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My mental health was terrible so I quit my teaching job & moved into a van to save cash -but it’s freezing in the winter

A WOMAN has revealed that she quit her job and moved full time into a van after her mental health took a turn for the worse.

Emily loves living in her tiny camper-van, but freezing winter temperatures and a lack of space means that it can sometimes be a struggle.

a woman stands in front of a white lance truck
youtube/TinyHomeTours
Emily moved into a tiny home with her dog Remy[/caption]
a woman in a blue shirt is standing in a kitchen
youtube/TinyHomeTours
She said her new lifestyle has made her so much happier[/caption]

Just a year and a half ago, Emily was a teacher in a primary school, but she said that the job completely drained her mental health.

“It was the worst it had ever been in my entire life”, she said.

She decided to switch careers, and after gaining a yoga qualification, set up her own company, and began to teach classes.

However, her yoga teaching job doesn’t pay as much, so in order to sustain her lifestyle, she decided to ditch the apartment she shared with her husband, and buy a van.

Despite the small space, Emily, who shares the van with her dog Remy, said that she doesn’t feel like she’s missing out on anything that she used to have in her apartment.

“We had so many pots and pans we never used, and now we have one pot and one pan, and it’s everything we need”, she told the Tiny Home Tours YouTube channel.

Emily’s husband occasionally lives with her in the camper-van, but mostly lives in his car, as he travels around in his job as a mountaineering guide.

The van was £8,800 off Facebook Marketplace, and had previously only been used for hunting, meaning that it was in a great condition.

Emily then spent £3800 renovating it and turning it into her dream van.

When she first moved into her new home, back in January, the weather was freezing, and she struggled to stay warm.

However, she now has a propane heater that keeps her toasty all throughout the winte.

To power the appliances in the van, Emily has installed solar panels on the roof, meaning that her van is able to run off grid.

And despite her bed being much smaller than the one she used to have in her apartment, Emily said that it is the most comfortable mattress she has ever had.

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.

“I sleep better here than I have ever slept anywhere”, she said.

She added that her van even has a skylight in it, which has allowed her to see the Northern Lights whilst lying in bed.

Emily said that she has been criticised for having a dog living with her in the van, but she insisted that Remy leads a happy lifestyle.

“She spends most of her time outside and is running around the woods”, she said.

Emily said that her change of lifestyle has allowed her to become much happier, meaning that she has the energy to try and make other people feel happier as well.

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Married At First Sight UK star rushed to medics as she shares pic from urgent care centre

MARRIED at First sight star Peggy Lawrence has been rushed to hospital as she shares a photo from the urgent care unit.

The 33-year-old captioned the picture which, was posted as a reel, “Happy Monday to me, what am I like,” followed by a sad face emoji.

the friends cafe is located in the urgent care centre
Peggy shared an image from urgent care but didn’t say why she was there
peggyroseofficial
a woman in a white top and black pants holds a black chanel bag
Getty
The reality star has been doing the rounds of the red carpet sine finding fame on MAFS[/caption]

Although the reality star is yet to reveal why she’s in there, its fair to say that 2024 has been a tumultuous time for the star.

Earlier this year we revealed how the star had ended her relationship with George Berthonneau with whom she was paired on the reality show, after she discovered that he’d been cheating on her.

But George has since denied her claims and maintains that he was faithful throughout.

Peggy, who says she went on the programme to find true love,  announced their split on Valentine’s Day this year and relations between the pair quickly soured on social media.

In an explosive new interview with The Sun, Peggy has hit out at her ex after their relationship came crumbling down – and insists it was his decision to split.

She says: “George ended things with me on the 30th January so for him to come out and say he was blindsided by my Instagram post is a load of rubbish.

“I wasn’t going to say anything about what he put me through but enough is enough and everyone deserves to know the truth.

“I never wanted to do a story about our relationship. I wanted to remain dignified but after he made up all that rubbish about me, I just want everyone to know the truth. I was heartbroken.”

Georges denies being unfaithful, with a source close to him saying he didn’t split with Peggy and “she just presumed”.

Peggy claims she first thought he was cheating in December of last year when he took his ex-girlfriend to an event – and pretended she was one of his male friends.

