stats count News – Page 71 – Meer Beek

News

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Apply for MTN Internships 2025

MTN invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for Internship Programme 2025. Internship Application Closing Date: 13 November 2024 Internship Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Recruitment for our Global Graduate Programme for 2025 has officially kicked off and we are excited to meet graduates who have ambition, drive and ideas to join the MTN family. ... Read more

The post Apply for MTN Internships 2025 appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.

Read More »

I’ve built four luxury hot tub cabins in my garden but council demand I knock them down – I’m gearing up for a fight

sheep grazing in front of a small wooden house
WNS

A DAD who builds luxury cabins in his garden has entered into a two year battle with the local council who want to tear them down.

John Phillips built the four chalets in his garden in the Gower, South Wales, in 2022, to rent out on Airbnb for up to £185 a night.

a man wearing a paris shirt holds a little girl
WNS
A dad ordered to demolish four luxury holiday cabins and hot tubs has blasted the decision as “totally unfair”[/caption]
an aerial view of a row of cabins in the woods
WNS
John Phillips, 39, built the £200-a-night seaside chalets on his own land at a beauty spot[/caption]
a sign that says landimore please drive carefully
WNS
The dad and mixed martial arts fighter has been renting them out for a year[/caption]
a house with a hot tub on the deck is surrounded by trees
WNS
He has since been handed an enforcement notice requesting the property be pulled down[/caption]

The 39-year-old has since been ordered to demolish the four cabins with hot tubs after losing a two year planning battle.

Swansea Council turned down his retrospective planning application in July last year and sent him an enforcement notice four months later.

It said he had to stop renting them and demolish them and tidy up the land within six months.

John did not have the correct planning permission for the pods in Landimore which overlook the Wales Coast Path and Loughor Estuary.

John then appealed the refusal decision and the enforcement notice but now a government-appointed planning inspector has dismissed both appeals.

So now he finally has to take them down.

But he was granted 12 months, rather than the original six, to comply with the order to demolish and restore the site.

The inspector, Richard Duggan, accepted more time was needed to cancel bookings at the high demand chalets.

John, who says he intends to fight the case in court, called the order “madness”.

He said: “It’s really unfair – it’s one rule for us and another for everyone else.

“They [the council] have just awarded a house in our village permission to build a ten room Airbnb.

John, who rents out the chalets with his wife Kerrie Garrett, 34, and lives on the site with daughter Darcy, four, says he doesn’t know what they will do if they have to bulldoze the holiday homes.

“We won’t be able to afford to pay our bills if this happens,” he said.

“It pays our living – it’s our full-time job.

“We haven’t looked at price for demolishing it. We are going to fight this every step of the way.

“We have hired a planning consultant and are currently working on an appeal.”

John move into the property three years ago, but believes his family are being treated differently because they are not locals.

a hot tub is sitting on a deck in front of a house
WNS
John moved into the property three years ago with one of the main issues now being the hot tubs visible from the coastal path[/caption]
a man and a woman holding a child wearing a vest that says sunshine
WNS
John rents out the chalets with his wife, Kerrie Garrett[/caption]

“We’re from Swansea and they don’t like someone from outside the Gower coming in,” he said.

“It seems like there is a hidden vendetta against us.

“It’s all who you know down here.”

Planning inspector Richard Duggan said the chalets decking and hot tubs were visible from the coast path.

He said: “The view from the public footpath, albeit only for approximately 100m, is valuable as part of the experience of walking within the AONB and the development seriously harms that view.”

Swansea Council previously said: “We welcome the decision of the planning inspector in supporting the previous enforcement actions taken by the council in relation to this unauthorised development.

“Hopefully the outcome of this case will send out a clear message that anyone considering development in the city should make sure they do so with the proper planning permissions in place.

“This is particularly important in terms of development on Gower because of its protected status where additional planning policies are in place to ensure development is appropriate for Gower and in the right location.”

