Finding love IN OUR 50s

These two women had a second chance at love

- CAROLINE BEDDOW

'EVEN LOCKDOWN FELT LIKE A MAGICAL TIME WITH GARRY'

Alison Watson, 59, lives with her two grown-up children and husband Garry in Hertfordshire.

Aged 56, I was happy with my life. For the first time in years I was on my own, with great female friends, and finally getting to do some travelling. I'd split from my children's father while they were young and, despite working as a flight attendant for over 30 years, family holidays had been in the UK as money was tight, so I still had an urge to travel.

With my son and daughter both in their 20s, I decided it was time for me and, encouraged by friends, I tried an online dating app.

Instant attraction 

From the very first texts I could see Garry was a kind man. He was also sharp and funny, and we shared a love of food and culture. After a week I suggested we meet. I insisted our first 'date' was just a coffee, so I had a potential escape route. Ten hours later, after lunch, dinner, drinks and a few long walks, we said goodbye. Five days later we met again, and just talked and talked - I knew then he was the one for me.