0:00:02 > 0:00:05If escaping the British climate could dramatically improve
0:00:05 > 0:00:09your health, you would be sorely tempted to leave for sunnier shores.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13One year ago, the O'Connor family was considering doing just that
0:00:13 > 0:00:16when they spent a week in Australia to see
0:00:16 > 0:00:20if life there had the potential to transform mum Vicky's life.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Today, we'll find out what happened next.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Vicky O'Connor had been living a nightmare
0:00:26 > 0:00:28for almost two decades...
0:00:28 > 0:00:32I've been completely bedbound for...years.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34..and was hoping a move to Australia
0:00:34 > 0:00:37would mean her children getting their mum back.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39This move is life-changing.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42A trial week in Adelaide did work wonders.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44I've been given a glimpse of what it could be like.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46And I love it.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50So, one year on, is it now Australia the family call home?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52There was no regrets.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55No knot in the stomach, thinking, "What have I done?"
0:01:17 > 0:01:20With 85% of Australian citizens living
0:01:20 > 0:01:24within around a half-hour drive from one of its 10,000 beaches,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28it's no wonder the country has been the top destination for Brits
0:01:28 > 0:01:31moving abroad for the last 25 years.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Not everyone stays for good, however.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39Just over half of those who emigrate end up returning to the UK.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Suffering from ME, or chronic fatigue syndrome,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45meant Vicky O'Connor had become a shadow
0:01:45 > 0:01:48of the parent and partner she longed to be.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53In 2014, the family spent a week in Australia to discover
0:01:53 > 0:01:57if the country could enable them to lead the normal family life
0:01:57 > 0:01:59they were so desperate for.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Today, we'll catch up with the O'Connors and discover
0:02:03 > 0:02:07if they've gone ahead with the move to the other side of the world.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12The O'Connors' trial week in Adelaide began with a journey
0:02:12 > 0:02:15which saw them travel more than 10,000 miles.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20And after 26 hours in the air, son Jacob, at least, was feeling weary.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24It's very tiring and my ears are not working properly.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28The long flight had given Vicky plenty of thinking time.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Is it going to be warm? What's the weather doing?
0:02:31 > 0:02:33And how I'm going to be feeling when I get here.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Am I going to be too exhausted to do anything?
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Or am I going to be able to just sort of grab it with both hands
0:02:39 > 0:02:40and take part completely?
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Husband Gavin was keen to discover
0:02:42 > 0:02:45if the country would live up to expectations.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48What I hope to get out of this week is just to see
0:02:48 > 0:02:52whether it is just a pipe dream or whether it's a reality.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55But overall, everyone was delighted to have arrived.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57We think Australia is awesome already,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00and we can't wait to find out more about it.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04The week ahead would determine the family's entire future.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13In 2014, the O'Connor family -
0:03:13 > 0:03:15dad Gavin, mum Vicky,
0:03:15 > 0:03:16Grace, then aged 12,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Jacob, who was ten,
0:03:18 > 0:03:19and Imogen, then aged six,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23were living in North Lancing, in West Sussex.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Vicky had suffered from ME since she was a teenager.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30I first became ill in 1997.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35I went from being 17 years old, doing four A levels,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38being very, very active, to basically being bedridden.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43The debilitating disorder had robbed her of a normal life.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45It can take away your ability to walk.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48It can take away your ability to form a sentence properly.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51It's a type of exhaustion where if your house was on fire,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54you wouldn't be able to get yourself out of bed and downstairs
0:03:54 > 0:03:57because you just physically cannot do it.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01A day like today is a good day. I'm up, I'm dressed.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03On a bad day, I don't leave the bedroom.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Following a short period of recovery,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09after the birth of Imogen eight years previously,
0:04:09 > 0:04:14Vicky has suffered a severe relapse which shattered family life.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18She went from effectively running the family at home
0:04:18 > 0:04:20to being a spectator.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26Of all the things I strive to be - a good parent, a good wife -
0:04:26 > 0:04:29I've really had to just let go of.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Vicky's illness meant Gavin had given up a successful career
0:04:33 > 0:04:35to take care of the family.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39When I became bedbound again, he then became my full-time carer.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44Because my body was just physically incapable of doing
0:04:44 > 0:04:46even the most simple of tasks.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Gavin was juggling his time between looking after the family
0:04:51 > 0:04:53and working as a part-time mechanic.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Gavin's day is crazy.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58He'll get up, he'll get the children ready for school,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01he'll go off to work and then he'd be finished by 3.00,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03ready to do the school run.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Then he'll come home and he'll cook dinner.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Times were challenging, but Gavin took it in his stride.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12That's what you do. It's your family. At the end of the day,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15the marriage vows are "in sickness and in health".