Shortly afterwards he took her to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, but it was when he went to a Christmas party without Peggy, that she started to grow really suspicious.

She explains:  “Every time I’m out he tells me ‘you must message me when you’re home.’ This night he never messaged me to say he was back at the hotel.

“I said ‘shall I meet you at the hotel’ and he was like, no, no, no I won’t be back until late’. He messaged me the next morning apologising that he didn’t message me.

“He denied spending the night with her. I was crying my eyes out.

“At this point I didn’t know it was his ex-girlfriend!”

A few days later Peggy confronted him about it, and he admitted he had slept with the woman in the past.

“The anxiety of it all was impacting my mental health so I had to ask him what was wrong. He wasn’t messaging me back and was distant,” she says.

“Georges tells me he’s unhappy. I asked him ‘are you happy with us and our relationship? And he said ‘I don’t know’ it was him saying no. It was like a dagger to my heart and I said this to him on the phone to the point where I had to call him back because I was upset.”

She says he refused to see her after that and told his friends and family it was over – something he denies.

Peggy is still coming to terms with the split and admits: “I don’t have time to waste. I want a family and I want to get married.”

a man in a blue suit stands next to a woman in a white dress
Instagram/peggyroseofficial
Peggy was paired with George in the 2023 three series[/caption]
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But by the following year their relationship had hit the rocks with claims that George had cheated[/caption]

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Pretty English ‘toffee town’ with fairytale tower and wedding cake building – home to Quality Street chocolates

WITH Christmas right around the corner, plenty of Brits will be stocking up on tubs of chocolate, but if you’re looking for a Quality Street fix before December then head to West Yorkshire.

The town of Halifax is known as “toffee town,” thanks to its ties to the very well-known chocolate brand.

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Halifax has been nicknamed “toffee town” because of its ties to a confectionary brand[/caption]
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Alamy
Calderdale Industrial Museum houses a collection of industrial machinery, including a Quality Street wrapping machine[/caption]

In 1890, John and Violet Mackintosh opened a sweet shop in the Yorkshire town, with their toffee recipe becoming a huge hit.

Their first Mackintosh factory burnt down in 1909 and a second one was built in Albion, where it still makes sweets today.

Then in 1936, the couple’s son Harold Mackintosh invented Quality Street, changing the face of Christmas snacking forever.

Harold Mackintosh named Quality Street after J. M Barrie’s play of the same name, with the company also inventing well-known chocolate bars Rolo and Toffee Crisp.

Unlike Birmingham’s Cadbury World, visitors can’t take tours of the Quality Street factory.

But fortunately, you don’t need to get a job at the factory to see how the chunks of chocolate are decorated in their shiny wrappers because Calderdale Industrial Museum is home to its very own Quality Street wrapping machine.

Set over four floors, Calderdale Industrial Museum is dedicated to showcasing all of the industrial heritage of the area and the machines that were used to do so.

The Quality Street machine is located on the museum’s first floor, with a volunteer putting the piece of kit through its paces.

Youtuber Epic Waltzer Vlogz UK! recorded the machine in action, with a volunteer placing chunks of chocolate inside before they’re wrapped in gold foil.

One previous visitor t the museum said on TripAdvisor: “We explored the history of confectionary making, and a volunteer demonstrated a Quality Street wrapping machine (and gave us a free chocolate).

“There were volunteers present at all of the exhibits, and all were extremely knowledgeable and extremely interesting to talk to.”

There are plenty of other pieces of machinery inside the Yorkshire-based museum too, including a textile machine that makes the covers for bus seats.

One person wrote on TripAdvisor: “This is the best museum we have been to because, unlike many other places, the people who volunteer here are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and proud of their history.”

Calderdale Industrial Museum is open every Saturday from 10am until 4pm, with entry costing £7.50 for full-paying adults, with accompanied kids going free.

The historic market town rose to fame during the Industrial Revolution as a centre for wool trade.

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Halifax is known for its Victorian buildings[/caption]
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Thanks to the Mackintosh family, Halifax is the birthplace of Quality Street[/caption]

Its rich heritage is reflected in its grand Victorian architecture and enduring cultural landmarks, including Piece Hall – a Grade I-listed Georgian building that’s the oldest cloth hall in the world.

