This week has been a struggle for many people up and down the country, so we felt it was time to take action.
Feel good Friday is here, folks, and what better way to put a smile on your faces than with some happy, upbeat or downright hilarious bits of news.
Yes, most of them feature animals and babies – but there are other great things to shout about, too. Here’s what you might have missed.
1. Adios, tampon tax!
Women are rejoicing around the UK after this year’s Budget announcement revealed VAT on all sanitary products will be abolished as of 2021. Women have been forced to pay a tax on these items for 50 years, as products like tampons were considered ‘non-essential, luxury items’. The saving, while relatively small, could mean we’ll pay an estimated £40 less for such products over a lifetime. It all adds up.
2. Second HIV case cured.
A Londoner has become the second person in the world to be cured of HIV. Adam Castillejo is now free of the virus, more than 30 months after stopping anti-retroviral therapy. It’s believed he was cured by a stem-cell treatment he received for cancer, as the donors had an uncommon gene that gave them protection against HIV.
3. Sausage dog wins at Crufts and releases her bowels.
When Maisie the wire-haired Dachshund won ‘Best in Show’ at Crufts, she knew exactly how to celebrate. The tiny pooch dropped her backside to the ground and took a rather large and perfectly cylindrical poo on the ground in front of thousands of spectators – not to mention the millions of TV viewers. Big thanks to the person who decided to zoom in at *just* the right moment. 👀
4. Child draws ‘hugs’ for kids at school.
When Katey Howes noticed her daughter had slipped a little drawing of a bear into her pocket, she told her “it felt like a hug”. Inspired, her daughter then took it upon herself to draw more ‘hugs’ to hand out to her school friends because they can’t physically hug or high-five at the moment. Why are kids so pure?!
5. Missing dog is found after being lured with bacon and sausages.
In more animal-related news, a Border Collie that had gone missing in the Scottish Highlands was lured back by the smell of cooked sausages and bacon. Mountain rescuers decided to head to where Nell the dog was last seen and set up a disposable BBQ with fresh sausages and bacon sizzling away. Sure enough, Nell’s nose led her to where they were camped and she was swiftly reunited with her owner. We do love a happy ending.
6. Baby’s laugh is infectious (in a good way).
Not much to say here other than... n’awww. Happy Friday, everyone.
7. Sheep gets so clean and fluffy.
Introducing three of the most satisfying images ever. A grubby sheep went to the salon, got a fresh blow dry and came out looking like the cutest cloud.