I left my six kids and husband behind in the UK to start a new life abroad

A mum who left her six kids in the UK for a new life abroad says women shouldn’t be shamed for prioritising themselves — as ‘men do it all the time’.

When Amanda Moss’s lifestyle magazine business collapsed in 2020, she said goodbye to her family, husband and home in Liverpool, hoping to ‘start again’ in Ayia Napa, Cyprus.

But while people have slammed her for being a ‘terrible mum’, she has no regrets. In fact, Amanda believes more mums need to start being ‘selfish’ and doing what benefits them.

‘I see so many women shrinking to fit into society’s expectations and losing their identity,’ says the 53-year-old. ‘Reclaim it. Stop worrying about what others think.’

Her children, then aged seven, 11, 14, 16, 18 and 19, were supportive of the move, after noticing Amanda had become increasingly unhappy in her marriage to their father.

After sitting down with them and explaining her situation, they spoke about their feelings, and the family were able to minimise any tension.

Despite the distance between them, the mum is also a constant presence in her children’s lives; alongside daily FaceTime calls, Amanda flies back to see them monthly and spends three months around Christmas back in Liverpool, while they spend holidays over in Cyprus.

She also provides for the kids financially, paying ‘for everything except council tax’ — including the mortgage on the home they live in with her ex.

‘It’s a dysfunctional family dynamic but it works because I function better in a warm climate,’ Amanda explains. ‘I set a good example to my kids by leaving, showing them they shouldn’t settle for less than they deserve in life. They’re fully supportive of me and we are very close.’

Unfortunately though, that hasn’t been the case for everyone, and she’s faced strong opinions from people online.

Amanda says: ‘There’s no accountability for the dads that f**ked off – at least we stuck around. It’s just a misogynistic attitude towards women, especially those who are strong and don’t fit into the box that people want mothers to be in. [People] feel uncomfortable [with that].’

Her top tip to ‘break free’ is to embrace the resentment and guilt that comes from making such a big decision, but to ultimately live without regret, adding: ‘It’s an unnecessary energy that drains you. Kids adapt and thrive seeing their mum happy, rather than crying most weekends.’

Since she moved to Cyprus, Amanda has been able to rebuild her business, and has also written a book about reinvention over 50 called You’re Going To Die So Do It Anyway. Her image has had a makeover too, after she lost four stone and had a series of cosmetic procedures.

But one thing she’s finding trickier to transform is her love life, as although she had a few dates following her separation, she believes ‘all men are disappointing and emotionally unavailable s**t bags.’

‘I haven’t been on a date in almost two years,’ Amanda continues. ‘I would like to find Mr Right, but my standards are very high and I won’t settle for breadcrumb affection. When I’m clubbing, they come up to me and say, “You’re a proper MILF” — it gives me the ick. I think I’m swearing off men for good.’

For now, she wants to teach other women about the joys of living on their own terms.

Amanda adds: ‘I’m free – and it’s about time other mums find that freedom, too.’

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