Standing at the heart of Halifax since 1779, the open-air courtyard is surrounded by independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. 

The Piece Hall is also home to its own fairytale tower, which stands at the back of the building.

Meanwhile, Halifax’s Town Hall has been compared to a wedding cake by visitors because of its tier-like structure and white stone facade.

Shibden Hall is another historic landmark in the town, with the half-timbered building originally dating back to the 15th century.

For over 300 years, the building was the home of the Lister family, with 19th century diarist Anne Lister considered its most famous resident.

Entry tickets cost £10 for a full-paying adult and £7.50 for a child.

Other attractions in Halifax include Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax Minster, Bankfield Museum and the Victoria Theatre where a range of plays, concerts and shows are held.

Halifax is home to the Victorian Craft Beer Cafe, an award-winning pub that opened in 2014 that serves a range of beers and ales.

Other restaurants in Halifax include Temujin, which serves Mongolian food, and Sapore, which is considered to be one of the town’s best Italian restaurants.

Halifax is a 30-minute drive from Bradford, and it’s an hour’s drive from Manchester.

The Yorkshire town can also be reached on a direct train from York, where journeys take just under two hours.

Earlier this year, Halifax Bus Station was also named Transport Project of the year, with judges praising its design.

Other chocolate-themed attractions to visit in the UK

Here are two other chocolate-themed attractions to visit in the UK.

York’s Chocolate Story, York

York’s Chocolate Story offers an engaging and interactive experience, delving into the rich history of York’s famed chocolate-making industry. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, learn about iconic brands, and indulge in complimentary chocolate samples.

Cadbury World, Birmingham

Cadbury World in Birmingham is a popular attraction that provides an immersive journey into the world of chocolate, showcasing the history and production of Cadbury’s beloved treats. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and plenty of chocolate-themed fun.

Meanwhile, this seaside town in England – with sandy beaches, donkey rides & the best B&B in the world.

And this other holiday location is getting a huge new tourist attraction.

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Shibden Hall (pictured) is another local landmark[/caption]
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Halifax is a 30-minute drive from Bradford[/caption]

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Sonic Generations is one of my favourite games but Shadow’s side story is a huge flop

SONIC X Shadow Generations felt like a game that was created specifically with me in mind.

The original Sonic Generations is my favourite 3D Sonic game, and one of the few that managed to capture the innovation and joy of the 2D Mega Drive games.

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Sega
Sonic Generations mixed up classic and modern Sonic levels[/caption]
a sonic the hedgehog video game character is running down a ramp
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Shadow Generations only has ‘modern’ levels and Shadow is frustrating to control[/caption]
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Sonic’s modern levels are filled with different vertical planes and fail safes if you fall[/caption]

Each stage in Sonic Generations is based on a fan-favourite level from another Sonic game, such as Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant Zone, and City Escape.

They each have a ‘classic’ and ‘modern’ reimagining as well as eight challenge levels providing plenty of variety.

Challenges are very diverse, and you can grab special power ups, have one of Sonic’s friends to help out, take part in a no-hit challenge, among many more types.

There were also great upgrades for going above and beyond, including new abilities and skills you could equip for fully completing levels and challenges.

I say all of this because Shadow Generations has none of these things, and it feels like the developers fundamentally misunderstood what made the original Sonic game so good.

Firstly, there is no ‘classic’ Shadow. All of the levels are in the ‘modern’ style and there are only six of them.

During the main story there are also only two challenge levels per stage, and you have to beat all of them to complete the game.

The hub world is also in 3D instead of the original’s 2D, I assume in an effort to capture the magic from Sonic Frontiers.

However, there is a lot of verticality in the level and Shadow is far more unpredictable than Sonic to control.

Add to that his new powers which are equally unwieldy, and the buggy nature where you clip through the floor, and it’s intensely frustrating to navigate.

There is no real reward for pushing yourself to fully complete levels. You can unlock some art and music tracks, but it doesn’t give you any skills to make Shadow easier to control.

Compared to Sonic, his movement is very slippery, and you’ll often overshoot your mark or skid over platforms.

This wouldn’t be so much of a problem if the levels were well designed, but unlike Sonic Generations, there are few fail safes if you fall off the edge.

