Meet three inspiring women who followed their unlikely passions – and haven’t looked back
VIVIENNE RADFAR, 58, works part-time as a PA. She lives in Newport Pagnell with her husband, Mehran, 60.
If someone had told me 10 years ago that I’d start taking part in beauty pageants at the age of 54, I’d never have believed them. Yet here I am, doing just that.
Before I discovered pageants, my confidence was non-existent. I needed something just for me; a frivolous way of escaping the stresses of daily life.
It was August 2015 and I’d recently returned from a relative’s wedding in Los Angeles. It was amazingly glamorous – we were treated like film stars and I loved the dressing up. When I chanced on an advert on social media for a pageant called ‘Miss Over 50 and Fabulous’ I realised it was exactly what I needed – complete escapism. I sent inthe application, along with a photo. I was delighted when I found out I was through.
We had a photo shoot the day before the pageant, a rehearsal on the day and then wore three outfits: occasion wear, fitness gear and evening wear. We were all asked why we wanted to win and I said I wanted to win it for my mum. I had such an amazing day I didn’t care if I won, so when they called me out as the winner, it was the icing on the cake. My wonderful mother, Hazel, was all dressed up in the audience. I put my winner’s crown on her head and had a photo taken with her. It was a special moment and I’m so pleased we made that memory to share while she was still mobile; sadly she’s now bedbound.
This story is from the September 2019 edition of Woman & Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2019 edition of Woman & Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LOVE is LOVE? It's different for everyone
As a gay parent, Lotte Jeffs is simply encouraging her five-year-old daughter to follow her heart
BANK HOLIDAY BAKES
Showstopping sweet treats the whole family will love
I worry about my BROTHER'S FUTURE'
Author Claire McGowan on growing up with her disabled brother, David
Your GREEK ISLAND GUIDE
Find the perfect Hellenic summer getaway with our round-up of sun-soaked isles
Your SPRING CLEAN GUIDE
Make your home shine this season with clever tricks that are better for the planet
HOW OLD is your BODY?
Whatever decade you're in, find out if you're as fit and healthy as you could be
Simple SELF HYPNOSIS for success
Stuck in a rut? Learn the mindset secrets that could help you live your best life
Do you need to use AZELAIC ACID?
Heard the hype about this new wonder ingredient? Sarah CooperWhite finds out why you might need it in your regime
Is politeness DEAD?
Certainly not... manners cost nothing, says leading etiquette coach William Hanson
Finding my LONG-LOST SON
Last year, author Lesley Pearse wrote in w&h about tracking down her mother’s family. Now that moment has led to another wonderful reunion