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BBC News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Popcorn the hamster led me to meet the love of my life'
When Chris Davies's daughter first begged him for a hamster, he wasn't exactly eight-year-old Lily, after hours of research, managed to convinced her dad they were not just "starter pets" and to welcome one into their home. The NHS nurse bought Popcorn, a hamster he said he knew there was "something different" about from the nothing could have prepared Chris for the "surreal" impact the rodent would have on his life, eventually leading him to the woman he will soon marry. Not long after bringing Popcorn home, Chris' life took an expected turn as he had a "sudden" break-up."I was broken after," he said. Yet during those lonely times, it was Popcorn who offered him unexpected support."I thought I'd just be more open-minded and see what this animal was about."Chris was surprised to find that Popcorn behaved more like a loyal puppy than a rodent."He was following me like a dog," he said. "I got him on the sofa with me, and he fell asleep on my chest. I couldn't believe it." For Chris, who struggles with anxiety, Popcorn soon became a source of calm and connection."It was just a really beautiful thing. It was mindfulness. "Being a nurse in the NHS, some days are quite hard and it's really stressful, but Popcorn would just calm me down."Lily and other family members began encouraging Chris to post videos of Popcorn's behaviour online."I was kind of anxious at first," Chris said. "How many blokes do you see lying on a sofa with a hamster?"But almost as soon as Chris began posting videos of Popcorn on TikTok, they took off. More than140,000 fans were charmed by Popcorn's unusual personality, his affection and his bond with Chris and became, as Chris lovingly described him, their "micro-dog". What followed was a bizarre set of events no one could have been predicted, Chris Popcorn gained popularity online, Chris and Lily wrote a book together about the impact that the little critter had on their family, which was then published in May one evening, Chris then received a comment from a fellow Cardiffian, Carrie, telling him his content was "cute".The pair got chatting, soon discovering mutual passions, a shared love for animals and even the same profession."We were living only a mile apart, but we'd never bumped into each other," Chris said. "It was crazy." Chris and Carrie met in person a few months later and when Carrie held Popcorn, Chris said, it was like a something "clicked into place".The family, which has now grown to include Carrie and her children as well, sadly lost Popcorn in the summer of fast forward to today and Chris and Carrie are engaged, set to marry this wedding cake will even feature a small tribute to Popcorn, with his name written at the bottom. "Without him it wouldn't have happened, you know. He was cupid, in a way." Chris Popcorn has been gone for a few years now, his impact remains Chris, he was more than just a pet. "There's never be another Popcorn," he said. "He was just a one-off."
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Warwick university holds 'DeStresstival' to help exam students
A university is hosting a unique festival in a bid to help students unwind during one of the most demanding points in the academic year. DeStresstival is a free wellbeing programme designed to support good mental health at the University of Warwick and includes events such as pet therapy, mindfulness sessions, creative workshops and Muqri had been studying for his exams and said: "When you're stressed, you tend to socialise less. You come here, see your friends and do some group activities, so it's like a motivation".The initiative began on 12 May, during Mental Health Awareness Week, and will run until June 8. 'Holistic wellbeing' The activities include pickleball, which is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis, and a sound bath workshop, offering an immersive relaxation experience using sound frequencies to promote calm and can also join creative sessions such as rock painting, as well as heading to the petting zoo where they can meet friendly animals including goats, alpacas and guinea pigs in a calm, outdoor setting to help relieve stress and lift their mood. Event organiser Khushi Ganatra said the festival, which was in its second year, started after people were concerned students were spending too long in their rooms and in the library. "I think it's really important to take breaks and make sure your mind is as clear as it can be as part of your holistic wellbeing."If students are struggling with stress and exams, it's really important to tackle that from the root of the issue, and by holding these kinds of events, they can feel more supported and able to take care of themselves," Ms Ganatra said. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
CBC
21-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
How a volunteer pet therapy team is bringing smiles to Ridge Meadows Hospital
How a volunteer pet therapy team is bringing smiles to Ridge Meadows Hospital 9 minutes ago Duration 4:30
