0:00:02 > 0:00:04Moving halfway around the world to find work
0:00:04 > 0:00:06and a better future is a big gamble,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08especially when you run the risk
0:00:08 > 0:00:11of being worse off than you are at home.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16Back in 2010, that was the choice facing the Cliff family from Leeds.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20Today, we're going to find out if it was one they were willing to make.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Jimmy Cliff had found it impossible to get work as a bricklayer,
0:00:24 > 0:00:29leaving the family close to financial ruin.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33At one point, we were at the brink of having to sell the house
0:00:33 > 0:00:35due to financial issues.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40But wife Nicola wouldn't be going anywhere if the sums didn't add up.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43This could be enough to just stop it all now.
0:00:43 > 0:00:49And leaving behind their support network would be a massive strain on all of them.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I think it's just...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55knowing if I need them,
0:00:55 > 0:00:56they're not going to be here.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01We catch up with them one year on to find out
0:01:01 > 0:01:05if they took the final leap and left loved ones behind.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Two years ago, the Cliffs faced the choice of a lifetime -
0:01:32 > 0:01:36whether to swap their home in Leeds for a new start in Australia.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41They had one week to experience the reality of life Down Under,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45but was it enough to convince them to make the move for good?
0:01:46 > 0:01:50In 2010, bricklayer Jimmy and his wife Nicola lived in Leeds
0:01:50 > 0:01:52with their three sons.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Connor aged nine, Reese aged seven, and Ethan aged six.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59They dreamt of a better quality of life,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02with one key reason for considering the move.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07I have been out of work for quite a while due to the recession.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08Jobs are few and far between,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12and there's maybe 40, 50 bricklayers going for the same job.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16With bricklaying work difficult to come by,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19the family were really struggling to make ends meet.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24At one point we were at the brink of having to sell the house
0:02:24 > 0:02:25due to financial issues.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31And that's probably what helped give us the drive to go and try to move to Australia.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33There is a lot of pressure
0:02:33 > 0:02:37because at the moment I feel like I'm letting everyone down.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Jimmy's brother already lived in Australia,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43and he hoped following him could give them all a new lease of life.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46But he had to talk Nicola round first.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50When Jimmy first mentioned about going to Australia...
0:02:50 > 0:02:54it just didn't appeal to me at all.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57I've never really wanted to go anywhere else.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02But with the situation over here being financially hard and struggling...
0:03:02 > 0:03:08he sort of convinced me that it would be a good thing to do.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11But they struggled with the thought of leaving loved ones behind.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16I would find it the hardest to make the move. I definitely know already...
0:03:16 > 0:03:21I get butterflies thinking about leaving everything behind.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Jimmy also had close family who would be difficult to leave.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28'The hardest person for me to leave is my nana.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33'Knowing that if I did leave her, I'd never see her again, maybe... is very worrying for me.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36'I'd find it very hard to leave her behind.'
0:03:45 > 0:03:48The Cliffs spent a week in Adelaide to help them decide
0:03:48 > 0:03:52if the move was right for them.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55After flying for 23 hours and 10,000 miles,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58the realisation of how far they had come hit home.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03It's not as easy as you'd think. It's not a journey you want to do every year.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06It is rather hard to believe that we've actually got here.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Their base for the week was in the popular area of Brompton,
0:04:12 > 0:04:1615 minutes from the city centre. But what were their first impressions like?
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Come on, then. Let's see what we've got.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- Four beds!- Oh, wow!
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Their own bed each.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30I'm going to get to sleep downstairs!
0:04:33 > 0:04:39It'd be a starter place. I don't think I could see myself moving into it permanently.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44For Jimmy, finding work was key to a successful move.
0:04:44 > 0:04:50I need to see if work's a definite possibility out here for me,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53whether I'd be able to cope with the weather,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55whether I could earn enough money.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00With the family's financial future at stake, a lot was riding on the week.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05The Cliffs would have to make the biggest decision of their lives, and it wasn't going to be an easy one.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Back in the UK,
0:05:13 > 0:05:18the Cliffs lived in a three-bedroomed semi-detached house in Leeds.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23They had invested a lot of time and effort renovating their property
0:05:23 > 0:05:26and it was a home they were proud of.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30They hoped they could get £150,000 for it,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33giving them a maximum budget of 200,000.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37We showed them three different houses to give them a realistic idea
0:05:37 > 0:05:41of what was available on their budget.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Property one was located in the north-western suburb of Pennington.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50With industrial areas close by, property was generally cheaper than the city average
0:05:50 > 0:05:55and this three-bedroom house was under budget at £190,000
0:05:55 > 0:05:58but would it be what the Cliffs were looking for?
