Latest news with #Chessington
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
I was zombie £300-a-night coke addict who snorted while pregnant & let kids fend for themselves – but I didn't care
ZOEY Clarke used to make sure her two children were in bed by 7pm sharp. But, unlike most mothers, her motivation wasn't so that her kids were well rested for a busy day at school - no, Zoey wanted them away from her so she could binge on drugs. 7 Shockingly, Zoey admits she was so addicted to the Class A drug that she snorted it while pregnant with her daughter Storm, now 15. 'I look back now and can't believe the person I became in the grips of my addiction," Zoey, a hairdresser who lives in Chessington, with Storm and son Sonny, 19, told Fabulous. 'I loved my kids but I neglected them. They had takeaways every night – McDonalds and Domino's were favourites and I'd give them sweets and chocolate whenever they wanted it. Neglected children 'To my shame Storm's teeth were so decayed by the time she was three from all the junk food that she needed every single tooth removed. "I lied and said she had a healthy diet and must just be susceptible to sugar. I was a master at lies and deceit and manipulation – every addict is.' Thankfully Zoey's been clean now for eight years - but admits that every waking moment used to revolve around her cocaine habit. 'I didn't have time for my children, all I could think about was taking drugs,' she says. 'There were never bedtime stories, I'd hustle them into bed and then I'd stay up all night, taking £300 worth of cocaine. 'In the morning I'd have my first of eight red bulls, take the kids to school, still high, invariably forgetting their packed lunch – I'd turn up with a bacon sandwich at school later. 'I'd pick them up late, I missed mufti days and forgot permission slips for school trips. 'It was chaos, the school must have realised something was wrong, but I don't think they knew how to tackle it. 'After school I'd take them to buy some vouchers for their gaming devices, and then get them a takeaway, and make sure they were in bed by 7pm – I wanted them shut away from me.' Zoey is now rebuilding her relationships with her children - but it has been a long journey. Decaying teeth 'I feel so lucky that they've stood by me, but rebuilding the relationships was tough,' she says. 'Sonny only told me he loved me for the first time a few months ago. 'They were understandably full of resentment, I wasn't there for him, I never even helped with their homework or took them to the playground. 'There was nothing normal about their childhood as recovery isn't easy either. I had to learn to be a mum to them and earn their trust that the 'new' version of me was here to stay. And even now they worry about my health.' 7 7 Their worries are justified. On March 15th Zoey had her fourth stroke. Her first was in 2020 and she had two more in 2021 and 2022. Doctors have told her it's due to the abuse she put her body through while in the grips of addiction. She remembers: 'We'd been for a day out in Brighton and I was cooking supper, I picked up the saucepan with rice in it and my hand started shaking, I sat down feeling horrendous and my whole arm started tingling. 'I knew what was happening, and a friend drove me straight to the hospital where I stayed in the high dependency unit for two days. 'I'm recovering but my arm is still weak. I've been put on new meds and I just have to hope that I won't have another one. 'But it's hard for them, seeing me in a hospital bed and we're all aware that strokes can be fatal.' Zoey's addiction started in 1997 when she was just 17 and met her ex-partner, the father of her children. She says: 'I'd tried drugs a couple of years earlier on a night out and hated it. 'But this time I took a line with a rolled up bus ticket in the loos of a pub and I loved it. I felt euphoric. 'At the time a lot of friends used recreationally and it didn't seem like a big deal.' However Zoey soon started using it regularly and within six months she was addicted. She says: 'I can't explain why as I didn't really enjoy it – the image is that it's a party drug. 'But I'd use on my own, taking it at work – I had various jobs from being a barmaid to running a sunbed salon – it was all day every day, lining it up on the sunbeds or in the toilet. 'I'd go home to my partner at night and carry on. 'Over the years I tried to stop many times – I hated using. I went to Narcotics Anonymous meetings and I longed to be clean, but I couldn't find anything that worked.' In desperation in May 2005 Zoey tried to take her own life – she felt it was the only way she could stop. Her partner found her and she pulled through but was sectioned and then went into residential rehab for 12 weeks. Many people would question why Zoey chose to have children when she fell pregnant shortly after getting out of rehab. She explains: 'I was clean at the time and I had severe endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome and I'd always desperately wanted children and it felt like my only chance. 