Joanna and Hysm live together in Egypt(Image: Joanna Girling)
Love can surprise us in the most unexpected ways and places. For Joanna Girling, a 50-year-old British woman, that surprise came not in her hometown of Kings Lynn, Norfolk, but thousands of miles away in the sun-soaked city of Hurghada, Egypt. Her journey of love, resilience, and rebuilding life with her fiancé, Hysm Fygo, is a story that defies odds, family expectations, and cultural barriers.
Joanna’s life had never been conventional, and love had not always been kind. After ending her marriage to her British husband, she ventured to Egypt following a romance with Hassan Khalied, her first Egyptian boyfriend she met while vacationing in 2018. Although that relationship ended, Joanna soon found herself drawn once again to Egypt—and this time, to Hysm Fygo, a man who captured her heart and her hopes for the future.
The beginning of their relationship was not without challenges. For Joanna, moving to Egypt was a bold step. She left behind family, friends, and the life she knew, stepping into an unfamiliar world with uncertainties. What made it more complicated was the growing distance between her and her family. Since moving, Joanna’s relationship with her relatives has been strained, with little to no contact.
“My family still don’t speak to me. I haven’t spoken to them since I moved out here, and originally, I was sad about it, but now it really doesn’t bother me,” Joanna shared. “It’s now been over six years, but at first I was upset, and I found out my brother had moved to America and my parents had gone to visit him for a holiday, but when it comes to me they are so anti-Egypt they don’t want anything more to do with me. But that’s their loss—I am so happy here.”
The couple have been together since 2019 (Image: Supplied)
Despite the emotional weight of family estrangement, Joanna stands firm in her decision. “I’m not a child, I’m 50 years old now, so I think I’m old enough to do what I want to do,” she added with determination.
Joanna’s relationship with Hysm has blossomed into a deep, enduring partnership. Hysm, 41, who is currently between jobs, shares Joanna’s dreams and ambitions. He has even taken out a bank loan to cover Joanna’s visa expenses after her divorce, a testament to their mutual support and commitment.
“I know people think Hysm is just with me for my money, but that’s not true,” Joanna said firmly. “When I first met him, I had nothing, and he knew I had no money.”
Their love story, however, is more than just a romance—it’s about rebuilding a life together against the odds. Joanna has carved a new path in Egypt, working as a private English tutor and a bookings agent, immersing herself in the culture and lifestyle she has grown to love. She appreciates the warmth and friendliness of the Egyptian people and the healthier pace of life away from her previous routines in England.
Joanna and Hysm are saving up for their wedding(Image: Supplied)
“In England, I was driving everywhere and me and my ex would eat bad food, we would be having Chinese takeaways, McDonald’s, and KFC, but here it’s just a much healthier way of life,” Joanna explained. Her move has brought not only love but a renewed sense of well-being and contentment.
The couple is currently planning their wedding and saving diligently, even though the process has been complicated. Marrying in Egypt requires them to travel to Cairo for paperwork at the British Embassy, which is costly and time-consuming. Joanna even returned to the UK in 2021 to work her old Tesco job and finalize her divorce, juggling these responsibilities while staying focused on her goals.
Meanwhile, Hysm plans to get his driving license soon so he can work as an Uber driver, contributing to their savings and shared future.
Joanna hasn't spoken to her family since she moved to Egypt and has been with Hysm(Image: Joanna Girling)
Looking ahead, Joanna and Hysm dream of starting a family, opening a shop together, and creating a life built on trust, love, and perseverance. Their story is not only about romance but about courage, sacrifice, and the determination to find happiness despite adversity.
Joanna’s courage to follow her heart, even when it meant standing alone against family disapproval, sends a powerful message about self-empowerment and the pursuit of genuine connection. Her story reminds us that love is not bound by geography or social expectation, but flourishes when nurtured with respect, honesty, and commitment.
Conclusion
Joanna Girling and Hysm Fygo’s journey is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. From heartbreak and estrangement to new beginnings and dreams realized, their path is a shining example of hope against all odds. They are proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story—and that true love knows no boundaries.
If you find Joanna and Hysm’s story inspiring, share it with others to spread a message of courage and hope. Love transcends borders, and with patience and faith, every challenge can be overcome.
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