I'm Finally A Mum At 58

Carolyne Ness tried for years to have a baby before going it alone

- Kara O'neill & Kim Willis

Like most mums, I love it when people comment on how adorable my son is. He might only be eight months, but he’s already so independent, and his little quirks – like the way he claps his hands when he’s excited – make me smile every day. But though my mother’s pride is no different to any other parent’s, there is something that sets me apart – my age. I’m 59. and for decades I was sure I’d never be called mummy.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known exactly what I wanted from life – marriage and babies. And, preferably, in that order. Sure enough, by the time I was 34, I was working as an office administrator, and was happily married. The next step was starting a family. Only it turned out that wasn’t so simple. For six years we tried and failed to get pregnant. The monthly disappointment and heartbreak put a strain on our relationship. Slowly, I realised I wasn’t happy anymore. Neither was he. Aged40, I found myself single and childless, which had definitely not been part of my plan. I tried my best to move on. I met charming, charismatic men, but I was putting so much pressure on finding someone who I could start a family with that I’d just end up pushing them away. Before I knew it, 10 years had passed. Realising I’d missed my chance to be a mother was completely devastating. And, needing something to channel my energy into, in 2009, I decided to move from my home in Surrey to Australia. I’d lived there for a few years in my 20s and such a big move appealed to my adventurous side.