50 over 50 Project ~ Chapter Three ~ Cheryl

 WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? I am a Scheduling Administrator for a company in Derby. I organise calibration visits for a lot of the on site equipment at Rolls-Royce Aero Division in Derby

HOW OLD ARE YOU – AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? I’m 62, rapidly heading up to 63. But at times feel about 30 in my head lol
I love being able to go and do the things I love doing, travel and having adventures with my 2 friends. Nights out. Just enjoying life really

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? I have had two failed marriages and have always had to work hard to survive. Have been on my own now for about 7 years. I had 3 jobs at one stage and 3 children to look after so my life hasn’t been easy but at least I have my health. (Touch wood lol)

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? My 3 fantastic children who have grown up to be thoroughly fantastic people. My daughter is the bravest and most determined person I know having just come through surgery for cancer with such positivity.
I also have 3 fantastic grandsons and 2 step granddaughters who I adore

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Lying on a beach somewhere hot with a cocktail in my hand and not a worry in the world 😁

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? Apart from my amazing family and friends I treasure my freedom to do what I want (depending on finances) when I want. And I’m happy that I’m in relatively good health for my age so that I can do things

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? To visit as many countries as I can. A cruise round the Carribbean. I’d also really like to help out at wildlife sanctuaries, especially with baby elephants

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? Getting married for the second time in Turkey. I never had a proper wedding Reception the first time as we were poor and had 2 Children at the time. So the second time I had more of a Reception and spent time in Turkey and North Cyprus

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? To have more confidence. I think with my hearing problems (tinnitus and a high frequency hearing loss) which I’ve had since my early 20s I’m not as confident as I could be. Unfortunately hearing aids don’t seem to help much. But I try not to let it control my life

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? I consider myself to be a loyal friend and will help people as much as I can.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Growing old and losing my faculties. Not being able to do things I like to do. Or end up with Dementia or a stroke after seeing how my Dad and Nana suffered

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Loyalty, honesty and their time

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? To go after my dreams.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? I believe in fate and karma. What goes around comes around

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR 50 OVER 50 BOUDOIR SHOOT? I surprised myself at how confident I felt and can’t wait to see the finished photos