Sonic levels are built with verticality and alternate paths, but if Shadow falls off, it’s usually back to the last checkpoint.

In Sonic Generations you face Shadow a few times, and in Shadow Generations it makes you think you’ll face off against Sonic too.

However, these are just fake outs, as you simply watch those levels play out with no control over Shadow.

Shadow Generations takes just three to four hours to complete and feels completely underwhelming.

There are also no levels from Shadow’s main game, Shadow the Hedgehog, to unlock. There aren’t even any levels based on levels from Shadow the Hedgehog.

In the original Generations you could unlock the entirety of Sonic the Hedgehog, which was a delightful bonus for your hard work.

This has been stripped from the remaster, removing one of the things that made Sonic Generations so special.

Sonic Generations is still a great game, but the changes made in the remaster feel all over the place.

The removal of Sonic the Hedgehog is the worst of these, but others feel like no thought went into them.

There are cute Chao hidden in every level, and fans have begged for the return of Chao Garden.

But the Chao just float around near the levels and you can’t really interact with them.

The removal of lives would have been a great change, but then they couldn’t even be bothered to remove the extra lives skills from the Skill Shop.

This makes the balancing of the points you receive completely uneven, and you can unlock all the other skills as soon as you get them.

Overall, Shadow Generations is a huge disappointment, with Shadow’s new story being short, frustrating, and completely missing the point of the original.

shadow and sonic from the video game sonic the hedgehog
Sega
Sonic X Shadow Generations had so much promise but failed to hit the mark[/caption]

Sonic Generations is still a great game, but if you’ve played the original, then you can definitely skip this release.

If you want to read more game reviews, check out our Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred review.

All the latest PS5 reviews from The Sun

Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.

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My dad was a sadistic, violent monster – I developed over 2,000 different personalities to cope, it’s an army of helpers

A WOMAN who suffered horrific abuse by the hands of her own father has revealed how she survived her traumatic childhood.

Jeni Haynes, who lives in Australia, shared how she developed over 2,500 personalities to cope with her father’s vile abuse that took place over countless years.

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60 Minutes - 9 News
Jeni Haynes came up with multiple personalities to protect her mind from the abuse of her father[/caption]
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60 Minutes - 9 News
Jeni spent years trying to get justice for the abuse Richard Haynes put her through as a young girl[/caption]
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60 Minutes - 9 News
In the end, her Dissociative Identity Disorder and multiple personalities saved her life and got her father convicted[/caption]

Jeni has opened up to 60 Minutes Australia on how her Dissociative Identity Disorder saved her and got her father convicted of the abuse he made her endure.

She said: “My dad inflicted, chose to inflict severe, sadistic, violent abuse that was completely unavoidable, unescapable and life threatening.

“And he did this, he chose to do this everyday of my entire childhood.”

Jeni took her father, Richard Haynes, to court for repeatedly raping and abusing her as a young girl reports the BBC.

And while Jeni was the only woman in the witness stand that day – the court heard testimonies from six different people.

To cope with the horror of her life, Jeni’s mind came up with an extraordinary way to protect her – creating new identities for her to detach from the pain. 

The abuse she suffered was so extreme that Jeni says she developed over 2,500 personalities to cope – including a four-year-old girl called Symphony.

My dad’s abuse was calculated and it was planned. It was deliberate and he enjoyed every minute of it.

Jeni Haynes

It’s believed to be the first case in the world where a victim with diagnosed Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) – or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) – has testified in their other personalities and secured a conviction.

“We weren’t scared. We had waited such a long time to tell everyone exactly what he did to us and now he couldn’t shut us up,” she said.

Speaking to the Australian TV show, Jeni, now a doctor and author revealed her father was ‘vile’ and made an ‘army‘ of personalities to protect herself and get him convicted for his monstrous crimes.

Jeni and her family moved from Bexleyheath in London to Australia when she was just four, but her father’s abuse had already begun.

The brave woman waived her anonymity rights, as a victim of abuse, so her father could be identified.

“My dad’s abuse was calculated and it was planned. It was deliberate and he enjoyed every minute of it,” Jeni told the court in a victim impact statement.

Jeni was also denied medical care for her injuries from beatings and sexual abuse, which have developed into serious lifelong conditions.

