Dear Sharon,

MY father walked out on my mother when they’d been married 39 years. She’d been planning a big ruby wedding party when he said he was going to a woman he’d met in work.

My mother was wrecked. It took all the life out of her and has affected the whole family. My children have lost their granddad as he spends all his time with his new family. It’s too late for my mam to start again and she’s gone really old.

When people break up a marriage in later life, they’re very selfish. You’d think all those years together would count for something, but they’re only thinking of themselves.

Name and address supplied