'I was under the care of social services because of my suicide attempt and I had drug tests throughout my pregnancy and afterwards. 'When Sonny was born he was put into the custody of my parents and so I left the flat I shared with my partner and moved in with them. 'I wish I could say I bonded with Sonny, but I struggled. I wasn't in the right place mentally after all I'd been through. After a year social services allowed me to have custody of Sonny and I moved back in with my partner. 'To my shame I started using again, I hadn't tackled the root causes of my addiction and so I fell of the wagon. I only took it once he was asleep, telling myself that it was OK if he didn't see me high. 'I cared for him in that I'd always change his nappies and he was fed regularly – but it was just the basics. 'As an addict you don't even love yourself, let alone anyone else. I just existed.' And when she fell pregnant with Storm she kept on using. How cocaine destroys your health, face and life The nose One of the most recognisable signs of cocaine overuse is a collapsed nose. The drug is snorted via the nose. Because it is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows the blood vessels, blood flow is reduced. As the nasal tissue becomes starved of oxygen in the blood, it becomes damaged. FRANK, a national drug advisory service, says: 'Over time, snorting cocaine damages the cartilage in your nose that separates your nostrils. 'Heavy users can lose this cartilage and end up with one large nostril and a misshapen nose.' Users may also have difficulty with breathing and damage to nasal passages can also lead to chronic sinus infections. The mouth and facial deformity Chronic cocaine use doesn't only affect the nose - it can also harm the roof of the mouth or the hard palate, causing palatal perforation, according to UK Addiction Treatment Centres. Palatal perforation can lead to severe issues, such as difficulty speaking or voice changes, problems with eating and drinking and higher risk of infections due to the open gap between the nose and mouth. With the potential loss of nose cartilage, destruction of nasal tissue and sinuses and the mouth, the face may change shape with chronic cocaine use. Use of the drug can also cause the face to bloat and eyes to become bloodshot. Mental health Regular use of cocaine can dampen a person's mood. It can make them feel depressed, run down, anxious or paranoid, FRANK warns. It says: 'Cocaine can bring previous mental health problems to the surface too, and if a relative has had mental health problems, there might be an increased risk for you.' Infections Constant cocaine use will weaken your body's immune system. This makes it harder to fight off any infection - or blood-borne diseases that may occur when sharing needles. Heart The heart comes under a lot of pressure from cocaine use. It increases blood clots, which in turn can lead to heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, strokes and deep vein thrombosis. 'It can also cause inflammation and death of the heart muscle, deterioration of the heart's ability to contract, as well as aortic ruptures, angina and permanently increased blood pressure,' says the Priory Group. Life-ruining The impact of cocaine use goes beyond obvious health issues. It can cause social withdrawal, financial problems, loss of job or reputation and risky behaviour, such as unsafe sex or driving when high. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine use, seeking professional help is crucial to prevent further harm. Try visiting Talk to FRANK, the NHS website, Narcotics Anonymous or Cocaine Anonymous. She says: 'I tried so hard not to, and be clean for a few days but then I'd succumb, I hated myself but I couldn't stop. 'I wanted to be a proper mum – a loving and supportive one like my mum had been to me. 'But addiction ruled my life. I was half a person, staying up taking line after line all night and a zombie during the day fuelled by Red Bull and Nurofen for my crippling headaches. I could barely get the kids up.' It was tragedy that started Zoey on the path to getting clean. She says: 'A good friend had terminal breast cancer, she was fighting so hard to live and be around for her son. 'Sadly she lost the battle. It made me realise I was wrecking my body and wouldn't be alive for my kids if I carried on. I'm very lucky that they've forgiven me for the neglect they went through Zoey Clarke 'On December 30th 2017 I looked at my children at the kitchen table, they looked so worried and the house was a tip. A switch flipped in my head and I knew I couldn't do it to them anymore. 