LOCKING eyes with this gorgeous stranger felt like being hit by a thunderbolt. I was 60 and had come to South Africa on holiday, with no idea I was about to fall for a man 36 years younger.
My life has always been a rollercoaster. I was born in the UK, but my family moved to when I was four. Aged 19, I had my son Aron, then my daughter Tshinta was born eight years later.
Dawn Whyte, 62, is determined to live life to the full and is dating 26-year-old Elliot
The couple’s age gap hasn’t stopped them finding happiness Credit: Xi-Nap Photography
When he was 12, Aron was involved in a car accident and was left a quadriplegic.
He died at just 25, and the years I spent caring for him, followed by his heartbreaking loss, changed me forever. I’d always been a free spirit, but I became determined to live life to the full.
By then, I’d had my second daughter, Cianna, when I was 41. But raising two girls didn’t stop me getting and piercings or having cosmetic surgery.
In the years that followed, I had a face and neck lift, three breast augmentations, liposuction, my removed, , fillers and veneers.
It had nothing to do with looking young for men – in fact, I didn’t date at all for 12 years. I just did what I wanted and didn’t care what anyone other than my daughters thought.
Then, in October 2024, I took a three-week holiday to Johannesburg on my own. Walking down the street, I saw a pop-up shop and headed in. One of the men inside was so gorgeous, I was speechless.
I couldn’t stay away. Every day I’d go in and talk to his friend until, the day before I was leaving, I asked if they’d like to go for lunch. Elliot and I clicked immediately – he was so vibrant, and we had the same sense of humour.
When I told him I was 60, he was shocked – he’d been sure I was younger. He said he was 26, which didn’t put me off, as I’d dated younger men before, including one who was 33 years my junior.
Dawn says she and Elliot can’t keep their hands off each other
Despite the couple’s happiness, Dawn says has to deal with younger women chasing Elliot
We swapped numbers, and after I arrived home in Perth, Elliot and I messaged constantly. It felt like we’d known each other forever. That’s when he admitted he was actually 24.
For a second, I hesitated. Surely I couldn’t be with someone younger than 25? But my heart told me we were meant to be together.
My daughters were supportive, despite Elliot being younger than my eldest daughter, but my sisters were shocked and asked what was wrong with me!
In January 2025, I flew out to see him, and as I walked through the airport, I tingled with anticipation. Our first kiss was electric and soon we headed to my hotel room.
The next six weeks were incredible. Elliot had never dated an older woman before. He told his family about me, and I was scared what his mum would think, as I was older than her. Thankfully, they were just happy that he was happy.
As the months passed and I flew back and forth to South Africa, our love grew stronger. We had so much in common. He has his own fashion brand, Hip Hop Cargo, and he encouraged me to start designing, too.
I used to spend my evening on the sofa watching , but now we were always out at events and festivals. When it comes to , I thought that the had turned that switch off for me, but when you meet the right person, it turns right back on!
In May 2025, I moved to South Africa, and although we’re happy, I have to deal with younger women chasing Elliot.
At a photo shoot for his brand, a model got her boobs out right in front of him, though he didn’t react at all.
I chatted to her and ended up showing off the boob job I’d had done in Thailand. Elliot loves my body, he can’t keep his hands off me.
It’s annoying that people think an age-gap is all about sex and .
It’s true that I’m more financially secure, while Elliot is building up his .
That doesn’t mean that he’s with me for my money. And he doesn’t want a visa – he loves living in South Africa. We have our own apartment, and are blissfully happy.
I’ve always made it clear I’m too old to have a baby, but Elliot wasn’t put off. If he wants to be a father when he’s 40 that’s fine, as I’ll probably be dead by then!
My advice to women wanting to be with someone younger? You only live once. We spend our lives sacrificing ourselves for others, now it’s our turn.”
- Follow @Hip_hop_cargo.
IN NUMBERS
- In 1963,1 5% of UK brides married younger grooms. By 1998, this was up to 26%.*
- By 2011, the number of women living with or marrying a man at least five years younger had almost tripled since the 1970s.**
Sources:
*Leicester University
**International Economic Review
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