0:05:15 > 0:05:18We've had the health part. We've now had the sickness part.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20We'd love the health part back now.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Holidays abroad had shown the family a warmer climate could have a
0:05:24 > 0:05:26dramatic effect on Vicky's health.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Every time we've gone somewhere really sunny,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31she's always felt better.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35So Gavin and Vicky were pinning their hopes on a permanent
0:05:35 > 0:05:36move down under.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38My consultants have always said
0:05:38 > 0:05:42if I can move somewhere that's got a subtropical climate, the chances
0:05:42 > 0:05:46of my health problems being reduced
0:05:46 > 0:05:49to virtually nothing are huge.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53If it's the opportunity to give her a better quality
0:05:53 > 0:05:57and an extended life, then it's a no-brainer.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Our hopes for Australia are -
0:06:01 > 0:06:05it would give me the chance to start living again,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07rather than just existing.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11In the UK, I am just existing. I'm not living.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13And I need more than that.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16But while there may have been much to gain down under,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Gavin was worried about giving up what they had in the UK.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24The most difficult thing to give up would be
0:06:24 > 0:06:29the security of where we are here, to actually close the front door
0:06:29 > 0:06:32of this house and say, "Do you know what, we won't be back."
0:06:32 > 0:06:35The O'Connors were hoping their family life would be
0:06:35 > 0:06:37transformed with the move to Australia.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40But whether the country was a realistic option would only
0:06:40 > 0:06:43become apparent over the next few days.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Trial week, I'd say, is possibly a make-or-break
0:06:48 > 0:06:54because if we can't make it work, then we're not going.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I think the rest of our life is riding on this trial week
0:06:57 > 0:07:02in Australia. I think it's that important. It really is.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12The O'Connors spent their trial week in Adelaide,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15known affectionately as the city of churches.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17With elegant tree-lined boulevards
0:07:17 > 0:07:20and an incredible sense of space, the city is popular with
0:07:20 > 0:07:24expats seeking a better quality of life down under.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Home for the week was this three-bedroom house
0:07:27 > 0:07:30in Oaklands Park, a southwestern suburb.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Ooh, nice.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Oh, a breakfast bar. You love that.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Wow.- Wow. Loving that.- Yep.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40They'd only been in the country in a few hours,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42but Vicky was already feeling the benefits.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45We got out of the car and sort of the warm air hits you.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47And even the wind's warm.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Yeah, first impressions are - this could be home.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54So it'll be interesting to see whether I crash
0:07:54 > 0:07:57and burn with jet lag or,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00yeah, I can run a marathon at the end of it.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03The family's future rested on the next few days.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Back in the UK, the O'Connors were living in a four-bedroom
0:08:15 > 0:08:18detached house at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22We're very lucky where we are here.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25We've spent a lot of money, a lot of time doing this house up,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28so it works for us as a family.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Making things easier for Vicky.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35Vicky and Gavin had around £270,000 to spend on a home in Australia.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38And a good idea of what they were looking for.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Preferably four bedrooms.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45I think it would be easier for me as well if it was open-plan.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52To give the family an idea of what their money could
0:08:52 > 0:08:56buy around Adelaide, we showed them three different properties.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Two close to their budget, and a third which could've been everything
0:08:59 > 0:09:00they were looking for in a home.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06House-hunting began in Seacombe Heights,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08ten miles from Adelaide city centre.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11A quiet, established suburb with numerous parks
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and a beach just a short stroll away,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17it could've been the ideal environment for Vicky's wellbeing.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22This four-bedroom family home offered the open-plan living
0:09:22 > 0:09:25the O'Connors were looking for, but someone seemed
0:09:25 > 0:09:27confused by Aussie-style housing.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Does it only have a bottom half?
0:09:31 > 0:09:34"Does it only have a bottom half?" You mean, is it a bungalow?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36THEY ALL LAUGH
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Oh, wow!
0:09:40 > 0:09:43It's very different. So much space.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Separate bath, separate shower. Perfect.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48This house was proving a hit,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52and Vicky was impressed by the space in the master bedroom.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Look at the size of the wardrobes.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57But she'd also spotted a problem.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00There's no en-suite and the bathroom's miles away.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03It's just not very practical for me, physically, is it?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06The fact that there seems to be adequate wardrobe space
0:10:06 > 0:10:10for most of Australia, we could put an en-suite in.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12I think that would work.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Problem solved.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Oh, my word!
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Outdoors was perfect for relaxing in the sun.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- The pool's amazing, but look at that view.- I know.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Yeah. It's absolutely perfect for you. You don't have to go anywhere.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- LAUGHING:- Yeah.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- It's all here.- I've got my own spa resort right here.- Yeah.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- OK, let's buy it.- OK.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35The house was very nearly perfect for Vicky's needs.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38But was it somewhere the O'Connors could
0:10:38 > 0:10:41afford on their £275,000 budget?
0:10:42 > 0:10:46I think, personally, this is going to be beyond our budget.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48I think you're probably right.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Go on.- Go on, Imogen, turn it over. - Show us what it's like.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56It was £10,500 under budget.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Wow. It makes the dream a reality, doesn't it?
0:11:00 > 0:11:03It does. It means that, do you know what, we can...
