Mum credits incredible transformation on divorcing husband of 18 years

A mum credits her incredible transformation to divorcing her husband of 18 years, before joining the world of online dating.

Emma Sheppard split from her husband in 2020 and while her life as a wife was busy, it left her feeling unhappy – both within herself and with her look.

Two years later, the mum-of-two says she is ‘walking on air’ having turned her life around by joining a gym and ditching junk food.

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Emma replaced her regular egg and chips and bacon sandwiches for healthier chicken pasta and homemade bolognese.

She also glammed-up and started going out again, adding that she feels ‘amazing’.

The welfare case worker from Blackpool, Lancashire, said: “I’m so happy now that I’ve totally turned by life around.

“I feel amazing and it’s like the beauty comes from within. It’s like walking on air.

“Before I’d always just worked hard and cared for everyone else. But, one day after we separated, I realised it was my turn.

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She added: “I looked old, empty and drained, but now I’m living my best life. I’m happy and I look completely different.”

Emma tied the knot in 2000, aged 22. The relationship started to break down several years ago, she recounts, and her husband moved out in January 2021.

Their divorce was finalised in October that year.

The 42-year-old was initially feeling down, but after listening to 'Roar' by Katy Perry, she found the strength to move on.

First, she overhauled her wardrobe and ditched her usual black trousers and flats in favour of heels and brightly coloured jackets and coats.

She also started wearing red lipstick for the first time and cut her smoking habit down from 20 to four-a-day.

Emma started going to the gym to lift weights and do cardio five times a week on top of doing an extra job at a cocktail bar two nights a week.

"I'd married for life. It was him, the girls and work. I felt I'd got it all sorted,” she shared.

"It was really bad after he left, it really broke me. I felt worthless - I was having panic attacks.

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"I had no confidence in myself and was so isolated. I was just existing, working to pay the bills and just getting through.

"One day I woke up and thought, 'You come from a family of strong women, you are free and you can make a difference in your life.'

"I realised I can be so much more. It was like a force from somebody watching over me."

This realisation had a huge impact on Emma. She added: "Everything about me is completely different now.

"People say I look incredible compared to before, and I think it's because I'm so happy inside.

"Now I just smile all the time. And this is just the beginning."

She is looking for love on Tinder. Good luck, Emma!