0:06:00 > 0:06:06This is a real disappointment. It's far too small. Really...dull.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09They wouldn't leave Leeds for this property.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18The entire garden is undercover. But for a family with young children,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- this just doesn't work, does it, whatsoever?- No.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26A big disappointment, really, by the time we've gone through the whole house.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31Depending on land prices, you would probably be better off knocking this house down and rebuilding,
0:06:31 > 0:06:35cos you'd have more to show for your money than what this actually offers.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37I can safely say I just don't like it.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Property one was well under budget,
0:06:40 > 0:06:44but they were really underwhelmed by what they'd seen.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Could property two live up to their expectations?
0:06:47 > 0:06:51In the popular but affordable suburb of Seaford,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54this house was only a five-minute stroll to the beach and offered them
0:06:54 > 0:06:57five bedrooms, a decent-sized living space
0:06:57 > 0:06:59and a large garden for the boys -
0:06:59 > 0:07:02all for £185,000.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08This is different.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- This is more like a room size we'd want for a living room.- Yeah.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15The kitchen obviously needs to change.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17It's a lot smaller than I thought.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22- It'd all need sort of ripping out and starting again.- Another bedroom.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Another room, but...
0:07:24 > 0:07:29There's not enough space in any of the rooms to fit a full-sized family.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- Don't think it's showing any value for money whatsoever.- No.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- They seem to be putting a price on sunshine more than property, don't they?- Yeah.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Not happy.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49- It's a bit small if it's the main bedroom, though.- It is, isn't it?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Not really what I was hoping for at all.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56I'm starting to worry a little bit about the house prices.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- You're just not getting... - You're not getting as much as you originally thought.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04At the moment, it's making me doubt even wanting to come out.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09The reality of what they could afford was really hitting home.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13I didn't think we had that low a budget but it's proving...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16to be working against us at the moment.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Although £15,000 under their budget,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21property two had failed to convince them
0:08:21 > 0:08:25that Australian homes were worth making the move for.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Everything depended on the final house.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31This was in the country suburb of Happy Valley
0:08:31 > 0:08:35and it was just over budget at £205,000.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39It had four bedrooms, a modern finish,
0:08:39 > 0:08:44a large living space and enough room for the boys to play outside.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- Come on, mate. - It looks so much better already.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- It does, doesn't it? - Whitewashed walls.- It looks fresher.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56This has got plenty of potential and it's decent enough to work with.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59You could cope with it for quite a while before you did owt with it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- This is much better, isn't it? - This is a lot nicer.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- I really do like this.- This is nice. It's not as...
0:09:11 > 0:09:17big as I'd hoped. You're going to struggle if we put the sofas in the way we have at home.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- I'll give it an eight out of ten. - It was a huge improvement.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25There were four decent-sized bedrooms for the whole family.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29It seemed to offer them all the space they needed.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- This is better.- Wow.
0:09:31 > 0:09:37- This is far better.- Four rooms. - Four decent-sized rooms.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Decent double rooms. - Yes, this is perfect.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Couldn't expect anything more,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46just slightly less price so we can afford it.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50They were won over by the stylish interiors
0:09:50 > 0:09:52and there was just the garden left to see.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55The garden's nice, plenty of room,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58garden shed to keep all the tools in.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02Yeah, I think this is perfect.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Ticks most of the boxes.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- It's ticked every box, bar price.- Yeah.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13The Cliffs viewed three different properties.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16The first two homes were under budget,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19but the Cliffs found them very disappointing.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23And while the third house was almost perfect, it was over budget
0:10:23 > 0:10:27and would put financial pressure on the family if they made the move.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32Had they seen enough to make them consider leaving their home in Leeds?
0:10:34 > 0:10:40Today's been a day full of mixed emotions, looking at houses here in Australia.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44It seems properties a bit further afield from the city
0:10:44 > 0:10:48are a bit more reasonably priced and better value for money.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53So our vote for the property in Australia versus the UK is...
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Australia!- United Kingdom.
