Life begins at 30-10

'I've beaten cancer and look 10 years younger!'

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Sara Taylor, 40, an events company director from Berkshire, is single with a 15-year-old son, Sam "Lying on the hospital bed, waiting to be wheeled into theatre, my life came into sharp focus. I was just 37 and for the last 15 years I hadn't stopped for a second. I'd tried to be a good mum to Sam, worked all the hours I could, and had seen my marriage end in divorce.

J-Lo is heading towards 30-10

On the outside, it looked like I had everything. I'd set up my own successful business - an events organisation company - and still got home in time to make dinner and help Sam with his homework. But the superwoman image was just a front. Inside I was constantly worrying about my business and running from one appointment to the next. I'd squeeze in time for friends and family, but I never found any time for myself. The idea of having a facial or my nails done seemed laughable. I hated the way I looked too - tired and washed-out because I wasn't taking care of myself - so I would make excuses to friends if they ever asked me out.

Then, three years ago, I noticed a mole on my left leg while at the gym. I went to my GP, and was referred for tests. They found I had an aggressive malignant melanoma - in other words, skin cancer. Suddenly all my stresses seemed insignificant in comparison to having cancer. I needed an operation to remove the tumour immediately and because chemotherapy and radiotherapy were ineffective in treating my cancer, it was a matter of waiting to see if it came back.

Sara with her proud son Sam

Looking in the mirror at home, I realised I might not live to see my 40th birthday. Despite having my own business, a wonderful son and a great circle of friends, the face I saw was tired and stressed. I vowed to myself that once I'd recovered, I'd change how I lived my life.

I had the first tumour removed in 2006. A further two on my left and right legs were removed over the following two years. Throughout everything, Sam was a huge support. Little things like him making sure I always wore sunscreen meant so much. I felt proud of how grown up he was. I kept working, but my attitude was different and I refused to get stressed. What was important was that I was there for him.

My last tumour was removed from my shoulder in 2008. To celebrate, I decided to have some cosmetic fillers. I had Restylane between my nose and mouth - it cost £300, but the effect was immediate. I think I look better now than I did 10 years ago! Everyone says how great I look and Sam says he loves having such a good-looking, successful mum.

It's been three years since I was diagnosed, and so far, I'm clear of cancer. I have a check-up once every three months, but I refuse to live in fear of it returning. I also no longer let my work dominate my life. I've realised if I can beat cancer, I can do anything. Now, I'm spending more time with my son and yes, I would like to meet someone too. Who knows? Life does begin at 40!"

'I've found my forever love'

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Karen Collier, 40, a technical manager for a fashion company from Essex, is married to Richard, 45, a banker." As I walked down the aisle of Auchen Castle wearing a couture gown, surrounded by family and friends, I had to keep pinching myself. I thought this was never going to happen. But here I was, at 39, a first-time bride.

For years, I'd been to friends' weddings, always alone, always standing on the sidelines worrying I would never meet The One. I knew why. Thanks to my parents divorcing when I was seven and them both splitting from their new partners a further two times, I was so hung up on not repeating their experiences, I wouldn't let any man get close. As a result, by the time I was 34, I'd had a series of short relationships. Even the time I'd got engaged, I'd ended it as it hadn't felt right.

Karen and Richard on their wedding day

Then I met Richard through a mutual friend. He was the first man to make me laugh. And for once, I felt safe - I realised he was different from anyone else I'd met. He made me feel happy and secure and we just clicked. We started dating and, three years later, he proposed. For the first time, it felt completely the right thing to do. Our wedding was beautiful, just how I'd always imagined it would be.

Now at 40 - or 30-10! - and a year into our marriage, I feel so calm and truly happy. I know I'm lucky to have a partner who loves me. Neither of us wants to have children, we're happy just having each other.

I've finally laid all my relationship fears to rest. It took me a while to get here, but I needed that time to know that this was the 'forever' relationship I was looking for."

'It took 20 years to live my dream'

Claire is thrilled to be her own boss

Claire Sharman, 40, runs her own beauty salon. A mum of three, she lives in Eastbourne with her partner John, 45, a security guard. "I've been trapped in an unhappy marriage, divorced, a single mum and a widow. After so many ups and downs, I've learnt to make the most of each and every day. Now, aged 40, I've finally achieved a dream I've harboured since I was just a teenager: to run my own company.

I've wanted to have my own beauty business since I was 19 and working on the Yves Saint Laurent counter in a London department store. But I got sidetracked. I married my first husband a year later and had two girls - Laura, now 20, and Hayley, 17. I loved being a mum, but my marriage soon became an unhappy one. I went from being outgoing and confident, to quiet and introverted. After eight years, we divorced.

I concentrated entirely on my daughters until, aged 32, I was lucky enough to meet Brod, 39, a care home manager. We married and had a daughter, Holly, now eight, but after five years together, he died suddenly from a heart attack. It was a terrible shock. I thought we'd be together forever, then he was gone and I felt alone and bleak with three young children to look after.

Daughters Laura, Holly and Hayley

After Brod's funeral, I vowed to live life differently, to never put off till tomorrow what I could do today - and to start the beauty salon I'd always wanted. I sold a property that I rented out and spent £10,000 setting up a salon in my own home, with a treatment room and tanning cabin.

I was so focused and happy, I wasn't looking for love, but three years ago I started dating John, who I was lucky enough to meet through a friend. He was incredibly supportive of my business and encouraged me to chase my dreams. Now I juggle manicures, facials, wedding make-up and waxing, with looking after Holly. My working day is definitely manic as currently I don't employ any other staff, but I couldn't be happier. I've actually seen a bit of that bright, optimistic, hopeful 19-year-old me return, too.

Almost 20 years after I first had my dream o

With her boyfriend John

n that department store counter to be my own boss, I am. I'm finally happy and doing what I always wanted to do.

I am proof that good things do come to those who wait."

photography: lancton, rex, starstock hair & make-up: caroline piasecki stylist: lucie clifford karen wears: dress, wallis; jewellery, freedom at topshop; shoes, gina sara wears: dress, karen millen; necklace, freedom at topshop; shoes, kurt geiger Claire wears: dress, dorothy perkins; necklace, freedom at topshop; shoes, next claire wears : dress, Marks & spencer; necklace, freedom at topshop; shoes, new look

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