'They deserved a proper mum, who loved and cared for them.' On New Year's day Zoey split up with her ex and asked her mum and doctor for help – she's been clean ever since. She says: 'I asked my mum for support. I knew I needed someone to be accountable to so I asked her to drug test me three times a week. 'She's always been there for me, she used to help with the children and we're very close. I can't say it was easy either mentally or physically but slowly with therapy I got there and started being the mum my children deserved.' Physically the drug took its toll. Zoe was diagnosed with diabetes, as she hadn't looked after her diet at all while using and she's also got a hole in her nose. But she's doing all she can to stay fit and healthy – she's careful with her diet and monitors her blood sugar and takes insulin. She also does Facebook Lives every week to help other people struggling with addiction. And most importantly she spends quality time with her children. 'I'm so proud of them,' she says. 'I'm very lucky that they've forgiven me for the neglect they went through. "I look at myself now and think you selfish disgusting human being, they didn't deserve it, no child does. 'That's why I'm speaking out. I'm in no doubt about the way drugs have affected my children. I live with it every day. 'Your children might not see you using or understand why their life isn't normal. But they know it isn't and suffer.' 7
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Little-known UK attraction named 'one of UK's best theme parks' despite no rides
A little-known UK park has been voted as one of the best theme parks in the UK beating out Thorpe Park, Legoland and Chessington - despite having no rollercoasters A little-known UK attraction has been named as one of the best UK theme parks by Brits - despite the fact that it doesn't have any rollercoasters. Stockeld Park may not have the high-thrill attractions you'd find at other theme parks, but it's still beaten the likes of Chessington, Legoland and Thorpe Park in rankings on Tripadvisor, based on visitors' reviews. In fact, it's currently ranked as the second best UK theme park, with Alton Towers leading the charge. Approximately 275,000 visitors head to the attraction every year, and it's not difficult to see why; although there are no rollercoasters, there's plenty of fun to be had for families. We're talking zip lines, tunnels, an outdoor maze, and even PlayHive, one of Europe's largest indoor play centres (think everything from dedicated toddler zones to giant slides!). In fact, it's one of plenty of themed playgrounds across the attractions, whether you're braving a Spider's Lair or having an adventure in Woodsands Cove. Other highlights include a lake where you can even have a go on 'Buccaneer boats', an Enchanted Forest with plenty of woodland adventures on offer for little ones, and the 'The Flying Stocksman', a little purple train that takes you on a 10-15 minute tour of the forest. READ MORE: Beautiful UK beach 'rivals Spanish coastline' with white sands and clear waters There are various spots where you can grab a bite to eat across the park, but the good news is that there are plenty of picnic spots if you'd rather bring your own food along, from outdoor seating to picnic benches. However be warned, no barbecues are allowed anywhere on the site. The attraction has proven a hit with visitors, and its Tripadvisor reviews have seen it catapulted in rankings of the best UK's theme parks to second place. "Lovely day. The grounds are stunning," wrote one happy holidaymaker who visited in June. "The attention to detail is brilliant so much to do for the children. There's so much to do make sure you take a full day to get around everything." Another added: "Great place for a family day out whatever the weather. Loads to do. My granddaughters absolutely loved it, plenty of climbing, sliding, swinging both indoor and outdoor. They also liked the go-karts and the inflatable boats. Great day out." Meanwhile one parent praised the plethora of activities for different ages. They explained: "Such a great day out. So much for children to do. We had a 3, 4 and 9 year old with us and they all had so much fun. We didn't visit the restaurant as we brought sandwiches so can't comment on that, but all of the things we looked at and and played on were perfect. Everything was clean and well looked after as well. We will definitely be back!" Want to check it out for yourself? Day tickets start from £13.50 per person. You can find out more and book online at
The Sun
18-05-2025
- The Sun
I've saved £350 on days out and holidays in the first three months of Sun Club – here's how you can do the same