0:11:01 > 0:11:07If I could guarantee we'd have a bit more money to come over with
0:11:07 > 0:11:11and maybe look at the more expensive property, the last one,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14then I would definitely have chosen Australia.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19As it stands at the moment, I wouldn't want to give up what I already have.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Australian property hadn't convinced the Cliffs,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27and affording the dream home seemed beyond them.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32Everything now hinged on Jimmy getting the job and salary to afford it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Back in Leeds, Jimmy struggled to find work as a bricklayer,
0:11:42 > 0:11:44and this put a huge strain on the family income.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49He dreamt of having steady work and a more secure wage.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54I miss bricklaying terribly. I have a lot of pride in my work.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58I always feel, when a job is done, I'm able to look back on it
0:11:58 > 0:12:02and know I've left something, some mark on the world.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Jimmy had spent the last six months labouring as a scaffolder,
0:12:08 > 0:12:13and although he was grateful for work, finances were tight.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Moneywise, in the UK, it's been a massive struggle.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20I was out of work for the best part of a year.
0:12:20 > 0:12:26If I hadn't had that bit of work then I honestly think we would have lost the house.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29If work was easier to find in Australia,
0:12:29 > 0:12:34it would go a long way to convincing Jimmy it was the right move to make.
0:12:34 > 0:12:40We arranged for him to meet with Jason, who owned a local bricklaying company,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44to find out more about what he could expect from working here.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Hi, nice to meet you.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Jason put Jimmy to work with two local lads.
0:12:48 > 0:12:54Are you all right, mate? It's like sharper sand than what we use.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- Is that the size you would normally do over in the UK?- What they tend to do is, if you got land,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02like the size of this house, they would probably tend to try
0:13:02 > 0:13:04to squeeze two or three houses on one plot.
0:13:04 > 0:13:11Jimmy was keen to discover all he could about working Down Under.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15What days do you work here?
0:13:15 > 0:13:20Most people, if they want to work year round, they can just about get away with it.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Summer can get pretty hot. You can get mid-40s.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27I dread to think what it could be like in the middle of summer here.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Probably in January you wouldn't want to be standing right there.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I've always had problems with the cold.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35I've never really liked working in the cold.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39I'd much rather be warm and sweaty than cold and shivering.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43I don't think there's anything worse than being cold.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Whilst he was putting Australian bricklaying to the test,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Nicola wanted to see what Adelaide had to offer free of charge.
0:13:50 > 0:13:57Bike South Australia rents a range of free-to-hire bikes from their central office.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and the boys were keen to give BMXing a try.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Nicola's priorities were to make sure
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Connor, Reese and Ethan would be happy and settled,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09and free activities were a real bonus.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13It's a perfect day out, really nice, sunshine,
0:14:13 > 0:14:17couldn't ask for anything more. It reminds you of why you want to be here.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21But Nicola knew the move hinged on Jimmy's ability to find work.
0:14:21 > 0:14:2590% of the reason we've considered applying for a visa over here
0:14:25 > 0:14:29was to help Jimmy be able to stay in the work that he loves.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35The biggest worry about this week is going to be if we find out
0:14:35 > 0:14:41Jimmy can't earn as much as he'd need to to replace both wages, so...
0:14:41 > 0:14:46If his salary doesn't cover it, there's not really much hope.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Finances weren't her only concern, as thoughts turned to those
0:14:50 > 0:14:52she would be leaving behind.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55I know if everything falls under us,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58my mum and dad are still there to pick it up.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Here, we're kind of stuck by ourselves.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I think it's just...
0:15:06 > 0:15:09knowing if I need them, they're not going to be here.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14With thoughts of her family back home,
0:15:14 > 0:15:20the pressures of making this life-changing move were beginning to overwhelm Nicola.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23But all this emotional heartache would be for nothing
0:15:23 > 0:15:28if Jimmy couldn't secure a job that would afford the life they wanted in Australia.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35What kind of money would we be talking, roughly, for me
0:15:35 > 0:15:38if I was coming over here working in Australia?
0:15:38 > 0:15:43With residential, we'd probably start around 27 Australian dollars per hour.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45That can range right up to 35.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It just depends on what sort of quality
0:15:48 > 0:15:51the person brings to the table as far as work skills.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53So if you can wall 'em straight and wall a few down
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- you've got a chance of making a bit more money?- Yeah, definitely.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00This was excellent news for Jimmy,
0:16:00 > 0:16:06as that worked out at between £600 and £850 a week.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09From what I've seen, you've got all the qualities there,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12so, yeah, keep in touch and we'll definitely go from there.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15All right. Thanks a lot, mate. Looking forward to meeting you again.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- No worries.- Thank you very much.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20It was a huge weight off Jimmy's mind
0:16:20 > 0:16:24and it was pretty easy to guess which way he voted.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28I had a really great day, I had a wonderful experience walling again.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30The wages, I'm very impressed with.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33I should be able to make a decent living for me and my family.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35So my final decision is going to be...
