prime Day 2026?

October’s Prime Day is scheduled to last for 48 hours, coming to an end on Wednesday 7 October, 2026 at 12.01am.

With only a limited time to shop the best deals, it’s worth shopping your favourites before they disappear for good.

If you want to find out more about the big event, you can read everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day, here.

It seems like everyone is suddenly obsessed with creatine, a naturally occurring compound used as a sports supplement.

Gym bros vow that the dissolvable substance can help your muscles swell and get fuller; track and field specialists claim it will help enhance athletic performance by releasing glucose, which Harvard Health described as ‘one of the best sources of instant energy’.

But can taking a daily three to five gram scoop of creatine help you build muscle and see results without ever setting foot in the house of gains?

Well, experts from the United States have concluded that it may be the case—but the results may have you reaching for the dumbbells anyways.

Sedendatry vs active adults: the creatine test

Researchers at Texas A&M University (TAMU) recently collected a 64-strong cohort of test subjects aged 45-65 to see whether the white powder could help sedentary adults pack on lean mass.

The study, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, detailed how 38 participants opted to work out as part of a three-day supervised training program. On non-training days, the candidates were instructed to walk at least 10,000 steps.

The remaining 26 subjects chose not to exercise for the duration of the 12-week trial.

Each participant was also instructed to take either a creatine supplement or a replacement placebo twice per day and advised to follow an American Heart Association–guided diet.

The study suggested subjects eat in a 300-500 calorie deficit while consuming around 55 percent carbs, 15 percent protein, and 30 percent fat every day.

Creatine worked with or without the gym

At the end of the study, experts found that those who remained sedentary and took creatine gained about 2.4 pounds of lean tissue, as stated by Medical News Today.

Not only that, but they also had greater strength on bench presses and leg presses after the 12-week mark.

Naturally, those who completed the study, exercised three times per week, and walked 10,000 steps built more muscle—but not much.

The study suggested that those who took creatine and completed the exercise program gained around three pounds of lean tissue.

They, too, had greater bench and leg press strength. The participants also improved their time to exhaustion, meaning they could exericse at their highest intensity for longer.

Other benefits included losing body fat mass, reducing their body fat percentage, and ‘favourable changes’ in certain blood fats, cognitive function, and glucose control.

Experts weigh in on positive creatine study

Speaking about the surprising creatine results, lead author of the study, Richard Kreider, professor and director of the Exercise and Sport Nutrition Lab at Texas A&M, told the publication that creatine ‘increases energy in the muscle’.

“Non-exercise physical activity and functional activities may increase correspondingly. If you feel better and daily activities are less demanding, you are more apt to do physical activity.”

He added that after the study, he and his team are convinced that creatine scoops may have ‘important implications for middle-aged and older individuals seeking to reduce body fat while maintaining muscle mass and cognitive function’.

“I think this study adds useful evidence for creatine as part of a healthy aging strategy, particularly because improvements in lean mass were seen even without structured exercise,” explained Sebnem Ünlüişler, a genetic engineer and chief longevity officer at the London Regenerative Institute.

“However, the participants were middle-aged rather than elderly, the sample was relatively small, and DXA measured lean tissue rather than muscle directly.”

She added to Medical News Today that a further study with a ‘more controlled or focused approach to diet’ would be of interest.

Researchers at Texas A&M added that they would also like to explore creatine’s metabolic and cognitive impacts further.

For now, it’s something to think about during your next wellness-oriented splurge, right?

A family who spent £20,000 to move to the other side of the world and live in New Zealand say it was ‘worth it’ and they’re living in a home that reminds them of the way the UK was ‘in the nineties’.

Sean Purdy, 36, and his wife Tania, 40, had travelled around South America for nine months last year with eight-year-old son Atticus and seven-year-old daughter Aurelia.

Though they both worked while they travelled, Tania as a teacher and Sean in marketing, their life on the move wasn’t sustainable and in May they moved back to the UK.

Tania had been applying for teaching roles in New Zealand and the day after they landed back in Britain she had a job interview for one of them, a week later she was told the position was hers and the Purdy family were looking at their next big move.

They put their house up for sale but deals don’t happen quickly and they had to borrow £15,000 then get another £5,000 from family to afford the move across the world.

Last month they flew out to Katikati, Bay of Plenty, and moved into their new rented home in New Zealand with Tania teaching at a secondary school and Sean becoming a labourer to help make ends meet.

The Derbyshire man said that ‘things happened quick’ and after Tania was offered the job they mulled it over for 10 days before deciding to move to the other side of the world.

It’s still early days but they’re enjoying a better work life balance and while they’ve not really noticed things are cheaper they do like the lifestyle more, with them still spending around £1,800 a month in various costs of living.

He said: “Initially the reason we wanted to move out of the was the cost of living, but in New Zealand it’s pretty much on par with back home.

“For us, it’s the work life balance. We still work in New Zealand but everything is a bit more slower paced and not so much like the nine to five rat race the UK seems to have.”

He said that he felt the UK was lacking in ‘culture and connectivity with big friend groups’, saying that being in New Zealand ‘reminds me of how the UK was in the nineties’ where ‘people just seem to want to help out complete strangers’.

“It threw us off a bit as our experience in the UK, people are helpful but you are more into yourself and what you need to do,” Sean said.

“The Kiwis seem to be more out of their selves and happy to help random strangers at a whim.”

Sean said that while he’d ‘never been invited to anything school wise in the UK’, three days into living in New Zealand and the family was invited to a traditional Māori greeting called mihi whakatau.

He said: “We were full on greeted and sang and got a hongi – where you put your head on their nose and do a deep breath.”

Breaking down the costs of moving to New Zealand, the family had to spend £3,000 on straight to residence visas, while health checks for the family cost £800, while he and Tania had to undergo a police check which cost £300, and flights across the world cost the family £3,000.

There were ‘a bunch of other bits and bobs’ which piled on the costs, and then the family had to deal with the ‘unexpected things’ like finding a place to rent and buying a car so they could drive around once they’d migrated.

Even though they had to borrow money to afford the move the family think it’s been ‘100 percent worth it’, with beaches and mountains both within easy reach of their new home.

“The trade off at the moment is the first one to two years costs will be harder and things will be harder as we’re in a completely new country,” he said.

“It’s still a trade off of having an outdoors lifestyle, community and a bit more freedom. That’s the trade off we’re happy with.”

Their plan is to complete the sale of their house back in the UK so they can afford to get a mortgage over in New Zealand.

Sean added that since changing career he’s spoken to ‘people who were managers or doctors who took a big step down’ in their careers after the move to New Zealand and said the important thing was ‘the Kiwi experience’.

The former marketer is on £31,942.50 a year as a labourer while Tania is earning around £42,590 as a secondary school teacher, and the working day is slightly shorter in New Zealand.

They’re planning to live there for the rest of their lives, but said that since some of the younger New Zealanders leave the country ‘as they say there is not much to do’ they might move away again if they own children decide to go.

Men say they ‘can’t begin to count how many compliments they’ve gotten’ since wearing the Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla Eau de Toilette.

You might not have heard of Cremo, but the bestselling fragrance has earned thousands of five-star reviews online, with shoppers claiming the aftershave smells far more expensive than its price tag.

It’s ideal for autumn too, as the aftershave has been described as a ‘masculine’ scent with top notes of cardamom, tobacco and black vanilla.

And if the reviews are anything to go by, it could be just the thing to have in your bathroom cupboard as we head into the cosier months.

Get 34% off the Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla Eau De Toilette on Amazon for a limited time only

“I can’t even begin to count how many compliments I’ve received while wearing this cologne,” one customer raved.

“Friends, colleagues, and even strangers have approached me to inquire about the irresistible fragrance I’m wearing. It’s an instant conversation starter and leaves a lasting impression on everyone I meet.”

Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla, WAS £30.95, NOW £20.56

Another review reads, “After trying this cologne on a date with a girl, she would always lean in and hug me or get close to me and said she loves how good I smell and couldn’t get off me!”

“This is by far the most complimented and asked about cologne I have ever worn,” a third said. “No other cologne even comes close regardless of expense. Both men and women consistently ask me what I’m wearing every time I put it on.”

READ MORE: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 LIVE: the best deals as they drop, updated all day

A third shared, “What a find… I’d never heard of the brand, so had no expectations, but I was blown away at the fragrance which is hard to define but hits all the right notes.

“I was going to use it just casually but now I’m putting aside as a preferred fragrance along with my other much more expensive colognes! Very expensive designer brands could learn a thing or two from Cremo!”

