When we begin our phone chat with Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson CBE, the former athlete has just discovered that her daughter Ruby Mae, 11, has forgotten her packed lunch and tells us that as soon as our interview is over, she’ll be rushing to the school to deliver her tuna sandwiches.
Tessa and her husband Densign White adopted Ruby Mae and her twin brother Cassius after fostering them when they were three months old. She is clearly devoted to her children and our conversation is peppered with anecdotes about their happy – and busy – family life together.
Tessa, who turns 68 this month, became the first Black British woman to strike gold at the Olympics when she won the javelin competition in Los Angeles 40 years ago.
Today she is talking about how important it is for women to take some time for themselves as part of a campaign she is working on with Estée Lauder called Because Of My Age. But we’re also keen to ask her about what it was like to become a mum at 58 and the important work she does around Black History Month.
To say that Tessa, who was awarded a CBE in 2004, is inspiring would be an understatement. Here, she tells us all about preparing for motherhood when she was in her fifties and why she thinks it should be Black History Month every month…
Hi, Tessa. You adopted after three unsuccessful rounds of IVF. How has motherhood changed you?
Bu hikaye OK! UK dergisinin March 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye OK! UK dergisinin March 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event