0:11:03 > 0:11:04- IMOGEN:- Are we buying this?
0:11:04 > 0:11:08..get what we've got at home, plus the weather and,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- more importantly, your health. - Yeah. Gosh.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17With the day off to a positive start,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19next stop was a suburb of Woodcroft.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Around a 45-minute drive south of Adelaide,
0:11:22 > 0:11:26it was a little further from the beaches than the first property, but
0:11:26 > 0:11:30the area offered a good choice of schools for Grace, Jacob and Imogen.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33So did this spacious, open-plan,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36five-bedroom house suit the family's needs?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- OK. This I like.- Yeah.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44It's very fresh, very minimalistic, it's perfect.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46It was a promising start.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49This is a perfect cooking area.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52And Vicky noticed another benefit.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Everything is on one level.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56The home's layout was ideal.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59And the spacious bedrooms didn't disappoint either.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- It has one of those sliding doors! - It has built-in wardrobes.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03How exciting.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Oh, my goodness, look at the size of the shower!
0:12:08 > 0:12:09This is really good.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13This home was a hit and the pool seemed to seal the deal.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- A lot of advantages. - I love it.- Yeah.- When can we move?
0:12:18 > 0:12:19- GRACE:- Tomorrow.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22This house could have been the perfect home,
0:12:22 > 0:12:28but only if the price fell within the family's £275,000 budget.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32I'd say you're probably looking nearer the £300,000 mark.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I think it's going to be outside our budget.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36I think this is going to be over our budget.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Although, I'm obviously praying it's not.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- Oh!- Ooh.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47That was £23,000 over budget.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It is outside our budget, but it's not that far out.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53It's completely obtainable.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57I think...if Dad gets a good job, then we can make it happen.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Last stop of the day was what we thought could've been
0:13:06 > 0:13:09the family's dream home. It was in Aberfoyle Park.
0:13:09 > 0:13:1312 miles south of the city centre, it had recently been voted
0:13:13 > 0:13:16one of the most family-friendly suburbs in Adelaide.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20This five-bedroom property should have met the O'Connors'
0:13:20 > 0:13:24hopes for a perfect home. But did it?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- Whoa!- Oh, my word!
0:13:26 > 0:13:30The kitchen's completely practical. It's lovely.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Absolutely.- Really good, isn't it?
0:13:32 > 0:13:34I know what this reminds me of - it's a spa.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Where you have your sitting area and you're looking out over the pool.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Upstairs, the bedrooms impressed.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Spacious.- OK. - I love the big windows.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47My gosh, it just goes on and on and on.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Can't really call that an en-suite. This is like an en-Jacuzzi.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Mm. En-Jacuzzi, that's a new one.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56This is a good, big space, isn't it?
0:13:56 > 0:13:58What is this supposed to be?
0:13:58 > 0:14:03This house was HUGE. And Vicky was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- I think it's too much.- Yeah.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08But did outdoors improve matters?
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- I think the garden is my favourite bit of the house.- Yeah.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16An abundance of space meant this house hadn't quite hit the mark,
0:14:16 > 0:14:22but was it within reach anyway of the family's £275,000 budget?
0:14:22 > 0:14:24I think this is going to be over our budget.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27It's probably going to be about 350, I'd have thought.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32That was £48,000 over budget,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35but the family weren't overly disappointed.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37One of the ideas of moving to Oz was
0:14:37 > 0:14:40so that we spend more family time together,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43not so that everyone is off in their own separate rooms
0:14:43 > 0:14:44or on their own separate floor.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Just not for the O'Connor family.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It had been a mixed bag when it came to house-hunting.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54Property one was a little bit of paradise and well within reach.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57House two was perfect for Vicky's needs
0:14:57 > 0:15:00and possibly worth stretching the budget for.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04But the scale of the third house was too much, as was the price.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07So when it came to homes down under,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10did the family vote Australia or the UK?
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Based on the properties we've seen today, we are going to hold for...
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Australia.- Australia.- UK.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29The houses in Australia, they haven't impressed me enough.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31I prefer the ones back home.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33The reason I chose Australia is
0:15:33 > 0:15:35because you get a lot more house for your money.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38And the houses we have seen today have exceeded our expectations,
0:15:38 > 0:15:39- haven't they?- Yeah.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50With almost everyone voting for Australia, Vicky's hopes for
0:15:50 > 0:15:54a new and healthier life down under were well under starter's orders.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56But being able to afford a move
0:15:56 > 0:16:00depended on Gavin having the right job prospects.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Back in the UK,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06he'd been a full-time carer for Vicky for the past six years.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08But to supplement the family income,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11he'd started his own mobile car-repair business,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14working from home on a part-time basis.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16I'm a qualified mechanic.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22I trained from when I left school at 16, got my qualifications.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26A move to Australia would have meant a return to full-time work,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29with Vicky going back to her role as a full-time mum.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Without the money, you can't live, you can't buy a house,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35you can't put food on the table.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40For Vicky, a move couldn't come at just any cost.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44We can't leave one country to try and help our situation
0:16:44 > 0:16:50- and then me be really well out there but you not be happy.- That's true.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- So it has to be the right job. - Yep.- As well.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57As the potential sole earner in Australia,
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Gavin knew the pressure was on.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02The bottom line is, if I can't get the right job earning
0:17:02 > 0:17:05the right money, then we can't go because we can't afford to live.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Gavin's ability to find the right job with the right salary
0:17:11 > 0:17:14would be crucial if the O'Connors were to live
0:17:14 > 0:17:17the family life they were hoping for.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20We arranged for Gavin to visit a car-repair garage
0:17:20 > 0:17:24on the outskirts of Adelaide, where he met owner Peter Axford.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25Straightaway,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Gavin was keen to know how the motor industry was faring in the city.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Car sales are booming. Record highs.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- A good mechanic is still in demand, yeah.- OK.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37What's the average working hours you expect?
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- In here, we work 37.5 hours per week.- Mm-hmm.- 8.30 to 5.00.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46No weekends. And it's just a pretty relaxed style of work.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50In some industries, that's classed as part-time. So, yeah.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52THEY LAUGH
0:17:52 > 0:17:56It was sounding good. So what were Gavin's chances of getting a job?
0:17:56 > 0:18:00I don't think someone with your qualifications would have any
0:18:00 > 0:18:02real drama finding a job.
0:18:03 > 0:18:04That sounds positive.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Across town to find out about Australian education,
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Vicky and the children paid a visit to Westbourne Park Primary School,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15where they met Deputy Principal Tara Hendry.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Grace had started senior school in the UK,
0:18:18 > 0:18:22but in Australia, she'd be back at a primary.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24She was keen to find out how that would affect her.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- This is our final year of school.- Mm.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30It's actually Year Six in other states, but South Australia
0:18:30 > 0:18:33still has Year Seven. So that's where you would be, Grace.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36And Jacob had a question too.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38What is the uniform like?
0:18:38 > 0:18:40We really like kids to be active so, you know, there is
0:18:40 > 0:18:44just a polo shirt and you can wear trackies or shorts.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46It's very comfortable.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Back at the garage, Gavin had built up to the big question.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Somebody with my experience and qualifications,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55what would I expect to earn in a place like this?
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Having seen your CV, I would reckon somewhere around 1,000 mark.
0:18:59 > 0:19:031,000 a week was around £29,000 a year,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07around a third more than Gavin earned back in the UK.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10But could he have increased his earnings even more
0:19:10 > 0:19:13if he were to start his own mobile repair business down under?
0:19:15 > 0:19:19It would take time, as you know, to build a business, but ultimately,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21I think if you persevered, it could be quite a good income.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Financial security had been a key concern for Gavin.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28So had today helped put his mind at ease?
0:19:28 > 0:19:34I feel quite confident that I can find work within Australia.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36More than confident I can do the work.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40So when it came to the vote, was it home or away?
0:19:40 > 0:19:45Based on what I've seen today about work, my vote will go to...
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Australia.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54If I can get a job that I can work the right hours,
0:19:54 > 0:19:59still support Vicky, still support what goes on at home,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03and it aids Vicky's recovery, then it is a no-brainer.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09At the end of a busy day, the family caught up to compare notes.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- How are you?- Good, thank you. How was it?- Excellent.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- We spoke about what money can be earned.- Mm.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19It's perhaps a little bit lower than what we had hoped,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23but I think the money is more in the mobile mechanic side of things.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25OK. I'm really pleased you enjoyed it, though,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27cos you were a bit nervous about how it was all going to go down.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Excellent. Well done. So proud of you.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42A move down under for the O'Connors
0:20:42 > 0:20:44was all about improving Vicky's health,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48so the whole family could lead a full and active lifestyle.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51With Vicky's condition possibly improved by Australia's warm
0:20:51 > 0:20:55climate, there was nothing better than a day out in the Australian
0:20:55 > 0:20:59sunshine to give everyone a taste of how their future life could look.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05First up was a leisurely cruise
0:21:05 > 0:21:08along Adelaide's iconic River Torrens.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Time spent in the Aussie sunshine had worked wonders for Vicky.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24She was no longer sitting on the sidelines...
0:21:24 > 0:21:26and couldn't quite believe it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31I feel amazing this week. My pain levels are down.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Better than they've been in...ever, really.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39My life's routine that has been the same for ages and ages and ages
0:21:39 > 0:21:42has now changed within the matter of a few days.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45And all I've done is sort of move country.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47SHE LAUGHS
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Grace and Jacob felt they had their mum back.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53If Mum could participate like this every day, I think
0:21:53 > 0:21:55life would just be so much better.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- Yeah.- And it would be happier for us.- It would.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59It would definitely be so much better.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03It's just been fantastic. It's like having Vicky back again.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06I've been given a glimpse of what it could be like.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08And I love it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11And I want more of it. And I think Australia can do that.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15It had been an inspiring day for the family, so was it a done deal
0:22:15 > 0:22:19when it came to choosing between lifestyle in the UK and Australia?