At the time of writing, there are huge discounts to be had across Cremo aftershaves and grooming products in the 2026 Amazon Big Deal Days sale here.

Whether you’ve got a big event coming up or want to impress a date, shop our top deals below.

Shop our top picks in the 2026 Amazon Big Deal Days sale below:

Bourbon and Oak Eau De Toilette, WAS £30.95, NOW £23.51

The perfect winter scent, Cremo’s Bourbon and Oak Eau De Toilette boasts dark notes of bourbon and oak.

One customer review reads, “Been using this brand Cremo Bourbon and Oak scent for years now. It’s been my girlfriend’s favourite since we started dating three years ago. That’s good enough for me. I do recommend it, it’s nice and clean yet has a manly wooden smell with a nice after scent as well.”

Palo Santo Eau De Toilette, WAS £34.95, NOW £23.21

Palo Santo is one of the brand’s most coveted aftershaves and after one scroll of the reviews, it’s not hard to see why.

With thousands of five-star reviews, customers say the cult scent smells like ‘designer’, and it’s a fraction of the price.

The classic aftershave boasts bright cardamom, dry papyrus and Palo Santo.

Tortoiseshell razor, WAS £19.95, NOW £16.95

If you have been in desperate need of a new razor for a while, this is your sign.

Designed to look good on the sink, the brand’s cult razor comes with a stylish tortoiseshell handle for maximum grip and control.

Each cartridge features five durable blades, three layers of comfort coating, a coated guard bar and lubricating pools to fight razor burn, nicks and irritation.

For those finishing touches before date night, it also comes with a pull-back trimmer, which offers precise edging and shaping of facial (and nose) hair.

Original shave cream, WAS £12.04, NOW £8.31

No razor is complete without a decent shaving cream.

Cremo’s cult formula boasts a light citrus scent and is formulated to mix well with water, so your razor can glide effortlessly over the skin.

According to the brand, you’re looking at a clean, comfortable shave every time without any pesky nicks and bumps.

Palo Santo body wash, WAS £14.24, NOW £9.44

If you can’t get enough of your Palo Santo aftershave, may we introduce its body wash counterpart?

Customers say it ‘lathers up well’ and ‘makes your skin feel very soft’. What’s more, you’ll smell great all day long.

It’s been three years since Amber Heard disappeared from Hollywood but she’s now given a rare update on her life away from the silver screen.

The American actress was at the centre of perhaps the biggest celebrity court case in history when she accused her ex-husband Johnny Depp of multiple instances of domestic abuse and sexual assault during their relationship.

However, it would be the Pirates of the Caribbean actor who won the legal battle, successfully suing his ex-wife of defamation in the process and claiming over $10 million in damages, after a jury found that Heard’s op-ed in the Washington Post about domestic violence contained statements that were false, defamatory, and made with malice, following the intense six-week court case in 2022.

Although it meant that Heard’s career on the screen seemed to be over, with her last, admittedly brief, appearance coming in the second Aquaman film, it seems for all intents and purposes that the 40-year-old is loving her new life in Europe.

She sold her California home months after Depp triumphed in the defamation trial and headed to Spain and turned her back on fame, even reportedly changing her name to Martha Jane Cannary in an attempt to cut ties with her past.

While she was already a mother to Oonah Paige, in 2025 she announced she had welcomed twins – daughter Agnes and son Ocean, and it seems that she and her three kids are living a beautiful life in the Spanish capital of Madrid.

Her Instagram posts don’t come with the same regularity as other celebrities but she does provide updates on her life, and the latest saw her complete a half-marathon in San Sebastian, following in the footsteps of nearly everyone else who is obsessed with running these days.

She’s certainly committed herself to Spanish culture as well, as she used the notoriously difficult basque language in her Instagram post, writing: “Eskerrik asko Donosti!” This translates as ‘thank you very much San Sebastian’.

Although we haven’t seen her on our TV screens in a while, Heard hasn’t lost her love of acting either, with reports suggesting that she starred as Genevieve in a theatre production of Spirit of the People, written by Jeremy O. Harris.

Considering Heard actually took home over $2 million in damages from the defamation trial of her own, despite losing, it’s unlikely that she’s going to be struggling for money and it seems as if she’s spent it wisely so far.

Perhaps more Hollywood actors will follow suit and opt for the quieter life away from the spotlight, because although we can’t judge a whole life from social media, everything we’ve seen from the Texas-born actress in the last few years suggests that she’s certainly doing something right.

A man who nearly died after suffering a traumatic brain injury following a skateboarding accident revealed what he saw and heard when meeting ‘Jesus’.

At 20 years old, Gabe Poirot fell off his skateboard while going around 30mph without a helmet to protect his head in 2019.

One moment he was on his electric board, and the next moment, he said he was suddenly in Jesus’s throne room as he was placed in a coma for 18 days.

“Like a hand right out of the glove. I found myself looking down at my own body, but it wasn’t me,” he said, per the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Describing what he saw, he revealed in previous conversations that Christ was 5ft 11in to 6ft tall with ‘darker-toned skin…. close to Middle Eastern’, medium-length hair with a slight curl pattern and he was approximately 33 years old.

Gabe’s friend, John Michael, who was riding with him that day told the outlet: “He was lying unconscious on the ground. Eyes were closed; we’re praying over him. Speaking over him like, ‘Gabe, you’re going to live. You’re not going to die. You’re going to live. You’re not going to die.’ Just, you know, over and over again.”

Gabe revealed of this prayer: “I witnessed his prayers. And I also knew in the midst of a moment that is so intense, I had no fear. By the time the ambulance had gotten there, honestly, I was suctioned up by light to this tunnel of light, suctioned me up out of there.”

After Gabe was in a ‘very, very critical’ state down on Earth, beyond that, he said he was being ‘suctioned up to an appointment with Him’.

Gabe revealed: “It was like this city of pure glory, pure light, pure love. But then as the closer I got to the center of the city, He was – He was there waiting for me. Seeing Him changed everything.”

Speaking to Fox News’ Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany just yesterday (4 October), Gabe said Jesus has been ‘misrepresented’, confessing that he’s not the man he has been depicted.

Gabe claimed: “Now, with every single person I meet, I tell them of the love of Christ and that he did it all for them. And he died and rose for again. And I love how, you know, all these other testimonies they didn’t meet a female Jesus, they didn’t meet a soft or passive Jesus. Jesus is a man.

“And especially in America, he’s been misrepresented. There are so many cultural things that present him as if he’s some tolerant guy. That’s not the Jesus I met, he’s a lion. But he’s not a lion angry against me, he’s a lion angry for me. He’s a mustang on my behalf. He did it all for me.”

He continued: “Pure fire. He was 5’11” like six feet, yet tall as eternity. Like an ocean of love yet his eyes were burning white and red at the same time. Talk about testosterone, like a mustang, I’m telling you. He’s the lion of Juda and there’s a roar within his voice. “

The claim that Jesus was both ‘angry’ and displayed ‘red’ eyes is a shocking change from how he usually looks in imagery throughout history. But that’s what Gabe said he saw of Christ.

Gabe said in his CBN interview that he could see ‘the prayers of the saints, the sons and daughters of God’ from ‘heaven’s perspective’.

He said of what he saw: “They were gathered up into this bowl, this golden bowl, every single one of them. And literally they are presented to the throne room of heaven, and all of heaven stands at attention because our prayers are the Father’s priority. God delights in our prayers. He both cries with us and rejoices with us at the same time. It’s… it was so beautiful of a picture.”

Gabe remained in a coma for 18 days until Ginger, a family friend, came to the hospital and prayed over him.

It was like that moment spoke to Gabe from beyond the veil.

Gabe said of his last moments with Jesus: “Closer to the end of my time with Him, these prayers formed a bridge on the Earth. I literally saw these bridges that were being formed. And sure enough, the bridges gathered. And then Jesus united himself with them, and they got bigger. And bigger and bigger. And as everyone was on the Earth, I saw the prayers of those like Ginger. I saw her praying over my body. I saw my parents and my family and my friends, and I saw those prayers go right into the heart of Christ – it was those prayers that I was actually sent back on.”

“When I woke up, I just felt so out of place,” admitted Gabe, revealing that he felt almost foreign in his body.

Gabe explained that he was released from hospital within days, with his doctor calling his healing a ‘miracle’.

However, Gabe attributes it to Jesus, stating: “We are here on the credit of His grace. He has such an amazing plan for all of our lives, and people don’t understand the amount of actually crazy situations the Lord has saved them from, and they have no idea.”