0:16:38 > 0:16:40..Australia.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45I can't see any reason at the moment why I couldn't live out here.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I'd be absolutely delighted to get back into walling again.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Today has let me do something that I haven't done for quite a while.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54It's a job that I do enjoy.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59I'd love to be able to say that I could get a permanent career walling over here in Australia.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Jimmy's dream of finding work and a good wage looked possible.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09There was just the small matter of persuading Nicola and the children.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24Nicola and Jimmy wanted to make sure that their three sons got the most of their time in Australia.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Nice to meet you.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30We brought them to Glenelg Marina to take a ride on a catamaran
0:17:30 > 0:17:33and get up close to some of Australia's wildlife.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- Dolphin!- Where? - Have you seen one?- There!- Two!
0:17:40 > 0:17:46OK, guys, we've got a good-sized pod up ahead of us just here. The swim's happening straightaway.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Here they come! There they are, guys,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52right there! Right there!
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Jimmy hoped the trip would leave the whole family with positive memories.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08But for Nicola, thoughts of what she would be giving up were never far away.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11I'd love to bring the whole family with me.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Um...
0:18:13 > 0:18:17it'd make any move ten times easier on me.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20But, unfortunately, it's not the case
0:18:20 > 0:18:24and they will have to be...
0:18:24 > 0:18:26left behind.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31The Cliff family wanted to move to Australia
0:18:31 > 0:18:34not only to provide them with financial security
0:18:34 > 0:18:37but for a better lifestyle and future for the boys.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40And it looked like they were having a great time.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43We're looking pretty good, I reckon. Left hand down.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Beautiful. You've done well.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Ethan, you've got to give his boat back.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54It was important to Nicola that the boys settled in to Australian life,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57and although trips like this wouldn't happen every weekend,
0:18:57 > 0:19:02it might just help persuade them that moving to the other side of the world wouldn't be too bad.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Enjoy the rest of your stay. BOTH: Thank you.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09The family day out had given them an opportunity to forget about their financial worries,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11so how did they vote on lifestyle?
0:19:11 > 0:19:14We've just had a wonderful day out and our decision
0:19:14 > 0:19:18on the lifestyle in the UK and Australia is...
0:19:22 > 0:19:24ALL: Australia!
0:19:24 > 0:19:28I think the kids have started to realise
0:19:28 > 0:19:31that there's more out there than they actually thought there was,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35and I think that's definitely helped in forcing their decision
0:19:35 > 0:19:38into picking Australia.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42The Cliff family had been convinced by the Australian lifestyle,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46but money issues were constantly on their minds.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55With the boys playing outside, Nicola and Jimmy got to see if their house
0:19:55 > 0:19:59really was worth the £150,000 they hoped for.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03We sent two estate agents round to see if it was realistic.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Modern kitchen.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09Compact.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- That's a nice way to put "small"! - Yeah!
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Beautiful lounge.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21This property has a newly-modernised fitted kitchen,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23with a double-glazed window to the garden.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24CREAKING
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- It creaks!- I was thinking that.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Good size master bedroom.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Good size double bedroom.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Wooden floors.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38Cluttered.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Ample storage space.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41Cluttered.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47I recommend we keep the price at £149,000,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50but for a For Sale, we'll look at £145,000.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54I would value this house in the region of £160,000.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59For a quick sale, I would put it in the region of £155,000.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03No nasty surprises there, but having seen the property in Australia,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06they would need a better price.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11We're hoping it would go for a bit more but I suppose the way house prices have dropped at the moment,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13it's more what I were expecting.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20After scrimping and saving to pay the bills in the UK,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23they needed to know they COULD afford a better future in Australia,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and after comparing the costs, between Oz and the UK,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29things were not looking good for the Cliffs.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- What's next?- Let's have a look at the property prices,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35since we've just seen that.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Monthly repayments...
0:21:38 > 0:21:42on property three, which was the one we liked.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- Yeah.- Them two... - Over a thousand a month.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48That's not good.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50So we've got 1,050...
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Plus 55.- 160.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Plus 160.
0:22:00 > 0:22:0120.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08- So 2,865.50...- We already know... - We're already down, so...
