Sue Leeming, 51, says people think she is in her 30s and is often mistaken for her 23-year-old nephew’s girlfriend.
The businesswoman from Norwich recently beat breast cancer and her brush with death caused her to radically overhaul an unhealthy lifestyle.
The salon owner cut out meat, dairy and processed foods and puts her youthful looks down to daily meditation, herbal tea and a stringent moisturising regime.
Standing at 5ft 5ins and weighing 8st 3lbs, she has even taken part in swimwear pageants and was crowned Model of the Year in 2016 – beating off rivals in their 20s.
She said: “I never dreamed I would live as long as this, let alone look like I do at 51.
“If you had said to me that I would be running along a beach wearing a Baywatch swimsuit when I was 50 I never would have believed you.
“People say I look 35 to 43, but it’s getting younger. In the pageant, the models on the beach and in the changing room would say, ‘I just can’t believe your age.’
“I had a body just as hot as them and they’re half my age.”
Ms Leeming said her body is her “temple” and she looks after it inside and out. But it has not always been that way.
The brunette used to be a party girl who drank every night and worked gruelling 12-hour shifts.
Ten years ago she even relied on a walking stick to get around after the stress of going through a divorce gave her a bad back.
And to top it all off, in June 2008 she was given the devastating news that she was suffering from aggressive breast cancer and given four years to live.
She went into remission in March 2009 and says surviving the disease made her overhaul every aspect of her life – from her diet to her drinking habits.
Ms Leeming – who has a 10-inch scar to remind her of her battle – claims to have a metabolic age of 36 thanks to her new food regime.
She said: “I walk every day and I meditate and drink lots of herbal teas. I feel tons better.
“My diet is set in stone and I’ve cut down my sugar levels. I don’t touch fizzy drinks, alcopops or spirits any more, though I do let myself have a glass of red wine.
“I’ve cut out so much to look and feel as good as I do now.
“I’ve got a 23-year-old nephew and when I’m out with him, people say, ‘Oh, is that your girlfriend,’ and he says, ‘Oh no, it’s my auntie.’ It makes you feel good.”
Ms Leeming, who opened her own eco salon, FresHair in Norwich, now hopes to model at the Breast Cancer Care London Fashion Show in September.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
