0:00:02 > 0:00:03Starting a new life far from home
0:00:03 > 0:00:06can seem like a very exciting prospect
0:00:06 > 0:00:08but can the reality match up to your hopes
0:00:08 > 0:00:11and what if your family doesn't share your dream?
0:00:11 > 0:00:15In 2009, Sharon Cole faced exactly that dilemma.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18Today, we'll find out where the answer led.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Sharon Cole had separated from her husband
0:00:20 > 0:00:23and wanted a new life for herself and her boys.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28She was looking for a fresh start Down Under.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32Everybody's enjoying just living, and I want to have that as well.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36But older son Oliver and his brother Alex weren't so sure.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38She wants to move on, she wants to drag us with her.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42'It's got to be our decision as well if she's got to move.'
0:00:42 > 0:00:47So three years on, have they come any closer to making that decision?
0:00:47 > 0:00:48It's a dream, really, to think
0:00:48 > 0:00:51that you could leave everything you've ever known
0:00:51 > 0:00:55and go so far away and actually be able to earn a living,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57so that you could live there.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22In 2009, the Cole family
0:01:22 > 0:01:25spent a week experiencing everyday life in New Zealand.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27At the end of it, they'd have to decide
0:01:27 > 0:01:30if they wanted to make the move Down Under for good.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Three years on, we're catching up with them
0:01:32 > 0:01:34to find out what's happened next.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Sharon Cole lived with her two sons,
0:01:38 > 0:01:4317-year-old Oliver and 14-year-old Alex, in Shipley, Yorkshire.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46But Sharon was considering leaving it all behind.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48She'd been separated from Richard,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51her husband and father of her sons, for six years.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55and she hoped New Zealand could provide the new life she dreamed of.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01This house, in many ways, has a lot of sad memories for me
0:02:01 > 0:02:03because of Richard leaving and everything.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07And it's about a house that we shared, and I think in one way,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11it would be good for me to do something completely different.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Sharon worked in a hospice as a palliative care social worker,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19providing support to terminally ill patients and their families.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Moving Down Under would have been a huge upheaval,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25and she hoped that sticking to a job she loved
0:02:25 > 0:02:29would provide the stability she needed.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31I want to stay in palliative care,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34I want to do this probably until I retire.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37It's rewarding because of the very nature of the work.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42If I couldn't find a similar job, that would probably be a reason not to go.
0:02:42 > 0:02:48Fitness-mad Oliver can see the benefits of a more outdoor life in New Zealand.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52It's got less people, and it's less crowded.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54It's just a better area, I think.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57It's easier to get jobs, I think, there because there's more
0:02:57 > 0:02:59space for that kind of thing.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02But Sharon was the real driving force behind moving
0:03:02 > 0:03:06and the boys could see just how important it was to her.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10I don't think it's just about moving house, it's just everything
0:03:10 > 0:03:13in our whole life has been in the same place.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17She just wants to have a new adventure somewhere else.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21She just needs to start again and needs a new, happy lifestyle.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26She continually wants a break from memories of this life.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29When we're on holiday, she forgets everything but when she comes back
0:03:29 > 0:03:34to it, it's like, "Oh, I remember all this," and horrible bad memories creep up on her.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39I want her to have a new beginning, even if I'm not included in it.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41I want her to be happy.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Shipley had always been the boys' home
0:03:43 > 0:03:46and Sharon was concerned about taking them away
0:03:46 > 0:03:48from their father and friends.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Would it be the right choice?
0:03:51 > 0:03:53My main concern is the boys,
0:03:53 > 0:03:59because they're the most important people in my life and their happiness matters to me more than anything.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03And I'm frightened that I would do this for me and perhaps,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06you know, they would get there and think, "What's happened?
0:04:06 > 0:04:09"There's nobody around that we know, nothing is familiar any more,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11"Dad's a long way away,"
0:04:11 > 0:04:16and I'm frightened that I might be wrecking their lives, I suppose,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19that maybe I'll destabilise them in some way,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22because their security is really important.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Sharon was facing a huge decision.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35The Coles began their trial week in New Zealand.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37The journey from Shipley to Auckland
0:04:37 > 0:04:41had crossed three continents and more than 12,000 miles,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43further than any of them had ever been before
0:04:43 > 0:04:48but even after a 30-hour flight, Sharon was still raring to go.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I'm looking forward to seeing how people work here
0:04:54 > 0:04:57and how it compares to what we do at home.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01I'm excited to see, just everything.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Although I'm not sure the boys agreed.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06We're tired, hungry.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Looking forward to sleeping.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12For the final leg of their journey,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15the Coles headed off to their accommodation for the week.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21They were staying in the pretty Bush area of Titirangi in west Auckland.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24The house was an open-plan three-bedroom home
0:05:24 > 0:05:26with space for the family to roam around in.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Oh, my goodness, just look at that view, Oliver.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35I just can't believe it's got this in the back garden.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38This is amazing.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Hopefully the inside would be just as impressive.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42Oh, I love this room.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44Just look at the view.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49I mean, this is just amazing. Wherever you look, you see the sea.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53I would just be in heaven living here. I love it.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Let's see some more!
0:05:56 > 0:06:00I call this room. This room has a guitar in it.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Have you seen this room? All the rooms are so light!
0:06:03 > 0:06:06As initial reactions go, Sharon's were definitely promising,
0:06:06 > 0:06:11so how was she feeling about her first taste of New Zealand life?
0:06:11 > 0:06:15When you're actually here, it all seems possible and you think,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17"Fantastic, I just want to be here."
0:06:17 > 0:06:20But after the initial excitement of arriving,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23how did the boys really feel?
0:06:23 > 0:06:28I prefer being in Britain just based on what I've seen so far, really.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31It's more in my comfort zone.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35I know where everything is, it's just easier.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39I can imagine coming here on holiday,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43and spending a few days here. I couldn't imagine living here yet.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46It looked like Sharon would have her work cut out
0:06:46 > 0:06:50convince them to move here for good.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59Back in the UK, the Coles lived in a three-bed semi-detached house in Shipley.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02It was a tight squeeze, and Alex had drawn the short straw
0:07:02 > 0:07:06with the tiny third bedroom, but it was in a great location
0:07:06 > 0:07:09on the Yorkshire Moors, which Sharon loved.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11However, she was ready for a change of scenery.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15In New Zealand, they were hoping to find
0:07:15 > 0:07:19a three-bedroomed house with character, set in the countryside
0:07:19 > 0:07:21but near to amenities.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Sharon wanted to be mortgage-free,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and had a budget of £185,000 in mind
0:07:26 > 0:07:28but was this realistic?
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Property one was a three-bedroomed detached house in Titirangi village.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37At the time, it was on the market
0:07:37 > 0:07:40for around £170,000,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42so comfortably within budget.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Right, let's take a look at the property.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47But would it impress?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Sharon wanted somewhere with character.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Would she like the retro look?
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Oh, it's got the old '50s-style furniture, as well.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00It has. It's really in keeping with the era of the property.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Is that an open fire?
0:08:01 > 0:08:07It's a wood burner which is very typical, again, of Kiwi properties.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- That would be nice if it was cleaned up.- You've also got polished timber floors as well.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15I like the floors and I like the fireplace.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Obviously, the decor isn't to my taste at all.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21But I can see that it suits the house.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Floorboards and a fireplace alone weren't going to clinch it.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27So what did Sharon think of the bedrooms?
0:08:29 > 0:08:33So, this is one of the large double bedrooms.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37It's just out of date, really, isn't it?
0:08:37 > 0:08:42There's not much room for a wardrobe in here, if you had a double bed.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44But what about Alex's bedroom?
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Did it have the extra space he was looking for?
0:08:47 > 0:08:51You could get a single bed, possibly a double bed in here.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I don't think you could get a double in...
0:08:54 > 0:08:57If you had a double bed in here, you would have to take that out.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Yes, you would.- Yes.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Still, it's bigger than Alexander's current room.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Alex wasn't convinced.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Would the garden be able to make up for the tiny bedroom?
0:09:08 > 0:09:14Oh, this is nice, I like the open aspect.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Property one wasn't quite right.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20It certainly had plenty of character,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22but not to anyone's taste.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24So what was the final verdict?
0:09:25 > 0:09:29I think the inside is quirky and interesting,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32even though it is not furnished in my style.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Could you see yourself living here?
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- Not really.- I would still have a small room if we moved here.- Yes.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42And everything is a bit...
0:09:42 > 0:09:44just small.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47It was on to property two, in the hope that this had
0:09:47 > 0:09:51the all-important big third bedroom for Alex.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53The house was in Laingholm,
0:09:53 > 0:09:57a pretty coastal area surrounded by lush green hills.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59The property had three bedrooms
0:09:59 > 0:10:00and a decent garden.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Back in 2009, it was slightly over budget
0:10:02 > 0:10:05at £190,000.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11This is bigger.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16It feels more spacious. Do they have a dishwasher?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18No, there's no dishwashers.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Well, you've got two. Over there!
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I don't think the boys had quite adjusted to Kiwi humour
0:10:25 > 0:10:28but Sharon soon noticed that the house was low-lying
0:10:28 > 0:10:31and set in a valley with a stream running through it
0:10:31 > 0:10:35so she had some important questions for estate agent Edwina.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Is there any flooding in this area?
0:10:37 > 0:10:41We've actually got flooding down the bottom of Sandy's Parade.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44There does appear to be quite a bit of flooding.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46So, would this house be at risk?
0:10:46 > 0:10:50I'd say, with the stream down here, you'd need to be mindful of that.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53That wasn't the answer Sharon was looking for.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Would the rest of the property be able to win them over?
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- So, this is one of the bedrooms? - It is, this is the main room.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03And it has its own en-suite.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07A good start on the bedrooms so far. But would they all be this big?
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Let's have a look in here.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- This is used as a study now?- It is.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- How many bedrooms does the property have?- It's three bedrooms.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Does this include this one?- It does.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- It is slightly on the tinier side. - Yeah.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22It was another cupboard for poor Alex
0:11:22 > 0:11:25so would his brother get the bigger room again?
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Oh, this is a better size. - It certainly is.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It's a pity we can't get three bedrooms with two...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- the other two bedrooms this size. - This size.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36It was another lukewarm response
0:11:36 > 0:11:39and this house simply wasn't quite right.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43I really like the setting. I think it is gorgeous.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I like the size of the house.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Even though the third bedroom is small,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51it has a much more spacious feel.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56But if there was any kind of flooding risk, I wouldn't buy it.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00With the risk of flooding and another small bedroom for Alex,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02it just didn't have what the Coles were looking for
0:12:02 > 0:12:06and it was all up to the final house to win them over to Kiwi properties.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11House number three was on higher land
0:12:11 > 0:12:14and nearer to the main village of Titirangi.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17It was a three-bedroom property, but to make the most of the views,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21the bedrooms were downstairs and the living space was above.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24But at £217,000 back then,
0:12:24 > 0:12:25it was well over budget.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Beautiful view. This is about as noisy as Laingholm ever gets.
0:12:32 > 0:12:33This must be a nice spot to sit.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- Yeah, that's a gin and tonic corner. - Yeah.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Sharon was sold on the views,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41but the deciding factor would be the size of that third bedroom.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Would it be big enough for a bed and Alex?
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Which wall is six feet long?
0:12:46 > 0:12:48So, a single bed would go down this way.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- It would fit there, would it? - I'd be happy with that room.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53So a slightly bigger room,
0:12:53 > 0:12:57but would the other bedrooms downstairs be up to standard?
0:12:57 > 0:12:58How would this work for you?
0:12:58 > 0:13:02It's OK, but I'd prefer my windows lower down.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03- Would you?- Yeah.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- I think, cos I like... - For the light, or...?
0:13:05 > 0:13:09No, just because if you're actually sitting on the bed,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- you can see above you but you can't see at eye level.- Yes.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- It's OK as a second bedroom.- Hmm.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Would the master bedroom look more promising to Sharon?
0:13:21 > 0:13:22Oh, now, this is better.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Now, this is good.- Yeah.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28You see, I can see outside now, which is what I was meaning.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- That's lovely.- So, a good-sized master, loads of wardrobe space.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36Sharon liked the views, but wasn't completely won over.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Despite the small bedroom,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41surprisingly, it was Alex who had taken a real shine to this house.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- You were quite excited when we walked up the drive.- Yeah.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47He wanted to buy it before we'd even come inside. Didn't you?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50You said, "It's awesome. Buy it, Mum, and I'll come to New Zealand now."
0:13:50 > 0:13:52SHE CHUCKLES
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Which is... Which is encouraging,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57because if we find the house that's right for all of us, you know...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Just, like...so good.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02It's just...brilliant.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06That was great news for Sharon,
0:14:06 > 0:14:10but it looked like she and Oliver might need more persuading.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13So how did they vote on property?
0:14:15 > 0:14:18I like the fact that all the houses in New Zealand are individual,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and that they're all in lovely settings.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25I'm worried about the fact that they're not as solidly made as English houses.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Comparing them to British homes, British homes have smaller spaces.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31In New Zealand, they're all different
0:14:31 > 0:14:33and they all have fantastic views.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35I'm going to pick...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37New Zealand!
0:14:37 > 0:14:39New Zealand.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41I'm going to vote, right now, with...
0:14:43 > 0:14:45..the UK.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47It was a big turnaround.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51All along, Sharon had been the driving force behind a move to New Zealand
0:14:51 > 0:14:54and now she was the one voting for home.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03There was a lot at stake in making the move to New Zealand.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Not only would Sharon be taking the boys away from their father,
0:15:07 > 0:15:12she'd also be moving away from the life they all knew well.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14So, after the disappointment of Kiwi property,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18it was even more important that Sharon felt confident
0:15:18 > 0:15:22New Zealand could offer them all a better lifestyle.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25They'd come to an outdoor thermal spa on the Hibiscus Coast
0:15:25 > 0:15:28to spend some family time together,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31doing something they'd never been able to do back in Shipley.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38BOYS LAUGH
0:15:38 > 0:15:40No, you're not pushing me!
0:15:40 > 0:15:42You're not pushing me.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44We're here to give you our support.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I can do without a challenge like this.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54It's called Bob's Mistake for a reason.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57It means that you find out too late that you shouldn't have done it.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Oh, my God.- Go on.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Oh, my Lord.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04HE CHUCKLES It's not funny!
0:16:04 > 0:16:05It isn't funny, Oliver!
0:16:05 > 0:16:07SHE SQUEALS
0:16:12 > 0:16:13HE CHUCKLES
0:16:13 > 0:16:14Great!
0:16:17 > 0:16:19She's a good sport
0:16:19 > 0:16:22but she's not exactly doing it of her own will.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Water slides are not my favourite thing.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34It's all about new challenges, New Zealand.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Can we go on some more now?
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Perhaps I could just go for a swim now!
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Sharon had proved her mettle,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45so it was time for something a little more sedate.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47But the boys were still looking for action,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49and they found it.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59Did you like that?
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Sharon was definitely keen on a less white-knuckled activity,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07but what had the boys enjoyed the most?
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- Watching my mum scream. - Yeah, pushing her down the slides!
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Coming away with them is great,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17cos I think it helps us to get closer because we do things together and they have fun.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22I like to see them giggling and laughing and making them happy,
0:17:22 > 0:17:27which is why I put myself through these torturous water slides.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31The lifestyle here is just completely different to England.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34People's way of looking at life is different.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Everybody's...
0:17:38 > 0:17:39enjoying just living.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43And I want to have that as well.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48But Oliver knew there was more to this trip than just fun for his mum.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51She needs a new start, she needs a new beginning,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53she needs a new life. She wants...
0:17:53 > 0:17:56She wants, you know, a new family life.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01I do feel I need to move on emotionally, yeah.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05And maybe that is one of the reasons that maybe it would be great for me,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07because when I'm somewhere like this,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10I feel I actually don't think about the past.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I just... I'm experiencing everything for the first time,
0:18:13 > 0:18:17and it makes you feel really alive.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Sharon was facing a tough decision
0:18:20 > 0:18:23but the time spent with her boys in New Zealand had filled her with optimism,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26so how would they vote on lifestyle?
0:18:27 > 0:18:31There's lots of fresh air, people are outdoors and smiling.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33I think we're all agreed...
0:18:34 > 0:18:35New Zealand.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- New Zealand.- New Zealand.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Back in Yorkshire, Sharon worked three days a week in a hospice.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52She earned £13,000 as a palliative-care social worker,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57providing patients and their families with emotional and practical support.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59I'm just ringing to see how things are going.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03'In palliative care, I think I've found my niche.'
0:19:03 > 0:19:05I love it. I love the job. I love...
0:19:05 > 0:19:09I think I do it well and that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11If I couldn't find a similar job,
0:19:11 > 0:19:14that would probably be a reason not to go, for me,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18because if I was doing a different job, I think I'd be going backwards,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22whereas right now, I think I'm in the right place, in terms of career.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26For Sharon to start a new life, she needed a good job,
0:19:26 > 0:19:27but at the time,
0:19:27 > 0:19:32there were fewer than 250 palliative social workers in the UK
0:19:32 > 0:19:34and potentially fewer still in New Zealand.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So she visited the Mercy Hospice in Auckland.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44to meet the head of the Family Support Team, Tim Hurley,
0:19:44 > 0:19:45and social worker Marie.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49All her hopes rested on what she was about to find out.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56For me, I want to find out whether you think
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- there might be possibilities about getting a post as a social worker here.- Yes.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Social work in hospices is quite new here in New Zealand.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07It's really a growth area
0:20:07 > 0:20:10and I am the second social worker in this hospice,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14and hospices all through Auckland and the rest of the country are getting social workers.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- That sounds like really good news. - Yes, it is.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19So, it is a real growth industry,
0:20:19 > 0:20:24in terms of people seeing what contribution social workers can make.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29It seemed there could be work on offer, but what about the salary?
0:20:29 > 0:20:31How much would they earn?
0:20:31 > 0:20:34It's around about 55,000,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38er, and that perhaps might vary a little,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40depending on the organisation.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45The district health boards may pay a little more than what hospices pay.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- That's fair enough. - How does that compare to the UK?
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- It sounds very similar.- OK.- Yeah.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It was great news. Sharon was beginning to feel assured
0:20:54 > 0:20:58about her chances of finding work in New Zealand.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01And she was relieved to find plenty of similarities
0:21:01 > 0:21:04between work here and her job at home.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Often, people just wander in here and just have a bit of quiet time.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10We've had a couple of weddings here.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Yeah, we've had them in our chapel. - Yes, yeah. Come on...
0:21:13 > 0:21:16'Meeting Sharon, I think she's got a lovely warm personality.'
0:21:16 > 0:21:20I think she would fit in well to the kind of people who work here.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24'And I think that she could provide some experience and some leadership'
0:21:24 > 0:21:27in areas we've thought perhaps we'd like to do, but are not yet doing.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29So, I think she'd be a great asset
0:21:29 > 0:21:32to any hospice environment where she works, yeah.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36It was really interesting to talk to Tim and Marie,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40and to find out that they do so many things the same way we do in England,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43and that, you know, their approach to their work is the same,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45their holistic philosophy's the same,
0:21:45 > 0:21:51and what's really encouraging is that they're looking for social workers in the Auckland area.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54But was it enough to give up the job she loved back home?
0:21:54 > 0:21:59This is a really difficult one for me because I work with a lovely bunch of people in the UK.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Er, I love them to bits and it would be a wrench to leave them,
0:22:03 > 0:22:08but today I felt energised and excited, so I'm going to vote for...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12..New Zealand.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Back in the UK, the Coles lived in a three-bedroom property
0:22:21 > 0:22:23which Sharon had bought with her husband.
0:22:23 > 0:22:29She owned their home outright and hoped it would be worth £185,000.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33We sent in two estate agents to give her their opinions.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34'Right.'
0:22:34 > 0:22:39The size of the kitchen, obviously, doesn't really fit with modern living.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Some people would choose to knock through, now,
0:22:41 > 0:22:45and make that really nice - one big dining kitchen.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47So, let's see what's out here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Oh, gosh, the porch is a mess.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52We have what was originally a sun room.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57However, it is being used at the moment as a general storage space.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58So, I would have to say that,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01in order to really sell this as a feature,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03it would need to be emptied.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Ah, this is a small room.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12This will put off some potential buyers. Yeah, bit of a stumbling block here, really.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13It could be an office, though.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Mm, a complete mismatch.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20A boy's room with a girl's wallpaper.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- What?- In fact, I'm sure I remember this.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25This is a better room - nice size.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30Nice views out of the window. I think that certainly is a nice feature.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36It's nice to see that they have re-done the bathroom.
0:23:36 > 0:23:43And it's got all the right features. Bath, good-sized shower cubicle with a rain head, fully tiled.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Yes, very nice. This is a good selling feature.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47I'm glad she likes the bathroom - I chose that.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51You've got a house here which is really going to appeal to families.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54So, families will look at it, decide, perhaps, to change it rather.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58The property does require some decorative improvement in places,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01and also, the third bedroom is very, very small.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03I think that might put off some buyers.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08If the vendor wants a quick sale, I'd say you're probably more likely
0:24:08 > 0:24:12to have to put it on at 160, 165, and probably have to come down
0:24:12 > 0:24:19from that too, because people are expecting you to allow for the work that needs doing to modernise it.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22For a quick sale, I would suggest £160,000.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26At that level, I do feel there will be a good level of interest.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28It's dropped a lot then.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30I thought it was worth more than that.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34I expected that it would probably be about 185 at least.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37But I don't understand what needs modernising.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I've done the bathroom, the kitchen, I've put in a fireplace in the living room,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I've done loads to it, really.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47So I'm really surprised that she thinks it needs work.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51It was disappointing news, but there was still a chance to stay mortgage free.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55It all depended on whether everyone could afford to live off her salary.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59We prepared some figures on basic living costs in the UK
0:24:59 > 0:25:00and New Zealand.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Oh, my goodness!
0:25:03 > 0:25:05At first glance, this is really worrying -
0:25:05 > 0:25:08to see that my food bill would double.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11But how did other expenses weigh up?
0:25:11 > 0:25:17New Zealand. This is good news - gas and electric is about half the price it is in England, which is great.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20And council tax is less.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Petrol is a lot cheaper.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24So, maybe, actually, it might balance out.
0:25:24 > 0:25:30Sharon could have earned a higher salary, but was it enough to make the move affordable?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It's going to cost me an extra £54 a month.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38Maybe I could work a couple of extra hours a month to make that difference up.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41£54 a month isn't too big a difference, really.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45So, how would Sharon vote on the cost of living?
0:25:45 > 0:25:50Taking into account that food is far more expensive here,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54which is a big shock, but gas and electric is cheaper,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57I will vote for...
0:25:57 > 0:25:59New Zealand.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07The thought of taking the boys away from their friends
0:26:07 > 0:26:10and family continued to worry Sharon, so,
0:26:10 > 0:26:14watching messages from loved ones back home is not going to be easy.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15ALL: Hi, Sharon!
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Hello, Sharon.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19ALL: Hi, Alex!
0:26:19 > 0:26:22She's very kind, she's very caring.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25She's a fabulous mother, and she's a great friend.
0:26:25 > 0:26:31I can't speak more highly of her because she's coped with everything.
0:26:32 > 0:26:38She's constantly cheerful and lifts the mood if you're feeling down.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40That's really important in our line of work.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Alex is probably the craziest guy I've ever met. And the awesomest.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48He's really nice, and he's kind, and he's funny.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50A great friend.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54It will be very hard to adjust, it'll be hard to not have her here.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58And the fact that she's going to be so far away is going to be odd.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02She's a really, really good pal. I'll miss her desperately.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06I think she's had things in her life and I think she deserves
0:27:06 > 0:27:10this chance for her and her boys, if it's the right thing for her.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12We're all missing you here.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- It's not the same without you. - Please come back soon.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20Just know that I love you and I'm going to miss you. Bye, Sharon.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25Whatever you want to do, darling, we'll back you up.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29You don't have to feel you're on your own if you get stuck or anything. We're always here.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Er, but I can't imagine that you ever would need any help because
0:27:33 > 0:27:36you're so competent, and you just get on with life,
0:27:36 > 0:27:41and everything will work out fine for you.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45I'll miss you if you do. Bye.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Oh, dear.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59I just realised how special the people in my life are...
0:28:00 > 0:28:03..and how much they mean to me.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05And it's, it's...
0:28:05 > 0:28:08wonderful to hear that they think the same about me.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10I'm thinking that...
0:28:10 > 0:28:14I want to be in two places!
0:28:14 > 0:28:17And Sharon wasn't the only one affected by the messages.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Alex's fears had been rekindled after seeing his friends.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25Like, watching that, I don't really want to go as much.
0:28:25 > 0:28:30Like, I'd rather just stay in England because of all my friends and everything.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33But yet, this week, you've really loved it.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37I know, but I don't really want to leave England.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41Yeah.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44What about you, Oliver?
0:28:44 > 0:28:45I'd be fine coming here.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50I think you can see a lot of positives for you, can't you?
0:28:50 > 0:28:54Yeah. Missing Dad probably wouldn't bother me too much.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59Cos he's left me at too early an age for me to really care, so...
0:29:01 > 0:29:03But he still cares about you.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Yeah.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13Leaving loved ones can often trigger strong reactions,
0:29:13 > 0:29:18and although Oliver's words didn't come as a surprise to Sharon, they were no less painful.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29He feels like his dad's not there for him, so...
0:29:29 > 0:29:36he's not really... He wants to give this strong, tough exterior
0:29:36 > 0:29:40that says he doesn't care, but I know deep down he does.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45And he's looking... He's looking for what he's lost.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48That's why he thinks if he comes here and makes some good friends,
0:29:48 > 0:29:50maybe he'll find what he's missing from his dad.
0:29:50 > 0:29:56Sharon was left wondering what she needed to do to move on.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59It's almost like I'm stuck in the past.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04My house is the same house that I've always lived in throughout my married life,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08so it's full of memories, sad memories, really, more than happy ones.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13And it's taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18He was the love of my life and for a long time, I hoped he would come back.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21As time has gone on, I've realised that's not going to happen.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24I feel braver and stronger.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27I've changed in the last few years and now,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31I think I've reached a stage where I have to look to the future
0:30:31 > 0:30:34and think, maybe this is what's right for all of us now.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38For Alex, there was a lot more tying him to home.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43Sharon faced a difficult task in making a decision that was right for everyone.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47It would be really hard if one wants to go and one wants to stay.
0:30:47 > 0:30:53And I don't think they're quite ready to be independent. That will be a really tough one.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00It was the end of their trip to New Zealand.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04It had been a week of new experiences, and a rare chance
0:31:04 > 0:31:06to be together as a family.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14It was time for the final vote.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Would Oliver and Alex give the answer Sharon was hoping for?
0:31:19 > 0:31:22New Zealand.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23New Zealand.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28England.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38I know two of us have voted for New Zealand and Alexander, you voted for the UK,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41but we're going to go home and talk about it some more,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45look at what courses are here for Alexander when he goes to university
0:31:45 > 0:31:48and I think when that time comes, it will be right for us all.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01After their week in New Zealand, Alex's vote for home left a big question mark
0:32:01 > 0:32:03hanging over the Coles' future plans.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07So, three years later, where they now?
0:32:09 > 0:32:14It's May 2012, and the Cole family are living in...
0:32:16 > 0:32:17..the UK.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Sharon and Alex have stayed in their family home in Yorkshire,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27and Oliver is in his first year at Winchester University.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32My trip to New Zealand was just absolutely incredible.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34It was everything I hoped it would be.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39As much as we all loved it there, and we really did,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43it has to be something that everybody does 100% want.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47In England I've got everything I want, and everything is set up,
0:32:47 > 0:32:52so, like, moving to New Zealand would be pretty drastic.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55I wouldn't want Alexander to have to give things up that matter to him
0:32:55 > 0:32:59so that I could have something new and different for me.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Although the family decided not to emigrate,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06they all valued their experiences in New Zealand,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10and it opened their eyes to other possibilities.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13It gave the boys a chance to see something different,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16and to see that there is a bigger world out there,
0:33:16 > 0:33:21and that there are, you know, there are possibilities of doing things with your life
0:33:21 > 0:33:24and maybe experiencing something new and different.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29'It just confirmed for me what I'd always suspected, really,
0:33:29 > 0:33:34'that it would be possible to make a life out there,
0:33:34 > 0:33:36and that it could actually become a reality,
0:33:36 > 0:33:40because it's a dream, really, to think that you could
0:33:40 > 0:33:44leave everything you've ever known and go so far away and actually
0:33:44 > 0:33:48be able to earn a living, and that your skills would be in demand.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54I was torn a little bit, because I think, for Oliver especially,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58he really, I think he would probably find himself more at home in New Zealand
0:33:58 > 0:34:02than he would here because of the kind of person that he is,
0:34:02 > 0:34:07so in one way, wanting what is best for Oliver isn't necessarily what is best for Alex.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10But I wouldn't ever do anything unless it was right for all of us.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16Even though Sharon feels like she made the right choice for her and Alex,
0:34:16 > 0:34:21at the end of their trial week, Oliver had voted yes to a move down under.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23So, how does he feel about staying in the UK?
0:34:25 > 0:34:26I love New Zealand.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32It was a new kind of experience for me, cos when I went there
0:34:32 > 0:34:35I found a lot more positives that I didn't originally consider with it.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40You know, I love the weather there, it's great. It's got nice people.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45It just seemed a lot more... Nicer in terms of living standards, I think.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48That's the sort of first impressions I got.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51But, with his mum's move off the cards for now,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54he is happy to focus on his university studies,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57and is making the most of a smaller change of scene.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02Uni... Best thing about uni is being so many miles away from my parents.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03That's great.
0:35:03 > 0:35:10I've got to know quite a few people over, sort of, activities, I guess, around uni.
0:35:10 > 0:35:16I do miss him. I miss Oliver a lot, cos, you know, you get used to being with them
0:35:16 > 0:35:19all the time, and then suddenly they're gone.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23He's been away a year, and I have been down to Winchester three or four times
0:35:23 > 0:35:26because it's a lovely place, but when I go down I see Oliver
0:35:26 > 0:35:31for about half an hour, because it's not cool to be seen with your mum.
0:35:31 > 0:35:32It's nice to be more independent.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36It's all about growing up, I guess, I suppose.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39With her boys building their own lives, Sharon has been able
0:35:39 > 0:35:44to focus on her job, and has taken on some new responsibilities.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48At the moment I'm still working in the same job
0:35:48 > 0:35:49and I'm enjoying it.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I'm part of this year's planning committee.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54There's four of us planning the annual
0:35:54 > 0:35:59conference for the Association Of Palliative Care Social Workers.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02To have that time in the hospice in Auckland confirmed for me
0:36:02 > 0:36:06that I could do this work in another setting.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09There is going to be a need for people to work in end of life care,
0:36:09 > 0:36:13and it's the kind of thing that I could find fulfilling wherever I was.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Alex is also busy, working towards his A-levels.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22He is happy being home and spending time with his friends,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26and now his brother is at uni, he's finally got that bigger bedroom.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Alex and I rub along together really well.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35We are very close, and I suppose just living side-by-side, I mean,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38it sounds mundane, but the everyday life with Alex is fun
0:36:38 > 0:36:41because he's got a great sense of humour.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46Since I got back from New Zealand, my life has completely gone
0:36:46 > 0:36:50straight ahead with getting in a band and playing guitar.
0:36:50 > 0:36:56His band rehearse in a garage nearby, and they are lovely boys,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59and, you know, they have a lot of fun doing that,
0:36:59 > 0:37:03and for Alex it's something he wants to make a career out of.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07I'm hoping to go and do commercial music at uni,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10after I've done my A-levels.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13My band is called Hanging Onto Nothing, and we're a pop punk band.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27I think if I'd taken the boys to New Zealand then,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Alexander would have been really unhappy.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33What is great for Alex is that he's always had a really good
0:37:33 > 0:37:35group of friends ever since he was in primary school,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38and he's always been a happy-go-lucky character,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41and everything in his life so far has gone well.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46So, he can't see any reason why you would want to change anything.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Well, being in England is, um,
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I can stay with all the contacts I already have,
0:37:51 > 0:37:57and I can just go from there instead of going to New Zealand
0:37:57 > 0:37:59and having to work from the bottom up again.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08As well as leaving their friends, Alex and Oliver would also
0:38:08 > 0:38:11have faced saying goodbye to their father had they emigrated.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18One thing I've never undervalued is the boys' relationship with their dad.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22And I've always tried to make sure that they felt that he was
0:38:22 > 0:38:23a real presence in their life.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Seeing how they've been together in the last three years,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30I think it would have been very sad if they'd have missed out on that.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Family connections are hugely important to Sharon, so much so
0:38:34 > 0:38:39she felt it was worth sacrificing her dream life in New Zealand.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42My relationship with my boys has always been mutual respect,
0:38:42 > 0:38:44so, I think if I'd forced them to go,
0:38:44 > 0:38:49either one of them against their will, I think that would have changed
0:38:49 > 0:38:52the way we related to each other, and that wouldn't have been right.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58I wasn't scared that I was going to be made to go to New Zealand, cos my mum wouldn't do that.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Keeping the family together may have meant giving up on a move down under,
0:39:04 > 0:39:08but the trip reignited Sharon's love of travelling,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12and since visiting New Zealand she has taken time to explore other countries, too.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Going away in the summer, I suppose it gives me that excitement that I got
0:39:16 > 0:39:21when I was in Auckland, and I suppose it just confirms for me, really,
0:39:21 > 0:39:25that one of the passions of my life is to meet new people
0:39:25 > 0:39:30and experience new places, and that there is so much more to see.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34I suppose one of the reasons I wanted to go to New Zealand was
0:39:34 > 0:39:36because I have this sense of adventure,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and I thought that would be a really big adventure.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Especially if I could go with the boys,
0:39:41 > 0:39:46and it would be a whole new life.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49And I thought there were so many opportunities.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52But these trips do help, because I can still
0:39:52 > 0:39:58satisfy my yearning for new adventures and new experiences.
0:39:59 > 0:40:04With both her boys happy, Sharon is enjoying the mix of home life and holidays away,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08and it's helped her see everything she has in the UK in a new light.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12I think I've become more content with my life.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18I think I've realised that actually, although I'm quite eager to be
0:40:18 > 0:40:21experiencing new things and not to stand still,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23I've realised that actually it's OK to stand still for now
0:40:23 > 0:40:27because the boys are getting to where they need to be, and for me,
0:40:27 > 0:40:31seeing them achieve is a wonderful thing.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35My life is very full. I like to go for walks on the moors.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38I've been part of a book group since 1998, so I enjoy that.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40We meet about every six weeks.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43'And it's a social event, as well, cos we get together and talk about
0:40:43 > 0:40:47'all sorts of things that are nothing to do with books, which is good.'
0:40:47 > 0:40:51It's a whodunnit, but it's really, you just can't put it down.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53I just didn't want it to end.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55'I think my life here is good.'
0:40:55 > 0:40:59I probably appreciate it more now having been to New Zealand.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08But although Sharon feels a lot more settled with her life in England,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11New Zealand has left a lasting impression on her.
0:41:13 > 0:41:14I still have a yearning
0:41:14 > 0:41:18to experience something new and different involving travel,
0:41:18 > 0:41:23and, if possible, to be able to work in New Zealand.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27I don't think I would emigrate, because Alexander is still absolutely convinced that his home
0:41:27 > 0:41:30is in the UK and this is where he wants to be,
0:41:30 > 0:41:35and I can't imagine living in New Zealand permanently if he was here.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Oliver I think would go, because he loved it.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43It will be definitely a consideration for me, cos I really liked it there, so...
0:41:43 > 0:41:45My brother really would like New Zealand,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49cos he's all into sport and open areas.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53He's more of a country person whereas I'm more of...
0:41:53 > 0:41:56I like the city and parties and stuff like that.
0:41:56 > 0:42:04We are a team, so I have to sort of consider my future in terms of what there's will be, as well.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06But as they get older and more independent
0:42:06 > 0:42:10and more established in their own lives, then that frees me, really.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13'I think I am going to stay in England for my life,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15'cos I'm happy with the UK.'
0:42:17 > 0:42:21I've just got my life set, and I know what I'm going to do,
0:42:21 > 0:42:25and I'd have to start all fresh again.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28It's a bit... It's a really drastic move.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33What was really special was that we had that time together,
0:42:33 > 0:42:37and that it's created memories that we will carry with us forever.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41It's a question of letting the boys do what they need to do
0:42:41 > 0:42:43and be there for them right now,
0:42:43 > 0:42:47but maybe in the future then think, "Well, what shall I do now?"
0:42:47 > 0:42:51And actually it's quite exciting thinking about all the options.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55With the family happy in the UK,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59it looks like the decision to stay was the right one for the Coles.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02But is the dream of emigrating well and truly over for everyone?
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Time will tell.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd