I married a Masai warrior
Us after our wedding day
Monday 19th February 2007
It all started in August 1994 when I went on holiday to Kenya with my friend, Eve. My husband, Michael, 51, and I were going through a rocky patch, so he stayed at home with the kids.
On the first night, Eve dragged me along to watch a traditional dance performed by Samburu Masai warriors. Afterwards Daniel, one of the dancers, introduced himself.
The next day he turned up at the pool and insisted on taking Eve and I down to the marina. I was fascinated – he told us about his tiny mud hut, his diet of fruit and freshly-hunted animals. He even drank cow's blood for breakfast. We chatted more during the holiday and, back home, I found myself thinking about Daniel.
Three months later, I returned to Kenya and spent every day with Daniel. I missed the kids terribly, but I couldn't face going back to my boring life.
For the first time ever, I did something reckless. I sat down and wrote to Michael: 'I've started a relationship with a Masai warrior. I won't be coming home.'
Daniel and I travelled miles on foot to get to his home. It didn't have a toilet, let alone central heating or mod cons. In the evening we sat outside as a herd of wild zebras charged past.
It was utterly amazing. The fact 23-year-old Daniel was 10 years younger than me didn't matter.
Eight months on, we flew to Britain and later married in traditional Masai costumes. Again our faces were splashed all over the papers.
Eventually the kids agreed to live with us in a three-bedroom ex council house. Two years later, I fell pregnant and gave birth to our daughter, Misti.
But life was tough. The proud, confident warrior I'd fallen in love with had been replaced with a quiet and miserable mouse. He just couldn't adjust.
We went our separate ways and got divorced. I became obsessed with how selfish I'd been and went to counselling. I'd been abused as a child, and I'd dealt with it by blocking it out.
'Because of the abuse, you feel the need to look after people,' said the counsellor.
Suddenly it all made sense. I'd just wanted to help Daniel.
Now, two years on, I've started a relationship with Johnny, who I met through the local amateur dramatics society. He's handsome, with a good job and a great personality. I definitely don't feel sorry for him! It's lovely to have a nice, uncomplicated relationship.