A woman has revealed how she has fallen in love with a man 17 years her junior, and is often mistaken for being his mother.
Joanne Fleming, 47 met Dylan Lluwellyn, 30, in June 2019 after divorcing her husband of 13 years.
Despite strangers' hostility toward them, they couple maintain that age is just a number and their love is stronger than ever.
Joanne, from Cardiff, Wales says she wasn't looking for a relationship with toyboy Dylan.
"When Dylan messaged me on Facebook, I wasn't looking for love and originally planned on setting him up with a friend's daughter.
"But when I met him in person, it was love at first sight.
"He was so sweet and kind-natured.
"It doesn't matter that he's 17 years younger than me. We're a perfect fit."
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Joanne split up with her husband in 2016, after their marriage lost its spark.
"During the last six years of our marriage, were more like friends.
"I thought I'd never find love again when we separated."
In April 2019 Dylan messaged her on Facebook.
"He said I was good looking. When I clicked on his profile, he had a baby face and looked half my age.
"I didn't know him, but we had some mutual friends.
"I replied saying I was old enough to be his mum.
"He said he was 27 and was looking for a serious relationship.
"He was such a sweet lad, so I tried to set him up with my friend's daughter.
"When that failed, we started chatting every day.
"Eventually, I started to fancy him."
In June the pair met up for drinks at his flat, where the two's chemistry was undeniable.
She says: "We quickly realised we both fancied each other.
"Sparks flew and after that night we were inseparable."
Joanne and Dylan started dating, and became official in July.
She says: "I decided it was my time to have fun. I partied with all of Dylan's friends, who were in their twenties.
"But I felt so self-conscious and could barely keep up with the lingo.
"They told me they couldn't believe Dylan had pulled such a classy bird."
At first her friends were sceptical.
"They couldn't understand why I'd want to be a younger man."
But they eventually came round.
"I explained Dylan was very mature and wanted a committed relationship.
"Eventually they gave their blessing."
She was nervous about meeting Dylan's mum, who at 51 is just four years older than Joanne.
"I was worried she wouldn't approve because we were practically the same age.
"Luckily, we got on well."
In October 2020 Dylan met Joanne's mum, Susan, 68 in London.
She says: "She warmed to Dylan right away and gave her blessing. I was relieved."
Appearing in public can be a humiliating experience for Joanne.
In January 2020 the pair went to the dentist together.
"The receptionist asked if I'd be accompanying him into the room as his mum.
"I quickly corrected her. She apologised, but I was so embarrassed.
"Then, one time at my GP practice, a doctor also mistook me for Dylan's mother. I was mortified.
"On our date nights, strangers glare at us too.
"It makes me feel self-conscious but Dylan reassures me I'm beautiful.
"Now, Dylan and I take turns staying around each other's houses.
Despite this, Joanne has no regrets, and is the envy of her friends.
"Some of my friends long for a younger man too. Dylan and I have something really special.
"Age is just a number and we don't care what anyone else thinks."