How to get help

If you suspect a child is being abused or are seeking help for child abuse in the UK, there are several organisations and resources available:

  1. NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children):
  • Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (for adults concerned about a child)
  • Website: NSPCC
  • You can also report concerns online or seek advice through their website.
  1. Childline:
  • Helpline: 0800 1111 (for children and young people)
  • Website: Childline
  • Offers a confidential service for children and young people to discuss any problems they may be facing.
  1. Local Authority Children’s Services:
  • You can contact your local council’s children’s services department. They have a duty to investigate concerns about child abuse and provide support.
  1. Police:
  • In an emergency, always call 999.
  • For non-emergencies, you can contact your local police on 101 to report concerns.
  1. Barnardo’s:
  • Website: Barnardo’s
  • Provides support and services for children, young people and families affected by abuse.
  1. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation:
  1. Victim Support:
  • Helpline: 08 08 16 89 111
  • Website: Victim Support
  • Provides emotional and practical support for victims of crime, including child abuse.
  1. The Samaritans:
  • Helpline: 116 123
  • Website: Samaritans
  • Offers confidential support for anyone in distress, 24 hours a day.

It’s important to take action if you suspect a child is being abused. These organisations can provide guidance on what steps to take and offer the necessary support.

Now aged 54, Jeni has irreparable damage to her eyesight, jaw, bowel, anus and coccyx. These have required extensive surgeries including a colostomy operation in 2011.

The abuse would continue until Jeni was 11, when the family moved back to the UK. Her parents divorced shortly after, in 1984. She believes no-one, not even her mother, was aware of what she was going through.

Jeni first created Symphony, a four-year-old girl who, she says, exists in her own time reality.

She told the BBC he was in fact abusing symphony when he was abusing her.

But then Symphony also created personalities to help her cope with the abuse – thousands of them.

Jeni has revealed that there is one called Muscles – a teenager styled like Billy Idol. He is tall and wears clothes which show off his strong arms. He’s calm and protective.

Volcano who is very tall and strong, and clad from top to toe in black leather. He has bleached blond hair.

Jeni was allowed to testify in court as Symphony as well as five other personalities sharing the different types of abuse she endured – and finally, ten years after reporting the crimes got to see justice be served.

Richard Haynes pleaded guilty to more than two dozen child sexual abuse charges

Jeni sat metres away from her father in court to see him sentenced to 45 years. Haynes, who is suffering from poor health, will serve at least 33 years before he is eligible for parole.

The clip was shared on their TikTok account and was watched by more than 2 million people.

People were moved by Jeni’s story, which left them heartbroken for her.

One person wrote: “God bless you Jeni.”

Another commented: “You are an amazing survivor Jeni. I wish you all the best in your life.”

“Her brain was the only one trying to protect her,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “It’s amazing how the brain tries to protect you as much as it can.”

“The poor poor woman. We truly failed her,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “People need to understand this is real and more than life-impacting. These dear folks need support and understanding all their lives.”

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I live in an old church with a ‘cemetery studio’ – I sleep on the altar and it’s so messy, but that’s part of the charm

IT’S hard enough to keep a two-up, two-down clean and tidy.

But try living in an old church!

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Priscilla took to TikTok to share a video tour of her very unique home[/caption]
a brick church with a tower and a balcony on the side
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She and husband Morton live in this 154-year-old church[/caption]
a window with a cemetery in the background and a sign that says the studio.com
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She does her arts and crafts in the “cemetery studio”, but they don’t actually own the graveyard[/caption]
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Their bedroom sits on the East altar in the church[/caption]

Luckily, homeowner Priscilla thinks that the messiness of her unique abode is “part of its charm”.

She shared a video tour of the 154-year-old property on her TikTok page, kicking off with the “cemetery studio”, where she creates her arts and crafts.

“There is a street that separates us from there,” she said.

“We don’t own that cemetery, we don’t take care of it, but in here is the wonderful world of glass in the studio.

“And I believe in showing warts and all, you’re gonna see some messy areas, but that’s part of the charm!”

She then took the camera into the bedroom she shares with husband Morton, as she said: “That’s our bedroom in the East altar.

“That’s the snuggle nest where we should watch movies up on this big wall.”

