Bella Huddart, 52

I always felt very large for my age: by the time I was twelve I was already nearly six feet tall. And I was quite self-conscious about it. But having the first of my six kids at 22 and my body being pregnant and going through the cycle of giving birth was hugely important – it made me less self-conscious. I think that marrying very young, and having all those children was a huge security for me.

Beauty is what you make of it. I'm a mum of six. I've lived and I've loved. I've been teased for my height and my short hair and finally at 52 I've realised I don't have to give myself a hard time anymore. When I look at myself now I feel that I see somebody confident in herself; I stand...

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Now my eldest is 29 and my youngest is 14. They’re now friends of mine as well as my children, and they have helped me to accept the way I see people. You realise beauty is so much within each person. I’ve got three daughters and they are all beautiful but all entirely different – it’s so complex and personal. I’ve also learned that it’s all about keeping in touch with reality. I think that’s a hugely beautiful thing – when you can talk to somebody and know that they’re not faking you.