The Sun has approached Swansea Council for comment.

a table with a plate of food and two glasses of champagne on a deck .
WNS
The business owner says they rely on the cabins as their main form of income and won’t be able to afford their bills if they are knocked down[/caption]
a row of houses sit on a hillside in the woods
WNS
John now intends to fight the case in court[/caption]
a few cars are parked in a grassy area
WNS
The four chalets were build in his garden to be rented out on Airbnb for up to £185 a night[/caption]

Read More »

Exact date everyone on state pension will start paying tax after the triple lock rise confirmed

PENSIONERS will all have to start paying tax on their state pensions cash due to triple lock.

This is due to a combination of hefty state pension rises and frozen tax thresholds.

a pen rests on a piece of paper that says pension pounds
Pensioners will all have to start paying tax on their state pension cash due to triple lock
Getty
a chart showing when pensioners will be pulled into paying tax

Last week in her inaugural Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in a surprise move that tax thresholds will increase once again in 2028.

Ms Reeves had been widely expected to extend the freeze, which has been in place since 2021, in today’s Budget.

But for hundreds of thousands of pensioners who get the full new state pension, this will be a little too late because they’ll be dragged into paying taxes in 2027.

Former pensions minister and current partner at LCP Sir Steve Webb has crunched the numbers and found that if the triple lock system stays in place, those whose sole income comes from the benefit will be forced to pay tax for the first time.

That’s because the triple lock system sees the state pension rise in line with whatever is highest out of: wages for May to July, 2.5% or September’s inflation figures.

This does mean that the rate will rise to at least £236 in April 2026 and £241.90 in April 2027. 

The allowance is the amount of money you can earn before you have to pay tax on your income.

Under the current rules, this is up to £12,570 each tax year.

The April 2027 state pension rate will be £12,578 per year even if it just goes up by the minimum 2.5%, just £8 above the tax-free allowance.

This could mean hundreds of thousands of pensioners are taxed on just £8 per year, with a tax bill of £1.60. 

If tax-free personal allowance then rises by CPI but the state pension rises by more, then this situation will continue indefinitely, Sir Steve explained.

He said: “A combination of an increasing state pension and frozen tax thresholds means we will soon be in the nonsensical situation where the new state pension will be just a few pounds above the income tax threshold.

“This means that people whose only income is the standard new state pension will be dragged into income tax.

“Long gone are the days when retirement meant no longer having to deal with the tax office.”

State pension goes up from the first Monday after the new tax year starts, which means payments will rise from April 12, 2027.

This means that everyone who gets the full new state pension, for which you need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions, will be paying tax on it in April 2027.

Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that if the triple lock remains in place but inflation or wages spike above 2.5% next year then people will be paying tax in 2026.

Not only that but it is expected that more than 300,000 pensioners will be told that they need to pay tax when the state pension rises by £473 in 2025.

This is because the Chancellor confirmed that the state pension is now expected to rise from £11,502.40 to £11,975 per year.

Why is this happening and is there anything I can do to avoid it?

High inflation rates mean more people in work are getting pay rises to try and keep pace with rising prices.

However, with income tax bands frozen, it means many are being pushed into the next tax bracket.

Laura Suter, director of personal finance at AJ Bell, previously told The Sun: “Pensioners looking to reduce their tax bill need to think about how they can maximise their tax-free income.

“For example, any withdrawals made from their ISAs will be free of any tax. so they can use that pot of money to boost their income without impacting their tax bill.”

An ISA is a type of savings account in which you can save up to £20,00 a year tax-free.

Laura also suggested that couples can organise their finances so they ensure they are each making use of their tax-free allowances, which might involve moving money or assets between themselves.

Helen also added that pensioners might want to use some of their pension to top up their income.

She said: “Most people can access 25% of their pension as a tax-free lump sum so they may decide to use this to top up their income without pushing up their tax bill.”

However, she also warned that pensioners below the personal allowance are going to find it increasingly difficult to avoid paying income tax in the coming years.

How does the state pension work?

AT the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 - but it's due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.

The state pension is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach State Pension age.

But not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record.

For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income, as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings. 

The new state pension is based on people’s National Insurance records.

Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension.

You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit.

If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions. 