However, they spend most of their evenings in the West altar, where they’ve created a cute TV room.

“Our bedroom technically starts from there and goes to there, but I kind of consider this whole room my bedroom,” she said.

When it comes to decking out her home, Priscilla is all for getting items from all walks of life – including the local skip.

“These chairs I saved from the dumpster, I need to upholster them,” she said.

“They’re called bustle chairs.”

They’ve also made use of some of the church’s original features, including the pipe organ, which forms part of a makeshift bar.

There’s also a tiki room, and another organ she got for free from Craigslist, and a Wizard of Oz area because “there’s no place like home”.

Priscilla has various places in the church to work from when it comes to her painting, writing and crafting, and is even making a forest out of 20 feet tall papier-mâché trees.

There’s a dining table that stretches across 20 feet, and even more organs.

What are the rules for living in an old church?

WHILE the idea of living in an old church might be appealing to many, there are some things to keep in mind.

Firstly, how do you find a church that’s available to buy?

The Church of England has a list of closed churches that are up for sale and can potentially be converted into homes or business premises.

But you can expect to pay a lot for such a unique property – with prices sometimes going into the millions.

Before buying, you should get the church assessed, preferably by an architect, who should know about local regulations and rules.

You will also need to get the correct planning permission from your local council.

While the historical charm, massive interiors, high ceilings and natural light are several of the pros of living in a church, there are some downsides too.

Such as the cost of keeping it heated, the rules that may be in place for conversion, and insurance costs.

For more information, visit the Adrian Flux blog.

“I don’t know how many we have!” she laughed.

Their kitchen is a “work in progress”, as she showed Morton making some lemon curd, before lovingly adding: “Without Morton, none of this would happen.

“This is a dream come true.”

Other unique rooms in the property include the “hot cocoa room”, and the “library room”, which also houses a bed where her sister sleeps when she visits.

“As I said – warts and all! I never go through and clean something to show you.

“You’re going to see it as we live in it.”

Their son lives with them too, in a self-contained 2,400 square foot basement in the church, complete with two-bedrooms

And one of the most exciting places in the church is the bell tower, from which they can see over the whole of their small village in Pennsylvania.

“We have about 10,000 square feet of living space, on five different floors,” Priscilla said.

“So we got enough room. Two basements. One awesome one that our son lives in.

“One creepy that is going to hopefully become a glass studio someday for me.

“Maybe, maybe not. Who knows?”

“This place is my dream,” one person commented on the video.

“I swear I’ve seen your home in my dreams….!”

“It must be AMAZING at night with all of your beautiful lights!!!” another gushed.

As a third mused: “The house is beautiful but cleaning… must be a nightmare.”

“Nope! Robot vacuum, we don’t really get dust,” Priscilla replied.

“Definitely spend less than 2 hours weekly cleaning.”

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Priscilla also rescues homeware bits from the tip – like these bustle chairs[/caption]
a book called 101 craft brushes sits on a table
She showed the kitchen as she credited her husband for giving her her “dream home”
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a book called 101 craft brushes sits on a table
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There are numerous lovingly named rooms, such as this library room[/caption]
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And while it’s messy, Priscilla insisted it’s “part of its charm”[/caption]

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Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven says women’s tour has ‘toxic bitches who see me as a threat’

NOA-LYNN VAN LEUVEN has hit out at “toxic bitches” on the women’s darts tour.

The Dutch star will become the first transgender player to compete at the PDC World Championship this year.

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Getty
Noa-Lynn van Leuven will compete at the World Championships[/caption]
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INSTAGRAM @noalynn180
Van Leuven has had to deal with a lot of criticism[/caption]

Van Leuven, 28, has won four titles this year, including the 21st PDC Women’s Series in Leicester on Saturday.

At the WDF World Cup, she won gold with the Dutch team and in the pairs tournament.

However, before the competition, a members’ meeting took place and decided that trans women would no longer be welcome at WDF events.

It is not yet known when the rule will come into effect.

Van Leuven hit out at the decision and claimed that the sport has moved backwards.

She wrote on social media: “I thought the world should know.

“This is discrimination. We have been thrown back 40 years with the sport of darts.”

The darts ace has insisted that she gets positive reactions from younger players on the tour.