0:22:08 > 0:22:14- Minus...- Take away your 2,447.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- So we are down...- £483.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- Worse than I thought. Can't do it. - It's not even workable.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It kind of says you have to go back to work, doesn't it,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30for us to be able to make ends meet here whatsoever?
0:22:33 > 0:22:38Certainly thought we would have had more chance than that.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44If we can't afford a home we want...
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and...
0:22:46 > 0:22:51the compromise is putting up with a house
0:22:51 > 0:22:55that I can't stand to be in 24 hours a day with the kids,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57then that's just not even an option.
0:22:57 > 0:23:03- No.- I... This could be enough to just stop it all now.
0:23:03 > 0:23:09It was a serious blow for Jimmy. If they'd be financially worse off living in Australia,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11where did it leave the dream?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Today was one of the most important things we've had to consider,
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- and unfortunately it's been rather disappointing.- So our decision is...
0:23:21 > 0:23:23..UK.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Finances are essential wherever you are and if the sums don't work,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29there's not a lot we can do.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32It is definitely hanging in the balance now
0:23:32 > 0:23:35as to whether or not we choose to come out here.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48The Cliffs had a strong support network in Leeds with their close family.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51After seeing messages from their loved ones,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53could they tear themselves away?
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Hi, Nicola, Jimmy. Hi, kids.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59Hey, you guys.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Very outgoing,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- in't he, Jimmy?- Yeah.- Very outgoing.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06If you want anything, you've only got to ask him.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I've three boys and I've always had a soft spot
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- for Jim. - Loves his boys, he loves his wife
0:24:12 > 0:24:16and the rest of his family.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19The children are fantastic - Connor, Reese and Ethan.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21They're all lovable children.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26Nicola is very sensitive and a homely kind of person.
0:24:26 > 0:24:32- She's more of the linchpin than David and I are.- Mmm.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36She's very close to her sisters and I think
0:24:36 > 0:24:42if she did go, then she'd be thinking about them all the time.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- It would leave a big hole in your life.- Yes. I'm not one of the weekend grandmas.
0:24:46 > 0:24:52The children and Nicola and Jimmy have always been around. Can't imagine, er...
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Can't imagine not having them here.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58It'll be, "Where's Uncle Richard, Auntie Theresa?"
0:24:58 > 0:25:01"They're back home in England." "When can we go see 'em?"
0:25:01 > 0:25:03"When's Connor, Reese and Ethan coming over?"
0:25:03 > 0:25:06"No, they're not. We might see them at Christmas."
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Don't leave.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17We'll miss them, really, really miss them,
0:25:17 > 0:25:21but, by the same token, I wouldn't want to stand in their way.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Give it a good try.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Give it a go and see how you go on.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35When you make the decision, you make it for YOU as a family.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40It's because it's what you want to do.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Whatever you decide, me and your dad...
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Don't worry about us.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- We'll be sat here waiting for you when you come home, though. - We certainly will.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56These messages reminded them of what moving would really mean.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01For one member of the family, the thought of leaving was just too much.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04Come here, bud.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Seeing their son so upset took Nicola and Jimmy aback.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17I'm a little bit surprised that he's getting so emotional.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20It's quite upsetting to see, to be honest.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24It makes me feel slightly guilty that he's feeling like this,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28but I do think he would adapt and I do think he's be OK
0:26:28 > 0:26:31if we chose to come out here.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I think leaving your life behind,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36basically, and starting again
0:26:36 > 0:26:38would be the hardest decision
0:26:38 > 0:26:40ANYONE would have to make.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44I think it's just the initial saying goodbyes
0:26:44 > 0:26:48and leaving certain people behind that are the issues, more than owt.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52It is the hardest choice we've ever had to make...
0:26:52 > 0:26:56as a family, as individual people, it's...
0:26:56 > 0:27:01Drag your family to the other side of the world isn't really an easy choice to make.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15The Cliff family were about to make a decision that could change their lives forever.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Would Australia really provide them with the better life
0:27:18 > 0:27:19they were looking for?
0:27:19 > 0:27:23This, to be fair, is the dream. It's beautiful here.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26The kids are loving every second of it.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30There is a fear of making the wrong decision, but...
0:27:31 > 0:27:34..that's life, in general.
0:27:34 > 0:27:40There's no guarantees, it's just where your heart takes you, I suppose.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45But Nicola was far from convinced that they could afford it.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47It is a terrifying thought,
0:27:47 > 0:27:52to think we'd be stuck at the other side of the world, not being able
0:27:52 > 0:27:57to potentially feed the children and get them the basic things
0:27:57 > 0:28:01that they need. It's no good having a beach and the sea
0:28:01 > 0:28:03if you can't provide food on the table.