THERE are huge savings to be had on days out and holidays if Sun Club members use their perks wisely - here's what you need to know to make membership work for you. I signed up to Sun Club for just £12 for the year in mid-February and have already saved almost £350 in the first three months. 7 7 I claimed free theme park tickets, booked a bargain caravan break and bagged a pair of darts tickets. And I haven't even used all the incredible offers yet, as there's more Superdays at the likes of SEA LIFE, Warwick Castle, the London Eye and Cadbury World to come. I reckon I'm on track to save more than £1,000 over my first year. Sun Superdays I've been using Sun Superdays for theme parks tickets like Alton T owers Resort for years and I actually think the current offer under Sun Club is better than anything I've seen before. There are no booking fees and lots of free dates in the school holidays and at weekends, which have been a struggle to get in the past. We've already had a great day out at Alton Towers Resort on a school inset day, which would have cost £58 for two people if I'd booked online in advance instead of using my free tickets. I've also booked Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park during the summer holidays, which both would have been more than £65 for two tickets without the Sun Club offer. My top tip for is to get online on the day that booking opens for each offer with a few dates that you can do, in case your first choice is already taken. Sometimes you can get to the front of the virtual queue quickly and book your tickets straight away, giving you the pick of the dates. Other times, you'll need to wait a while as there are lots of people all trying to make the most of the offer. It's taken me around an hour to get through before, but I still got summer holiday tickets free, so it's well worth the wait. Once you've got your booking code, you can go to the theme park calendar and see which dates still have free tickets and which ones you have to pay for. Check out Sundays if all the free school holiday tickets have already gone. WHAT IS SUN SUPERDAYS? Sun Superdays is The Sun's exclusive partnership with Merlin Entertainments, giving Sun readers the chance to get FREE or highly discounted tickets to 11 of their top UK attractions - including Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park, London Eye and many more. And as a Sun Club member, you can get automatic access to these great deals - without the need to collect Sun Savers codes - just head to The Sun Club Offers & Competitions section, where each month you'll find an exclusive Sun Superdays offer waiting to be redeemed. This month, you can book tickets to Warwick Castle. Booking opens at 11am on Wednesday, May 21. Holidays From £9.50 per person 7 When it comes to the Hols From £9.50 deal, Sun Club members could book a day early in the April promotion, so I bagged a brilliant break in Norfolk for a May weekend for just £130 for six people. The same caravan booked direct with the holiday park would have been £200. We've had some great bargain breaks over the years. Nowadays, UK chains like Park Holidays and Lyons take part and you can also go to caravan parks in Europe for a weekend, a midweek or a full week. If you can go term time midweek, you'll be able to find holidays for just £40 for four people, but prices do go up at weekends and in the school holidays, so you need to check carefully to make sure it's the best deal for your family, especially once you factor in extras like entertainment passes. If you book direct, the price you're paying normally covers all the added extras like linen or passes, but that's not always the case when you book through a third party like Sun Hols From £9.50. Having said that, there is a price guarantee that means you could get money back and an extra £10 if you find a better deal within 28 days once you've booked your break. Tickets galore Even if you're not a theme park fan and don't want a caravan holiday, there are other deals on Sun Club that could make it worth your while to join. We've never been to a darts tournament before, but with two free tickets worth £74 available, it seemed like a good way to introduce my eldest to a different kind of sport that's enjoying a renaissance at the moment. And Sun Club members can also enjoy four free tickets to racecourses all over the UK. Kids go free and the tickets could be worth up to £128 if you book the summer opening party at Windsor, featuring Marvin Humes. We're often in Great Yarmouth over the summer, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for tickets to the horse racing there. If you're a bingo lover, you can claim 20 free plays each month. There's even a link to book discounted theatre tickets if you're heading to the capital for a night of culture. I'm certainly maxxing out my Sun Club membership. Make sure you're doing the same! 7 7
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside the new UK theme park hotel room where it's Christmas all year
Ever wish, like the perennial Wizzard song, that it could be Christmas every day? Well, dig out the matching Rudolph pyjamas, because Chessington World of Adventures ' newest hotel room delivers exactly that. This weekend, the Surrey theme park's four-star Safari Hotel adds to its raft of bespoke rooms, which already includes Oreo, Jumanji and Gruffalo suites, with a 'Christmas-All-Year' stay, designed to offer a festive fix even when December 25th is still miles off. On a warm, blue-sky day in May - we're wearing shorts and t-shirts - I take the kids, roller coaster aficionados Belle and Cleo, 13 and 11, to see if stepping into Christmas just as summer's kicking in is as fun as it sounds or, well, a bit of a theme park turkey. The first sign of our imminent yuletide adventure? An over-sized wreath marked 'Tweedy family' sitting above a designated car parking space outside the hotel. Minutes later, after being handed a large envelope with 'Parents only' written on it at reception, we have the keys to room 321, the door of which is giving full Christmas movie vibes, with its shiny brass knocker, traditional wreath and Hollywood-esque layer of snow. Then comes the spectacular seasonal sucker-punch that would have Scrooge bah-humbugging out of the door. As the key card lights green, Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody blasts out at full volume and we wheel our cases into a room that's bedecked as if the man in red could descend at any moment. It's Christmas and then some in here. The entire room is festooned in twinkling garlands, giant shiny red baubles, big red bows and sprigs of holly. Chessington World of Adventures From £32pp The walls are Chrimbo green, adorned with hand-painted gold stars; there's a sizeable tree, which is dressed to the festive nines and has faux pressies beneath it, while a cosy gingerbread man rug is draped on the floor. Alongside a comfy-looking king-size, there's two bunk beds with tartan bedding, a Santa mural and a cosy fireplace scene - and a stuffed reindeer on each pillow, which make the cynical tween and teen in my life suddenly glow with seasonal cheer. The bathroom? Yep, it's December in there too, with another wreath above the loo, a Merry Christmas decal emblazoned on the shower screen and the same green-and-gold starry walls. Bar the eggnog, the Chessington elves have thought of everything. We get a cracker each and hot chocolate sticks for the kids, and a list next to the room's Alexa has suggestions such as 'phone Santa' or 'ask for a Christmas joke'. When we think things can't get any more surreal, they promptly do. I pull back the plush red curtains and glance out of the window at two zebras frolicking, a giraffe tucking into some lofty greenery and a couple of antelopes basking in the late afternoon sun. The room overlooks the theme park's Wanyama Reserve, where its popular safari animals roam - it's like looking at the Maasai Mara from the North Pole. Chessington, famous for its zoo, aquarium and thrill rides, including Vampire, Dragon's Fury and Mandrill Mayhem, has steadily served up more and more themed hotel rooms in recent years. Why? Who wants the fun to stop when the rides shut down for the day? In the Oreo room, a circular double bed is styled like the famous cookie; a cinematic green glow welcomes guests to the Jumanji rooms, based on the hit movie franchise, and Julia Donaldson fans will find themselves in seventh heaven in the Room on the Broom and Gruffalo suites. The most obscure is a very sunny-looking Capri-Sun room, where a neon sign beams out the logo for the retro orange pouch drink and the interiors major on tropical scenes. So, what was in that envelope marked 'Parents only'? I won't ruin Christmas except to say that it was an opportunity to let Old St Nick know exactly what the kids might fancy should he manage a visit and, sure enough, the next morning they awoke to stockings stuffed full of goodies. Just before breakfast, there's a tap on the door, with a Chessington elf bringing yet more treats and plenty of Christmassy chat (that's almost drowned out by the 30-second Slade salutation), much to the bewilderment of families on their way for a fry-up. There's one final present too - the room rate includes tickets to the park and early entry to beat the queues. Even the kettle says Christmas, and guests will find crackers and hot chocolate amongst the tea and coffee At check-out, we're sad to leave our yuletide hideaway with a safari view. And hours later, there's a proper sigh of disappointment when our own front door clicks open quietly, with no rockers from Wolverhampton and their Christmas earworm to welcome us home.