To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits. 

You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension. 

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Read More »

iPhone owners must check handset code NOW as users report camera issue – Apple is offering a free repair and refunds

a hand is holding a phone that says 9:41 on the screen

APPLE is offering a free repair for some iPhones after users reported a problem with their camera.

The tech giant says the issue only affects a “very small percentage” of handsets made from April 2023 and April 2024.

a person holding a phone with a blue and orange screen
Alamy
The issue only affects some iPhone 14 Plus devices[/caption]
a man taking a picture of a building with a sign that says flexible workspace
Getty
Problem hits when trying to take a photo[/caption]
the apple logo is reflected in the glass of a building
Getty
If you’ve already paid for a repair you might be entitled to a refund[/caption]

And for some it might be a refund for previous repair costs too.

Impacted devices fail to show a preview when you try to take a photo with the main rear cameras.

Unlike most bugs that can usually be fixed with a software update, this particular problem requires a physical repair to be carried out.

As such, owners will have to take their iPhone to an Apple Store or an Authorised Service Provider.

Alternatively, you can arrange for a free collection from your house.

The issue is restricted to some iPhone 14 Plus devices manufactured between April 10, 2023 and April 28, 2024.

Apple launched the iPhone 14 Plus back in September 2022, alongside the main iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The company has set up a special website page to check whether your model is affected.

You’ll need to insert your iPhone’s serial number to find out.

To find the serial number, go to Settings > General > About.

You should see the serial number listed near the top.

Enter it on this Apple page to check.

The firm ha told iPhone 14 Plus users that they should get in contact if they have previously paid for a camera repair that they believe was affected by this issue, as you could be entitled to a refund.

“If your iPhone 14 Plus has any damage which impairs the ability to complete the repair, such as a cracked back glass, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the service,” Apple warned.

“In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the additional repair.”

a person holding a phone that says 9:41 on the screen
Apple
iPhone 14 Plus (right) was launched in 2022[/caption]

Check yours now

By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun

It’s not very often that a physical repair is required for a smartphone issue beyond those everyday knocks and drops.

The good thing is Apple is offering a free repair for those affected.

It’s an annoying problem that results in you not being able to see what you’re about to take a photo of on screen, so well worth claiming that repair if eligible.

Remember, it’s only a small percentage of iPhone 14 Plus models impacted – Apple won’t be doing any other repairs for free.

Read More »

I keep draughts out of my home using a £4 buy from B&M – it’s the hack of 2024 and anyone can do it

A DIY-SAVVY homeowner has wowed with her simple trick for keeping draughts out throughout winter.

Melissa revealed that she used an affordable buy sold at B&M for the must-try hack.

a screen shot of a person painting a wall with the words loveabitofsparkle at the top
Melissa went viral on TikTok when she shared a hack for keeping droughts out of homes
tiktok/@loveabitofsparkle_home/
a picture of a hallway with the words loveabitofsparkle at the top
Melissa used a bargain buy to create the illusion of wooden panels in her hallway, pictured
tiktok/@loveabitofsparkle_home/

Melissa (@loveabitofsparkle_home) is steadily growing her following on TikTok, where she shares tips for homeowners.

She went viral on the social media app when she revealed an affordable method for keeping homes warm.

In her video, she applied strips of draught excluder tape bought for £4 from B&M artistically to the walls in her hallway.

A strategic choice of paint colour made the tape look like expensive wooden panels.

“Nobody’s gonna know… that it’s foam draught excluder and not wood from @B&MStores and paint from @DuluxUK,” she captioned the post.

“Paint colour is Brilliant White and Egyptian Cotton from Dulux.

“Dido Rail Amazon – Garneck Wall Borders Peel and Stick Self Adhesive Flexible Molding Trim Stick Wall Border.

“Panel Boarder draught excluder from B&M.”

Over 19,000 people liked the video and took to the comment section praising Melissa for sharing the tip.

“This is the HACK of 2024!!! Omg, love you for this!!!” one person wrote.

“OMG, this is a game changer!! I was going to order a panelling kit from Wickes but not now!” another said.

