Alison 47 married with five children. Born and bred in London with her huge extended family living close by.

How are you?

I’m quite content plodding along, but I have anxiety for my kids.

How do you feel about children?

It’s one of the reasons I got married. I always wanted kids.

What do you think about marriage?

It’s the biggest risk you’ll ever take. It’s a learning game about give and take. I think it’s a good idea. When I first got married it wasn't easy, I’ve been married for nineteen years now. Sometimes there are things you’ve got to do that you don’t want to do - but that's life. You can’t change someone, they are the person they are. But as you get older the respect kicks in.

What do you feel about the chores?

I do them all, we have definite roles. I do all the cooking and cleaning and he does the boys tasks. I don’t like him in my kitchen, that’s my space.

Where does all your energy go?

On my kids, the housework and my dad. He’s on his own now and I don't like to see him by himself. We have a rota with my siblings and take it in turns to look after him.

What’s your most memorable experience?

Looking after my mum, watching her deteriorate and losing her - it was very sad. I regret she didn't open up to us, she was a very private person. There’s no right way or wrong way to grieve, you just have to do what’s in your heart. Respect people whilst you're here. There’s one thing you can’t bring back and that is time.

What are your dreams?

I’m happy with my lot. I’m fulfilled and contented. Family and health is everything.

How do you see yourself?

I’ve become a lot more confident, I think it’s something to do with having my ovaries taken out. We found that we carried the breast cancer gene. I’m not two faced, I am what I am and if I don’t like you I’ll avoid you. What you see is what you get with me.

What do you think about body image?

There’s a lot more pressure now. In our day it was all eyeliner and Jackie magazine, now everything is Photoshopped.

What do you like about yourself?

I like that I can help. As long as I like you I’ll help you out indefinitely but if you don’t help me when I need you, you won't be getting my help again.

How do you best express yourself?

I’m regimented about folding the washing and storing things in tins. I’d lose the plot if I didn’t. I sing in the car too.

Who or what inspires you?

My gran and my mum. I miss them so much. I miss their opinions and observations. The advice they'd give was the best advice.

What would you like to leave for the next generation?

The younger generation is all me, me, me! They're much more selfish - do they need anything?

What do you think about death?

One good thing about it is everyone has to go through it. It's the one and only certainty.

What are your views on faith?

I’m a Catholic and I’ll definitely die a Catholic. I’m glad I've got religion. I often question why did God do that? My faith has helped me in bad situations.

What have you taken from today?

I’m having the best time of my life at the moment. The kids are less dependent on me and I’ve got space.