'I've matched 800 couples - this is how long it takes to find love'

A professional matchmaker who claims to have set up more than 800 relationships has opened up about her work. Sarah Louise Ryan, from Prestwich, decided to become a modern-day cupid after moving to London 12 years ago.

She had been working for a marketing company when she spotted an advert for a matchmaking job online – prompting her quickly to apply for the role.

Being a “chatter box northerner”, Sarah landed the job at a dating agency in Mayfair and began matching professional singles – and she hasn’t looked back since.

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Fast-forward to her 30s, Sarah is now an international matchmaker and and couples' therapist, helping those who want to rekindle their relationships, as well as bringing strangers together.

Sarah has now revealed some of the most memorable love stories from her career – and how long it usually takes to find ‘the one’.

“I match singles far and wide,” she said. “A few years ago, I took on a client who wanted a bespoke contract due to preferences around building a family, religion, values, life goals and overall compatibility.

“He was a global traveller due to the success of his career and businesses in multiple cities and countries. He travelled all over for the dates I created for him - New York, LA, London, France, Switzerland, Germany.

“I think he met over 30 potentials before he found his forever love but when he knew, he knew. His last match - having had dates with female clients in his criteria all over the world - was just an hour away from him.

“They are now married with children, and I went to both their engagement, wedding and receive updates from them. I love how much they love each other; they are