“Oh wow, brilliant idea, looks great, a third chimed in.

“Genius idea, gonna be my next job,” another added. 

“Finally one I can do [laughing],” a fifth commented added.

“It’s so much easier than having to go and get the wood and cut it all!!! You do however need a bit of patience lol,” Melissa replied.

5 ways to keep your house warm in winter

Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.

1. Curtains

“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.

This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.

2. Rugs

“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.

“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”

3. Check your insulation

Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.

“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.

4. Keep your internal doors closed

“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.

“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”

5. Block drafts 

Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.

Other responses to the post confessed they were impressed by the hack but worried kids and pets may rip the tape off.

“Love it, but my feral mini people would pick it off [crying],” one person said.

“Aww no… I’d probably have done the same when I was little to be fair thx hun,” Melissa replied.

In a follow-up video, she showed herself using a tape measure and spirit level to mark out where the tape should be applied before sticking it to the wall.

She reassured viewers that the tape was “quite firmly” stuck to prevent draughts.

However, it can be removed easier than wood and nails when it’s time to redecorate. 

“Bloody brilliant and a fraction of the cost,” a commenter said. 

a package of home essentials draught excluder tapes
B&M
A pack of three draught excluder tapes, pictured, are just £4 at B&M[/caption]

Read More »

I was a virgin until uni as I was raised religious – now I’m a sex addict who’s slept with both genders & even my COUSIN

A 19-YEAR-OLD man revealed how he went from a virgin to a sex addict after leaving for university.

The student explained that he became “obsessed” with finding people to sleep with, regardless of gender.

Getty
A Reddit user described how he went from a virgin to a sex addict during his time at uni (stock image)[/caption]

In a Reddit post, the unnamed user explained how his upbringing had contributed to his feelings of shame over sex.

“I was raised in a really strict catholic household and before I left for college I hadn’t done anything sexual with anyone,” he said.

“When I started college, I decided I wanted to change and immediately started dating and using apps.”

The poster described how he lost his virginity “pretty quickly,” adding that the woman he slept with was only interested in a one night stand.

Eager to have sex again, he downloaded dating apps and experienced a mix success and “strikeouts.”

“One night, I was obsessed with finding someone and was striking out left and right,” he explained.

“In desperation, I downloaded a gay dating app and immediately got an bunch of messages.”

The Reddit user said he was “not interested in guys” but “just needed to get off.

He ended up meeting up with another man and having sex with him.

“A few days later I was back on liking for girls. And when I couldn’t find one, guys,” he explained.

Despite trying to quit “cold turkey,” he found himself relapsing multiple times and when his openly gay cousin visited him, he revealed his urges to him.

“Just talking about it made me super horny and I knew it was f**ked up but I started flirting a little,” he said.

“I won’t go into details but he and I had sex that night.”

The Reddit user revealed that he and his cousin have slept together “a few times since” but said that he “feels disgusted” over his actions.

As well as his cousin, the young man racked up several more partners on dating apps.

Dealing with sex addiction

IF you, or someone you know, is dealing with a sex addiction, here's everything you need to know...

Seek Professional Help: Consulting a therapist who specialises in sexual addiction can be very beneficial. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help address underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges can provide support and understanding. Groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) offer a safe space to share experiences and gain insights.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to avoid triggers and situations that may lead to addictive behaviours. This might include limiting internet usage, avoiding certain places, or ending unhealthy relationships.

Develop Healthy Habits: Engage in activities that promote well-being and fulfilment, such as exercise, hobbies, or volunteering. These can help redirect energy towards positive outlets.

Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress and reduce the urge to engage in addictive behaviours.

Education: Learning about sex addiction can help you understand your condition better and recognise patterns and triggers. Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing addiction.

Accountability: Having a trusted friend or sponsor to check in with can provide accountability and support. This person can help you stay on track with your recovery goals.

Avoid Isolation: Isolation can exacerbate addictive behaviours. Try to maintain social connections and seek out healthy relationships that offer support and companionship.

Set Realistic Goals: Recovery is a journey and setting small, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and track your progress.

Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of sex addiction, particularly if there are co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

He explained how he isn’t even attracted to most of the people he sleeps with, describing them as “just willing partners.”

And when he wasn’t meeting up with people for sex, he said he was watching porn online.

“I’ve researched sex addiction and I’m pretty sure I am one,” he wrote.

He explained that his family’s strict religious views made him reluctant to confide in them.

“I can’t tell anyone and I’m sure my parents would think I’m disgusting,” he said.

a couple laying on a bed with their feet crossed
Getty
The Reddit user explained that he is ‘obsessed’ with finding someone to sleep with (stock image)[/caption]

Read More »

I’ve lived in my car for 9 months to save cash & I never leave the heat on all night – I stay warm in winter with 3 tips

RENT can be expensive and many people are thinking outside the box when it comes to their homes in order to save some cash.

Adventurous Kierra, who posts under @lifewkierra, shared how she has lived in her Toyota Prius for nine months and loves the freedom it provides.

She shared how she cosies up at night in her sleeping bag and watches episodes of Gossip Girl, and showers at her 24/7 gym.

She has a mini fridge and camping stove for meals and picks free campsites or safe car parks at night time.

When she’s not working or studying, she has also done a 10,000 mile road trip to explore around the States.

But why does she do it?

She explained it provides her with “freedom, independence, and adventure” plus she is “saving up for a van.”

Kierra said: “I have a job, and I personally enjoy living in my car more than living in an apartment.”

With winter approaching, Kierra shared her top tips for staying warm in her vehicle.

She shared: “I’ve lived in my car for nine and a half months now, and winter is coming, so how do I keep myself warm during the winter?

“First thing is that I have a negative 20 degrees sleeping bag, which keeps me warm even on some of the coldest nights.

“The reason I was looking at a Tesla is because it has camping mode, which I don’t know too much about, but I’ve seen a lot of other car-life creators who live in Teslas, and so that was really intriguing to me.

“But I decided in the end that it just wasn’t an affordable option for me.

“I ended up settling on a Prius, and the Prius is great because it’s a hybrid.

“This makes it so I can run my heat a little bit longer without having to spend an enormous amount of money.”

Kierra said she doesn’t run her heat all night, and has only done it twice when she fell asleep.

I have a job, and I personally enjoy living in my car more than living in an apartment

Kierra

She added: “Usually, I just run my heat for like 20 minutes before I go to bed to warm up my car so I’m able to fall asleep.

“Then my sleeping bag does a pretty good job of keeping me warm through the night.

“Although when I wake up, it is really cold, and then I have to push through that to turn on my car.

“With my car, in order to turn it on, I have to be pressing the brake button, but then it warms up pretty quickly, and I am good to go.”

a girl in a car says " which keeps me warm even on some of the coldest nights "
Kierra shared how she lives in her Toyota Prius – and gave tips for staying warm at night
tiktok/@lifewkierra
a bunch of stuff in the back of a car that says " and i cleaned it out "
tiktok/@lifewkierra
She showed inside her tiny dwelling, which has a bed, mini fridge, camping stove and a book section[/caption]

Staying safe

Kierra said one of the most common questions she gets asked is about whether she feels safe as a woman.

She replied: “The answer is, not all the time, but I do what I can to be as safe as possible.

“When you live in a car, it’s important to be intentional about where you park.

Is it legal to live in a van?

IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.

However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.

There could also be restrictions on where you can park up to sleep in your van.

For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.

It could also be unsafe to stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.

Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.

“My personal favourite thing to do is park in places where I blend in with other cars.

“A great way to find places like these is to look for businesses that are open 24/7 and have a decently full parking lot.

“Another place that I love to park is free campsites.

“Also, tinted windows are a must.”

Kierra has racked up nearly 40,000 followers who love seeing her adventures, and learning about her tips for living in a car, from storage to meal ideas.

Read More »

I faint EVERY time I laugh, cry or get hungover because of bizarre rare condition – I’m terrified it’ll KILL me one day

A WOMAN has revealed her rare condition which makes her “faint” whenever she laughs, cries or is hungover – and once almost drowned in a pool due to it.

Chelsea Coombes, 27, first realised something was wrong when she was 17 years old and felt her face drop after she laughed.

a woman with long red hair has a tattoo on her neck
SWNS
The woman has a rare condition which makes her ‘faint’ when she laughs, cries or is hungover[/caption]
a woman taking a picture of herself in an elevator
SWNS
Chelsea Coombes almost drowned in a pool due to her condition[/caption]

It continued to happen when she giggled and got worse – causing her head to jolt and her mouth to shut.

Chelsea went to the doctor at the time and was told she likely had sleep disorder narcolepsy and cataplexy – a sudden and brief loss of muscle tone – but failed to get an official diagnosis.

But Chelsea has gradually got worse and said her episodes are triggered by her emotions – such as when she laughs, cries and when she is hungover.

She is often able to laugh off the symptoms but has found it “scary” when she almost drowned after losing control of her muscles while laughing.

Chelsea, a social media creator, from Kibworth, Leicestershire, said: “It’s like a weak light headedness.

“My eyes will flicker. My leg jolts and my head will start to go.

“I’m still conscious – it’s like my brain is drunk.

“Sometime my head will jolt and my eye looks the other way.”

Chelsea first noticed something was wrong aged 17.

She said: “I was at my auntie’s house. I remember laughing and one side of my face dropped.

“I thought ‘what the hell? I think I’ve just had a stroke’.

“I laughed again and it happened.

“When it first started happening I was falling asleep everywhere.

“I still fall asleep very easily.”

Chelsea would continually find she would have a momentary loss of movement when she laughed and went to see her doctor.

She said: “At first they thought it could have been a non-epileptic disorder.”

Chelsea had several tests and saw a neurologist who believed it was narcolepsy and the linked condition cataplexy.

She “gave up” going to the doctor after tests didn’t show anything up and has yet to receive an official diagnosis.

Over the years Chelsea’s symptoms have worsened and different emotions have started to trigger it.

She said: “Laughter is the main one.

“Sometimes I’ll have it when I cry or when I’m hungover.

“Years ago it happened to me when I was carrying cups of tea and I laughed. Now carrying cups of tea is a trigger.

a woman in a leather jacket has a tattoo on her arm that says " lay out "
SWNS
Chelsea Coombes first realised something was wrong when she was 17 years old and felt her face drop after she laughed[/caption]

Chelsea describes the lack of muscle tone as similar to fainting – but she is conscious.

Her condition has now worsened and she can lose muscle tone up to 100 times a day.

Chelsea said: “It’s got to the point where it’s just part of me now.

“If I have got a present to give to someone I get really excited and then it can happen.

“When it’s at it’s worse my legs go.

“Any strong emotion – it happens.

“But I can have a whole day when I laugh and it doesn’t happen.”

If Chelsea is in public she usually knows to get on the ground if she can feel it happening. She says she often has strangers checking if she is OK.

She said: “I went on holiday and it happened in the pool and people had to grab me – that’s crazy dangerous.

“That’s been quite scary.”

Chelsea also can’t drive and is worried about when she starts a family.

She said: “I don’t have kids yet but I really want them.

“What would happen if I’m holding my baby and I faint.”

Chelsea has now gone back to the doctor for testing to get an official diagnosis – and to see if they can help.

But she shares her condition and episodes on TikTok to raise awareness and show other with the condition it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Chelsea said: “You don’t have to hide.

“I’m not a very serious person.

“I don’t take life seriously.”

What is Narcolepsy?

Not everyone suffering from the long-term condition will have the same symptoms, which can develop suddenly or over a number of years.

According to the NHS website, those worried about any relevant warning signs should book in a visit to their GP who can refer them to a sleep disorder specialist.

What are the symptoms?

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Sleep attacks
  • Cataplexy
  • Sleep paralysis
  • Hallucinations
  • Memory problems
  • Headaches
  • Restless sleep
  • Automatic behaviour
  • Depression
  • Read More »