0:28:03 > 0:28:10Australia has a lot to offer, but the UK has my life,
0:28:10 > 0:28:15and the last 30 years have been there
0:28:15 > 0:28:19and I don't think you can ever really imagine leaving it behind
0:28:19 > 0:28:23and just not having everyone and everything you knew.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26The week in Australia had been a real challenge
0:28:26 > 0:28:28and had given them the opportunity
0:28:28 > 0:28:29to discover the pros and cons
0:28:29 > 0:28:31of a life-changing move,
0:28:31 > 0:28:35but would Australia provide them with all they were looking for?
0:28:38 > 0:28:39It was time to decide.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41It's been a really hard week.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43We've had a lot of highs and lows.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47The lifestyle here in Australia is incredible,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49but unfortunately it does come with a price.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52So our final decision is...
0:28:55 > 0:28:57NICOLA AND JIMMY: Australia!
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Connor, Reese and Ethan still hadn't been convinced.
0:29:02 > 0:29:08I would have chosen Australia, it's just seeing all the emotions that our family's had
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and it's made me change my idea.
0:29:10 > 0:29:16Despite the emotional costs, Nicola agreed that the family's future lay in Australia.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20I do think it's the best thing for everyone.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25If we can work our way around the money, there is a lot of places in Australia, so...
0:29:25 > 0:29:32maybe we have to look a bit wider afield, but I do think we can make it work.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36I'm glad we're on the same page - makes a nice change.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58In 2010, the Cliff family spent a week in Adelaide
0:29:58 > 0:30:02to see if it could meet their expectations.
0:30:03 > 0:30:10Financial difficulties in the UK meant they were struggling to keep their heads above water.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14There is a lot of pressure cos, at the moment, I feel like I'm letting everyone down.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19Could Australia really provide them with the security they desperately needed?
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- Worse off, right? We can't do it. - It's not even workable.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28Would the Cliffs gamble their whole family's future
0:30:28 > 0:30:31even though the odds were stacked up against them?
0:30:33 > 0:30:39After a week Down Under, it was a split decision between Nicola, Jimmy and the boys,
0:30:39 > 0:30:41but what happened next?
0:30:41 > 0:30:46Would tough finances keep them from taking the biggest gamble of their lives?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49A few months later, I went to meet them to find out.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- So how are you both?- Yes, we're OK.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- We're not doing too bad. - The first thing I noticed,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59- the scaffolding's gone on the house. - Yes!
0:30:59 > 0:31:03That's the first thing and then the second thing is the Sold sign and I'm thinking,
0:31:03 > 0:31:08"I know times were tough. I hope they weren't that tough,"
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- or have you got some good news to tell me?- Yeah, we got our visa awarded.
0:31:13 > 0:31:18It was a long wait and we put the house on the market, so, fingers crossed,
0:31:18 > 0:31:23there's a sale going through - we'll be making the move soon.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24Which is fantastic news!
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Your highs and lows - it was quite a tough week for you both, wasn't it?
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- It was.- Extremely tough, weren't it?
0:31:32 > 0:31:36One of the most emotional weeks of my life, I think, to be fair.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39It's surprising in a week how much your opinion could change.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43There were times when I could have just packed my bag and come straight back.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Seeing the figures and the houses - they were disappointing,
0:31:46 > 0:31:50but then seeing the kids having such a good time,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53the beaches, the schools as we went past,
0:31:53 > 0:31:58seeing the kids out, it just sort of made sense.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04Things aren't brilliant here. Jim's not been working properly since we last saw you,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06so making the jump...
0:32:06 > 0:32:09As I say, it's just a gamble, in't it really?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12It's a gamble either way for us at the moment.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15It's not like, you know, you're going with a huge nest egg, is it?
0:32:15 > 0:32:16The reason you're going
0:32:16 > 0:32:19is because financially it's so tough for you both.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- You've kept your heads above water but only just.- Yeah.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26We could easily sink at any point.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28You've got to try, haven't you?
0:32:28 > 0:32:29It's...
0:32:29 > 0:32:35If ten years down the line, we've lost everything here or we've still got everything here
0:32:35 > 0:32:38and everything's worked out swimmingly and we hadn't gone,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- we'd still turn round and wish we'd given it a go.- Would you?
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- I think so.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48So realistically, how quickly do you think it's going to be before you go - three months?