However, she has claimed that some are threatened by her.

She told Dutch media NU: “They secretly tell me that they don’t understand the commotion.

a woman is holding a dart in front of a scoreboard that says women 's series event 21
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She won the 21st PDC Women’s Series[/caption]

“But there are a lot of conservative, toxic bitches on the women’s tour.

“They see me as a threat.”

She was criticised for enjoying more success in the women’s circuit compared to when she competed on the men’s.

However, Van Leuven has claimed that this is because she is now “more comfortable” when throwing and that she is putting in more effort.

She said: “I throw well now because I feel more comfortable.

“It’s a matter of putting money and hours into it.

“Not many women do that, but I do. I’ve proven I can win over men, too.”

Van Leuven has been on the receiving end of online abuse.

We have been thrown back 40 years with the sport of darts”

Noa-Lynn Van Leuven

This has had led to her being afraid to go outside and suffering panic attacks.

She said: “People send the most terrible messages and then go on preparing their pasta.

“They have no idea the impact it has on my life.

“I didn’t dare go out on the street for several weeks and had panic attacks. It did take a while for that fear to go away.”

Van Leuven will become the first Dutch woman to appear in the PDC World Darts Championship and is not afraid of being criticised.

She added: “We’ll see. I don’t care.

“Standing there as the first Dutch woman is already the ultimate middle finger for me.”

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Mum, 43, who ‘died’ reveals heaven is ‘incredible’ – after being ‘reunited with loved ones even her dogs’

A MUM claims to have crossed the gates of heaven after she slipped into a coma following a horrifying near-death experience.

Amber Cavanagh loved her moment on the “other side” so much that she no longer fears death.

a woman in a white lace dress is smiling in the woods
Jam Press/Angela Eaves
Amber Cavanagh nearly died after a double stroke[/caption]
a woman is laying in a hospital bed with an oxygen mask on her nose .
Jam Press Vid/West Coast Medium
The mum believes she went to heaven and came back[/caption]
a man and woman pose in front of a christmas tree
Jam Press/West Coast Medium
She was given the option to say in heaven or come home to her family[/caption]

“I looked like the best version of myself and had everyone I had ever loved that was no longer with us around me – including my childhood dogs,” she said.

The 43-year-old was watching a film with her family when she suddenly developed an “excruciating” migraine.

She had taken herself to bed before she woke up a few hours later completely paralysed and blind in one eye.

Terrified, she banged on the wall to alert her husband, Michael, 41, who immediately called for an ambulance, rushing her to hospital.

At first, she thought the whole ordeal in December 2021 was a “dream”.

But as she arrived at the hospital, reality set in.

The mum-of-two, who was semi-conscious, was suffering from a double stroke and intense brain bleed.

A stroke is a very serious condition where the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off.

To stop the bleeding, she was given a blood-clotting drug with a 50 per cent survival rate due to its intense effects on the body.

Sadly, this didn’t work and she was life-flighted to another hospital nearby for emergency brain surgery.

But throughout all of this, her family assumed she couldn’t hear them – but she could, leaving Amber “petrified”.

She said: “It was horrific.

“It was looking more than likely that I was going to die.

“I heard the nurses tell my kids: ‘Say everything you want now to your mum, as you probably won’t see her again.’

“I was literally scared to death, and I was non-verbal, everyone thought I was just mumbling in a state of unconsciousness.

“When really, I was trying to talk to them to find out what was going on.

What is a near death experience?

A near death experience (NDE) is classified as a life-transforming experience that can occur under extreme conditions in which no sensory experiences should be possible, medics at the University of Virginia state.

These conditions could include trauma, ceasing of brain activity, deep general anaesthesia or cardiac arrest, they said.

These experiences can differ from one person to another and in many cases, the experts said patients having an NDE will feel very comfortable and free of pain.

You might also experience a sensation of leaving the body, with some being able to see their physical body while floating above it.

Others may experience their mind functioning more clearly and rapidly than usual

“I heard everyone saying their goodbyes and crying, not knowing I was still in there.

“It’s still, to this day, one of the most terrifying things I have ever experienced.”

a ct scan of a person 's brain is shown on a monitor
To stop the bleeding on her brain, the mum was given a blood-clotting drug with a 50 per cent survival rate
Jam Press/West Coast Medium
a woman in a hospital gown next to a christmas tree
Jam Press/West Coast Medium
Amber had to relearn how to walk, eat and talk[/caption]
a man and woman sit at a table with a license plate that says 36
Jam Press/West Coast Medium
the 43-year-old is urging others not be afraid of death[/caption]

‘I could really feel the grass beneath my feet’

While in the helicopter, she recalls taking one last glimpse at the sun before shutting her eyes.

When opening them again, she was in another dimension.

Amber said: “I could see my physical body beneath me, but I could also see my kids being driven by their grandparents to the hospital.

“I could see my husband weeping over my body.

“There was no going toward the light, or people calling me – I was just watching over everything and everyone.

“It sounds bad, but I wasn’t scared for my family, as I knew everything was going to be OK.

“There was no who, what, why, when or where to answer anymore, I just knew everything.

“Around me was an incredible garden, where I could really feel the grass beneath my feet.

“Then, I saw all my loved ones to the right, every version of me; past, present and future to the left and my guides stood right in front of me.

“I spoke telepathically to everyone, including my nan and grandma.

“Even my dogs from childhood surrounded me. I could touch them, but I didn’t as that wasn’t why I was there.

“But there was such a deep-rooted feeling of pure comfort.

“Knowing I had to leave this place that had an overwhelming glow of loving light was so difficult.”

LIFE AFTER DEATH

A WOMAN claims to have gone to heaven and met God as she slipped in a coma following a horrifying near-death experience.

Mariandree Cárdenas was working from home one day when she felt her throat start to close up and began choking.

Her hands began twitching and she felt like her face was “falling asleep”.

Mariandree realised she could no longer speak.

She managed to text her mother and brother for help, who rushed over and found her unconscious.

The 24-year-old – who was diagnosed with severe asthma as a child – was taken to hospital, where doctors were forced to intubate her and later place her in a coma.

As her body lay unconscious in her hospital bed, Mariandree claimed her mind was far from quiet.

“I couldn’t hear almost anything anymore and my body no longer responded,” Mariandree, a graphic designer, told What’s The Jam.

“The last thing I heard was a nurse or doctor say the phrase ‘she left us’.

“And in the blink of an eye I stopped being on Earth and appeared somewhere else.”

Amber says her guides told her about the two outcomes.

If she stayed, her family would suffer and they would have to overcome the intense grief of losing her so soon.

But if she returned to her physical body, she would face a gruelling recovery journey – and would regret the decision.

However, she knew her time wasn’t up yet.

Amber closed her eyes and suddenly, she was back in her own body again.

For the next two weeks, she remained in hospital, but medics were adamant she would need to be in care for the rest of her life.

Relearning how to live

Miraculously, the mum was talking and moving within hours.

She said: “They still don’t understand it.

“My doctor says I’m his ‘miraculous patient’ as I didn’t even need the surgery as they planned.

“Yes, there was a lot of damage to my body and brain, but I was alive – and that was the main thing.”

Over the course of 10 weeks, she had to relearn all her basic functions, including how to walk, talk and eat.

Now, while she’s still numb in the right side of her body, life has gone back to somewhat normal again.

However, her experience has taught her a valuable lesson and it’s changed her outlook on life.

Not afraid of dying

Amber hopes her story will help people feel less afraid of dying and help us realise that we’re never truly alone.

“On the other side, there’s a squad of loved ones cheering us on every day,” she said.

Since the experience, Amber and her family re “much closer” and don’t take life “as seriously.”

She said: “It’s made me appreciate the beauty of life and has given me a new perspective.

“I am human, so I’m fearful I will have another stroke again, but I’m not afraid of dying anymore.

“I do worry I’ll leave my kids too soon, as they’ve been through enough and I want to see them grow up.

“But it’s something I’ll never regret going through, it’s given me a chance to grieve the old me and welcome this new chapter.

“I’ve found that life is school, but that place is home – I’ve been given the gift of seeing my life from a completely different view point.

“Sometimes, when I’m having a tough day, I’ll close my eyes and remember feeling the grass under my feet.

“I question then if I made the right decision, but I know I was given the choice to spread the message that we’re all here for a reason.”

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