Sharon Cutts made headlines ten years ago as Britain’s oldest mother of triplets when she gave birth at the age of 55. Now 65, she is raising her 10-year-old triplets — Lily, Ryan, and Mason — alone after splitting from her younger husband Stuart Reynolds.

In an exclusive interview, Sharon revealed she deeply regrets undergoing IVF at 55. She said that if she had known Stuart would eventually leave, she would never have had the children. However, she emphasizes that she does not regret having the triplets themselves — they are her world, along with her four grown-up children from a previous relationship.

The Challenges of Raising Triplets

Sharon and Stuart’s relationship struggled under the immense pressure of caring for triplets. The couple handled all childcare themselves, managing 24 feeds and 21 nappy changes a day in the early months. As the children grew, Sharon worked night shifts as an NHS nurse while Stuart worked early mornings. Exhaustion took its toll: their sex life stopped, communication broke down, and they had little time for romance or going out together.

The couple married in 2018 in a small ceremony, but the marriage did not survive. Stuart asked for a divorce four years ago, and they formally separated two years ago. Sharon is now preparing to move with the triplets to a new home near Grimsby, about 45 miles away.

Defending Her Choice

Despite criticism at the time for being “selfish” for having children so late in life, Sharon maintains she was fit and active. She went to the gym four times a week, still does, and keeps herself in shape with regular Botox treatments. She enjoys playing actively with her children in the park and believes older parenting brings wisdom and perspective that younger parents sometimes lack.

Her military nursing background (she served in the Navy) and years of NHS experience helped her establish strong routines, which she says are essential for managing life with triplets. The children are described as happy, healthy, loving, and independent — they help around the house, create drawings for their mum, and even assist her with technology.

Financial and Emotional Cost

Sharon spent £22,000 on IVF loans to fulfill Stuart’s dream of becoming a father. She later paid off the remaining debt by accessing part of her NHS pension early. She also ran a home Botox clinic to help support the family financially.

Now single, Sharon says she plans to stay “old, free, and single” for the rest of her life, focusing entirely on her children and ruling out any more relationships or babies.

Key Takeaway Sharon’s story highlights both the joys and significant challenges of late-life parenthood, especially when relationships do not last. While she has no regrets about her love for her children, the emotional and practical realities of raising triplets alone have been life-changing.