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Er, two to three months maximum, ideally.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Do you have a view where you're going to settle when you go out there
0:32:56 > 0:32:58or is it dictated by work and schools?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00A lot of it is going to be dictated by work.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03We're going to the Gold Coast first - that's where my little brother lives.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07So he's going to be able to help us set up,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10basically, somewhere to stay, things like that, for when we get out there.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15For me, once I get out there, I need to work as much as I can.
0:33:15 > 0:33:21- The next three years for me, it's Monday to Sunday, as much as I can.- Wow!
0:33:21 > 0:33:25We can't go under false pretences and think it's going to be easy.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30If I go thinking it's three years and we do it in 12 months, then it's a bonus, in't it? So...
0:33:30 > 0:33:34We need to think of the boys and what their futures are going to be
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and if we can make it comfortable for them now
0:33:37 > 0:33:40and give them an opportunity when they've finished school,
0:33:40 > 0:33:42then that's what we need to do.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Hopefully, the future will be brighter for you.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47You've obviously worked so hard,
0:33:47 > 0:33:49you've got three fantastic little boys,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52so I so hope it works out for you.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54We're just eager for the move now -
0:33:54 > 0:33:57the sooner the better, get it done, start again.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05Since I saw them a few weeks ago,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08things have stepped up another gear.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11With the sale of their house going through, the Cliffs are packing up their lives
0:34:11 > 0:34:13to move in with Nicola's mum
0:34:13 > 0:34:18and the enormity of the decision they've made starts to sink in.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22The last few months have just been a bit hectic for us, really,
0:34:22 > 0:34:29getting rid of excess items, toys, games, things that we really don't want to take over there
0:34:29 > 0:34:31and you can't afford to take over there.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36Certain things have to be put in place for the move to Australia.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40Anything to do with outside has to be completely clean and sterile,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43so garden furniture, all my tools...
0:34:43 > 0:34:47It's, like, the bikes and things - you can't clean them up months before
0:34:47 > 0:34:52because the kids still use them, so it all falls into your last two weeks of your move.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56It just feels like a dream, really.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00Nowt seems really any more at the moment.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03It's like any minute we could wake up and we hadn't sold us house
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- and we hadn't just made us kids homeless and...- Yeah!
0:35:07 > 0:35:11..and planned to move to the other side of the world with nowhere to stay.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14I suppose once we've actually booked us flights,
0:35:14 > 0:35:19that'll be it, won't it, when we actually know what day we're going?
0:35:19 > 0:35:25At the moment, we keep saying, "It's going to be in a few more weeks, a few more weeks."
0:35:25 > 0:35:29"When we've got money from the house, then we can book us flights, a few more weeks."
0:35:29 > 0:35:32I didn't realise how much stuff we've got.
0:35:38 > 0:35:44The process of packing up their home gives them time to reflect on all they'll be leaving behind.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49The family, I think, are going through mixed emotions.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Not a lot is really being said. They don't want us to go, but...
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- They're not going to stop us.- They understand us reasons
0:35:58 > 0:36:02and obviously we're hoping that there's going to be a lifestyle out there
0:36:02 > 0:36:05and opportunities for us children
0:36:05 > 0:36:08when they are old enough to go to work, or what-have-you.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Erm...so they understand where we're coming from
0:36:12 > 0:36:17but they might not like what we're actually doing about it.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23No!
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Five, four, three, two, one.
0:36:27 > 0:36:28Oh, dear!
0:36:28 > 0:36:29Oh, dear.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39And Jimmy and Nicola are all too aware of the impact the move will have on their children.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44The little two don't really get it, I don't think.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49They know they're going to leave, they know they're going to miss their friends,
0:36:49 > 0:36:53but I don't think the younger two boys understand the impact of it all
0:36:53 > 0:36:58and not actually getting on a flight and being home in two minutes.
0:36:58 > 0:37:05I think the kids are excited but I think cos we've had to get rid of so much of their stuff as well...
0:37:05 > 0:37:08There's a lot of toys that you just can't take.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12It's starting to sink into them and they're getting a bit upset if they see summat,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14they might not have played with it for a year,
0:37:14 > 0:37:18it's been stuck at the back of the bed but when you pull it out,
0:37:18 > 0:37:22it's, "Oh, I want to play..." "No, no, I'm getting rid of that now."
0:37:22 > 0:37:24They've been close to tears a few times.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Yeah! This is mine. The only problem is it attracts flies.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Put it on backwards now.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33THE OTHERS LAUGH
0:37:33 > 0:37:36I don't know where any of your jumpers are.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42Connor is... more upset about it all.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45You can tell when he starts talking about his friends
0:37:45 > 0:37:47and his new school,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51it's slowly sinking into him that he's not going to be here
0:37:51 > 0:37:55for most of what his friends are going to be doing, so...
0:37:55 > 0:37:57What are you looking forward to about going over there?
0:37:59 > 0:38:00Everything...
0:38:00 > 0:38:03except that it's hard to move obviously.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08Is that the only thing left bothering you, about leaving all your friends behind?
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Are you bothered about that?
0:38:10 > 0:38:16Yeah, but if I make new friends, then we go, then it's longer,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19then I'll be more friendly with them and then I won't want to go.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24- Right, so you'd rather go before you make loads of new friends at high school?- Yes.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29And it's not just Connor that will find the move difficult.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Nicola will have to leave behind loved ones.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38The thought of leaving my mum and dad behind is...
0:38:41 > 0:38:43I can't put it into words, to be honest.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46It's really... I feel sick, you know.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50You just think, "Oh, if thing happen when I'm out there, I can't get back," you know.
0:38:50 > 0:38:56They're not that young any more and anything can happen, and...
0:38:57 > 0:39:01..you know, I won't be there for them and they won't be there for me.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06You can make roots anywhere but you can't make your family come anywhere.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10It makes me feel lucky obviously to have someone in my life
0:39:10 > 0:39:13who's willing to do something like this for me
0:39:13 > 0:39:18and leave everything behind, but I also have the guilt feeling
0:39:18 > 0:39:22that I am potentially going to break her heart
0:39:22 > 0:39:29by taking her away from her parents and her brother and sisters and whatnot, so...
0:39:29 > 0:39:35and the nephews and nieces - she's always been there for them, she's doted on them,
0:39:35 > 0:39:41and to leave them all, it's a lot to leave behind.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Don't break anything, driving.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55A few weeks later, the big day has finally arrived.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58We spent two weeks of saying goodbye to everyone
0:39:58 > 0:40:02but not actually going anywhere, still carrying on with the mundane.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07The last couple of days have been the final packing up and sorting out,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09but still doesn't feel real
0:40:09 > 0:40:13that we're actually going anywhere, just feels like a big holiday at the moment.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17We're looking forward to a new start.
0:40:17 > 0:40:23Erm, things here have been quite difficult for the past three years.
0:40:23 > 0:40:29Hopefully, we can do summat a bit better out there and actually have a go of it
0:40:29 > 0:40:34and relax a bit more, maybe would be the best way to describe it.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39The time has come to say goodbye to loved ones.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43She's very close to us
0:40:43 > 0:40:49and I think if she did go, then she'd be thinking about us.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I ain't carrying two at once.
0:40:52 > 0:40:58I'm not one of the weekend grandmas. The children and Nicola and Jimmy have always been around.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Can't imagine, er...
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Can't imagine not having them here.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07See you later, squirt! Keep out of trouble, won't you?
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Don't leave!
0:41:11 > 0:41:13I want you to come over now.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19We'll miss them, really, really miss them.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24but, by the same token, I wouldn't want to stand in their way.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Have you said goodbye to everyone?
0:41:29 > 0:41:30Rich.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Give it a go and see how you go on.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Inside.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- See you later.- Bye.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47At long last, it's time for the Cliffs to make their final journey
0:41:47 > 0:41:48on UK soil.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55We haven't got jobs yet, we haven't got a place to stay, we haven't got any schools set up,
0:41:55 > 0:42:01- it's all a bit...- And we haven't got a fortune sat in the bank to make it any easier.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04If you don't give it a go, you won't know, will you?
0:42:04 > 0:42:10You'll just always regret it afterwards that you never actually went for it.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12SPEECH INDISTINCT
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Looking forward to it now, just be glad when we get there.
0:42:15 > 0:42:21Nervous now, but really excited, just want to get there and see what we can do.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25Got to get settled and start the new life, hopefully, and...
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- Yeah.- ..off we go.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33See you!
0:42:39 > 0:42:41THEY ALL LAUGH
0:42:45 > 0:42:49So after a lot of soul-searching, the Cliffs have made the leap,
0:42:49 > 0:42:52and begun the next chapter of their story.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56It's still early days but with a new adventure waiting for them Down Under,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59we wish them the very best of luck.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:23 > 0:43:25E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk