Amanda York, a yoga teacher from South East London, met James at a crowded singles night when she was 42. He was everything she was looking for – tall, dark, handsome and, most importantly, good in bed.
He was also clear about one thing, that he did not want children. Amanda, however, was yearning to be a mum. But, blinded by lust, she stuck by James, choosing electric love-making over babies in an increasingly toxic relationship.
Now, at 49, Amanda regrets not walking away sooner. Despite her successful bikini competition, she regrets wasting her time with the wrong man and is perimenopausal, meaning she will never have children of her own.
Looking back, Amanda realises she was swept off her feet by James, his sense of humour, and high libido, but wishes she had listened to her instincts. She now sees herself as a cautionary tale, reminding women not to make the same mistake if they want to create a loving family. 