0:22:21 > 0:22:25Based on what we've seen today with our lifestyle choices,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27family O'Connor are going to vote...
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- ALL:- Australia.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Are we all...? Oh, wow! OK.- Excellent!
0:22:40 > 0:22:44You can just enjoy everything that's in the parks
0:22:44 > 0:22:46because the weather is not rubbish.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50There's so much you can do without it costing you a fortune.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52I chose Oz mainly because
0:22:52 > 0:22:54I'm well enough to enjoy what we've done today.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57So that's a real big thing for me.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06The O'Connors were within touching distance
0:23:06 > 0:23:10of the happier, healthier life they'd been dreaming of for decades.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14But how would the cost of living in Australia compare to the UK?
0:23:14 > 0:23:17They started with the weekly grocery shop.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22£24.73 more per week in Australia.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25£100 a month wouldn't break the bank.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Moving onto the bigger bills,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30the couple's mortgage payments would have been cheaper in Australia.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Adding up their outgoings, they discovered...
0:23:33 > 0:23:38A whole £49.26. Right.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42I thought it was going to be a lot more than that. I really did.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Spending £600 more a year wasn't a deal-breaker,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49but the couple would have had a lower income in Australia.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Vicky wouldn't receive the disability allowance
0:23:51 > 0:23:53she did in the UK,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55so what was the overall financial picture?
0:23:56 > 0:23:59So, we're actually worse off living in Australia
0:23:59 > 0:24:02by £986.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05The couple calculated they'd be over £12,000 worse off
0:24:05 > 0:24:07every year down under,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10but Vicky was determined not to be defeated.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14See, I look at that and I just think,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16"Well, that's cool cos I'm going to be well in Australia,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18"so then that'll be my job."
0:24:18 > 0:24:19- SHE LAUGHS - Won't it?
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Gavin, however, couldn't laugh off such a large deficit.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Really, I need to look at earning an extra £12,000 a year
0:24:27 > 0:24:29to break even.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34So, after examining their finances, how did the couple vote?
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Based on our reality check today, we are going to vote for...
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- Australia.- UK.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Purely based on the figures that we've seen today.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I think the trouble is
0:24:48 > 0:24:51I've looked at it in a different way.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55And because I've been so much better since I've been here,
0:24:55 > 0:24:59the thought of going back to the UK is nonexistent in my head.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Vicky was still optimistic,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10but there was no denying the figures were a real set back.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14If Gavin wasn't fully on board, any move was in jeopardy.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17And there was one more hurdle to overcome,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20as Vicky faced coming to terms with leaving the family and friends
0:25:20 > 0:25:23who had supported her over the past few years.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Grace chose not to watch the DVD,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32so the rest of the family sat down together
0:25:32 > 0:25:34to watch messages from home.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- ALL:- Hi, guys.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40Hi, Vicky. Hi, Gav. Hi, kids. I hope you're having an amazing time
0:25:40 > 0:25:41and, Vicky, you're feeling well.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45Hi, everyone. Hope you're having a good time over there.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48They're a very close family.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Mum's in tears already.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52And the children are everything to Vicky and Gavin.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Grace is very self-assured.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- Jacob's full of energy. - THEY LAUGH
0:25:58 > 0:26:00He just buzzes constantly.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04And little Imogen, she's a very determined free spirit.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I'm not little.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08You can't put a cost on your health,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11um, and all Vicky wants is to feel better.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14True friends want the best for their friends and that's it.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18They've got this opportunity, and you always back your children.
0:26:18 > 0:26:24I feel sad because, obviously, I'll miss Vicky.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26I'll miss the children more.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28It's just having them around.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Well, Gavin, it's your choice.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33It's up to you now.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37We'll back you whatever you decide.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42And if you want to go with it, go, cos we want you to go and be happy.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49It's really, really difficult because I can either stay in England
0:26:49 > 0:26:51and not upset people
0:26:51 > 0:26:54or I can move out here and be healthy.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00The O'Connors had arrived in Australia
0:27:00 > 0:27:02hoping it would transform their family life,
0:27:02 > 0:27:06but while Vicky had felt the health benefits down under had to offer,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08the financial cost of a move
0:27:08 > 0:27:10threatened to be too big a burden for Gavin.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16As the family's final vote approached,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18where their future lay was still uncertain.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24What I've gained in the last five days is completely priceless,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27and to give me back my role as mum and wife,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29this is what I need to be doing.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Gavin had been overcome by the positive impact
0:27:33 > 0:27:35the Aussie climate had had on his wife.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38This week's been incredible.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42It's great to see Vicky up and about playing with the children.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45What I've seen of Vicky, I haven't seen for a long, long time.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Australia could have changed the shape of the family's future,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51but it would have come at a cost.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53By moving to Australia, we lose the security of the house,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55lose the security of the business,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58and, yeah, we've worked hard for what we've got.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00We're effectively placing it all on this.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And Gavin wasn't the only one with concerns.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07The only thing that would bother me going to Australia
0:28:07 > 0:28:12would be that I would miss my friends and family.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Vicky knew, for the move to happen,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18every family member needed to be on board.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21This decision will impact, you know, our children's lives
0:28:21 > 0:28:23for the rest of their lives,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26but we've also got to make sure it's the right decision for them.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I think, overall, I think I know what we're going to vote for,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32but I think there may be some surprises.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34If there's a split in the vote at the end,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37then, you know, it's a no-go.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40It was time for the family
0:28:40 > 0:28:43to decide on which side of the world their future lay.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Would Gavin put his financial fears aside?
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Were the O'Connors destined for a new life in Australia?
0:28:50 > 0:28:52We've had a brilliant week in Australia.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55It's been really great. So, now we vote for...
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- ALL:- Australia!
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- THEY CHEER - Yes! Full house!
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Well done, O'Connors. High-five.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Jacob, why did you choose Australia?
0:29:14 > 0:29:19I chose Australia because the beach really changed my mind.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21You can just literally relax.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Immy, why did you choose Oz?
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- Same as Jacob.- Same as Jacob? Cos of the nice, sandy beaches?
0:29:27 > 0:29:30I chose Oz because I just prefer the houses,
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- and the fact that you were well, and the beaches.- Aw!
0:29:36 > 0:29:38I chose Australia because I feel that
0:29:38 > 0:29:41this is a better lifestyle for us, for our family,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45to find that Vicky is so much better here.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50The family time we've had here in the last few days has been much...
0:29:50 > 0:29:54We've had much more time together than we have had in the UK for ages.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56So, yeah, it just feels like home.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11It had been an unforgettable week for the O'Connors.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Despite an element of financial risk,
0:30:14 > 0:30:17seeing the family life they could be leading down under
0:30:17 > 0:30:21had convinced everyone Australia should be their new home.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25So, a year after their week in Adelaide,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27is the city where they now call home?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32It's 2015 and the O'Connors are living in...
0:30:34 > 0:30:35..Australia.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Vicky was over the moon when her family voted for a new life
0:30:40 > 0:30:43on the other side of the world.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46To get five votes for Australia, it was kind of really key for us
0:30:46 > 0:30:49because it means that the children were all on board with it.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51They'd enjoyed their trial week,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53and they could see a future for us in Australia,
0:30:53 > 0:30:56and that was crucial in the decision-making.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- They're nice.- Is it good?- Mm.
0:30:59 > 0:31:04Their trial week had seen a marked improvement in Vicky's health.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06She arrived in a wheelchair and throughout the week,
0:31:06 > 0:31:09you could see her getting more mobility.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12She cooked dinner. She was driving. She did everything.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15You know, as a family, we did it as a family of five,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17not a family of four and an onlooker.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18It was an eye-opener.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21It gave us a glimpse of sort of what I could be like.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25I do remember you saying to me, "I've got my wife back."
0:31:25 > 0:31:28It had been about seven or eight years since the accident happened
0:31:28 > 0:31:29and it was just like,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32"I just don't want this to end. This is great."
0:31:32 > 0:31:34And the whole family benefited as a result.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39During the trial week, it was really good to see my mum up
0:31:39 > 0:31:44and ready and waiting to go to anywhere we were going.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46By the end of their trial week,
0:31:46 > 0:31:50the family stayed on in Australia to explore the country further,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53and they didn't have to wait long before the pieces for a move
0:31:53 > 0:31:55began to fall into place.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58We went on a road trip to Sydney,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02and we received a phone call from the recruitment agency
0:32:02 > 0:32:04saying that he does have a job available for me.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08We'd been trying to work out what visa, how we can get in
0:32:08 > 0:32:11and effectively, one phone call,
0:32:11 > 0:32:13it's just been handed to us on a plate.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16It was a real shock when he got the phone call offering him the job
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and the permanent sponsorship to go with it
0:32:19 > 0:32:22because initially, we were looking at coming over
0:32:22 > 0:32:25on a temporary work visa, and to be offered this straight up
0:32:25 > 0:32:28was nothing short of miraculous, was it?
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Mm. Absolutely.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Excited about their fresh start,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35the long journey back to the UK wasn't an easy one.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Grace and Vicky really just didn't want to get on the plane,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41but it was something they knew they had to do.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I cried for about an hour and a half on the flight home
0:32:44 > 0:32:47because I desperately didn't want to leave.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Once home, the family started preparing to make the move,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54but first, they had to break the news to family,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58including Vicky's mum, they'd soon be jetting off forever.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00It was really, really difficult
0:33:00 > 0:33:04because you're so, so excited about what's to come,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06but you have to take into consideration
0:33:06 > 0:33:08the feelings of others.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10We've got some work to do on the AFL skills.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12She was pleased on the outside,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15and inside, you could sort of see her heart breaking,
0:33:15 > 0:33:16so it was difficult.
0:33:18 > 0:33:19And more pain was to come.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Two months after landing back in the UK,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Vicky's health took a sudden downturn.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27I suffered a severe relapse,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31which led to me being mostly bedbound
0:33:31 > 0:33:35and using the wheelchair on a more permanent basis.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39It was very, very difficult not just because, obviously,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42you're chronically ill, but you're trying to make the most
0:33:42 > 0:33:45of the time that you have left in the UK.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48It made us more determined to make the move happen
0:33:48 > 0:33:51because we just kind of got to the point where we were like,
0:33:51 > 0:33:53"Look, we can either live like this
0:33:53 > 0:33:56"or we can move and have a far better life."
0:33:56 > 0:33:59OK, if you want to grab your bikes. Come on, Immy.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03But the deterioration couldn't have come at a worse time.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Vicky's medical for her visa was due.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Arriving for it,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10she knew the whole move would rest on the outcome.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14The doctor took my blood pressure first and it was sky-high.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Like, completely off the scale.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18And he left me alone for a few minutes
0:34:18 > 0:34:21and said, "Just sit there. Relax. Take a few deep breaths."
0:34:21 > 0:34:24And then I sort of had a conversation with myself
0:34:24 > 0:34:26and said, "Look, I'm not coming this far.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29"I'm not putting Gav through all of the assessments
0:34:29 > 0:34:31"that he's managed to pass so successfully
0:34:31 > 0:34:34"and failing on something as simple as a blood pressure."
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Look at them. They're having such a good time.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40And so I lay down on the bed
0:34:40 > 0:34:44and really just kind of concentrated on relaxing,
0:34:44 > 0:34:46and then the doctor came back ten minutes later
0:34:46 > 0:34:50and took the blood pressure and it was, thankfully, completely normal.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- All the family needed now... - Go on, Gav!
0:34:53 > 0:34:56..was to hear their visa had been granted.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00And when the news finally came, it was an emotional moment.
0:35:00 > 0:35:01I remember running up the stairs -
0:35:01 > 0:35:04I don't actually remember my feet touching the stairs -
0:35:04 > 0:35:06to tell Vicky we're going.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08It was just an unbelievable feeling.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10I think there was probably some tears as well.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14And then it was just, yeah, your face was aching
0:35:14 > 0:35:15because you were smiling so much.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19The move was on, and the family wasted no time
0:35:19 > 0:35:21getting rid of most of their belongings.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23From the minute that visa was granted, then that's it.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27The cars went up for sale, we started selling furniture off,
0:35:27 > 0:35:29booked the movers.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Basically, it was just full speed ahead.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35But one possession wasn't easy to shift.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Despite their house being on the market for months,
0:35:37 > 0:35:39it had failed to find a buyer.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43The house sale was probably the most frustrating thing
0:35:43 > 0:35:44of the whole entire process.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I was quite relaxed about waiting for the visas.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51We knew it was going to take time, but the house sale was definitely
0:35:51 > 0:35:54the most frustrating bit of the whole entire process.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55Woohoo!
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Finally, the house sold in January 2015.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05But when, four months later, the sale still hadn't completed,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08the family decided they just couldn't wait any longer.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11The house was taking a long, long time to complete,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13and it really shouldn't have done.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18Um, there were complications that were out of our control,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20but we decided to go anyway.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I think I'd come to the end of what I could deal with in the UK,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- hadn't I?- You had. - And I needed to get out.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- Hiya.- Hi.- I am going to have a number three on baguette, please.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34Leaving it for the last time, it was a real freeing experience.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36We'd had some wonderful, wonderful times there,
0:36:36 > 0:36:40but it was definitely the end of an era and time to move on.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44The family jetted off for their new life in May 2015,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47and landing in Adelaide made a real impression.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51As soon as we were off that plane, I thought, "Yes."
0:36:51 > 0:36:53There was no regrets.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57No sort of that knot in your stomach thinking, "What have I done?"
0:36:58 > 0:37:03Being wheeled down the ramp, I was just like, "This is home,"
0:37:03 > 0:37:05and there were more tears.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Arriving with no furniture meant kitting out their rental home
0:37:08 > 0:37:13was a priority, but luckily, neighbours came to the rescue.
0:37:13 > 0:37:14They said, "Oh, if you're moving in,
0:37:14 > 0:37:16"give us a shout if you need anything."
0:37:16 > 0:37:19And I sort of jokingly said, "Oh, my gosh. We need everything."
0:37:19 > 0:37:23And by the end of that day, we had a double queen-size bed,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27a sofa, a couple of TVs, dining room table and chairs,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29fridge/freezer, microwave.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34The generosity of people was remarkable.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38One month after they arrived,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41the family's UK house sale finally completed,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44and they wasted no time looking for a house to call their own.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48We viewed numerous properties.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51In fact, I think we spent every weekend we were here
0:37:51 > 0:37:53searching for properties.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55There was no touristy things or anything like that.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57It was all about house-hunting.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- This is the kitchen. - Lots of work surface.
0:38:01 > 0:38:02Plenty of room for wine
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- and wine glasses. - SHE LAUGHS
0:38:04 > 0:38:06While they'd finally found a dream home,
0:38:06 > 0:38:10on first viewing, it was clear it would need a lot of work.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12This is our dining area.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- It was awful. - SHE LAUGHS
0:38:15 > 0:38:20The inside, it smelt like nothing I've ever smelt before.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21It was just disgusting,
0:38:21 > 0:38:27but this house just ticked every single box that we needed.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Yeah, made it all a bit more open-plan.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33Her good health meant Vicky was able to supervise the renovations.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36It was nice to be able to take part in the renovating.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38I was able to help with the painting
0:38:38 > 0:38:40and, you know, just basically whatever I could.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42I think I did more of the organising,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46of getting the tradies in and the skip arriving at the right time,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49and to sort of project manage it from that point of view.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51This is my room.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I have my bed, my dresser and my desk.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57It's a lot bigger than my room in the UK.
0:38:57 > 0:38:58And, yeah, it's cool.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05This is just kind of like the cherry on top of everything, isn't it?
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Cos it's just beautiful up here.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10But there's still one element of work to be completed.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12The children are definitely looking forward
0:39:12 > 0:39:13to having a swimming pool,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16and the thought of coming home from school
0:39:16 > 0:39:19and jumping straight into the pool, finishing off with a barbecue,
0:39:19 > 0:39:24and that being normal, standard, everyday life is quite astonishing.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Quickly getting into a routine,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29the children embarked on their Australian education...
0:39:29 > 0:39:31When I started my new school,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33I was really nervous on the first day,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35but I made brilliant friends.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39..and haven't had any problems adjusting to their new lives.
0:39:39 > 0:39:45I'm glad that we moved to Australia because it's sunnier
0:39:45 > 0:39:50and I get to see the kangaroos and the koalas.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54Gavin's job as a garage supervisor is going well.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58I thoroughly enjoy my work here. The Australians are very friendly,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01and, yeah, it's something I really, really enjoy.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Look forward, each morning, coming to work.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05And after a tough start,
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Vicky's health is definitely on the up.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11I worked really hard in the first six weeks we were here
0:40:11 > 0:40:13and went from being sort of permanently in a wheelchair
0:40:13 > 0:40:16to being able to manage to do the school run,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18and most of the time, cook a meal
0:40:18 > 0:40:20for when Gav comes home from work as well,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23so things definitely improved greatly.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26It's really nice to see my mum finally up
0:40:26 > 0:40:30and driving and all that type of stuff.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Finding a local church has helped the O'Connors
0:40:34 > 0:40:38settle in to their new community and make friends.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- Hi. How are you?- Morning. - Have a good week?- Yes.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42Oh, that's great.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45We went to the church that we're now part of,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47and there were a few things that happened.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50The first day we were there - and I knew it was confirmation
0:40:50 > 0:40:52that this was the church we needed to be in -
0:40:52 > 0:40:55it was almost like walking back into family.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57They've settled in really well, and from what we can see anyway,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59they really seem to enjoy being part of us.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06They've been down under for just six months,
0:41:06 > 0:41:10but already, the O'Connors' lives have been transformed.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15The difference the move to Australia has made to the family
0:41:15 > 0:41:16is quite remarkable.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20We spend far more time outside, even if it's just in the garden.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24We spend less time inside than we ever have done before.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28After 20 years, the move's seen Vicky finally able
0:41:28 > 0:41:31to play an active role in family life.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34It does mean now that Vicky does have a life.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37It's almost like having a cheeky relationship
0:41:37 > 0:41:38with somebody else other than your wife
0:41:38 > 0:41:40because it's that different.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44It's like it's somebody else, but it's not. It's your wife.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48- Who's first?- Me!- OK, hold still.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49Now I feel part of the family
0:41:49 > 0:41:52rather than just standing on the outskirts
0:41:52 > 0:41:57viewing everything from, you know, that position.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Her improving health has already seen the family
0:42:00 > 0:42:02expand their horizons.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06October, we were fortunate enough to take a road trip to the Gold Coast.
0:42:06 > 0:42:11We decided we were going to drive the whole way there in one hit,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13which was a 24-hour drive,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16and that kind of reflects how my health is at the moment
0:42:16 > 0:42:19cos I would never have been able to do something like that a year ago.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22It just would have been unfathomable, wouldn't it?
0:42:22 > 0:42:26I have to say, the fact is, Vicky drove nearly as much as I drove,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and that's something that hasn't happened for years and years.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32For the O'Connors, there's no looking back.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Undoubtedly, without any question whatsoever,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38moving to Australia was completely the right thing for us to do.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41This is what happens to bad snowmen.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I've got my wife back, and she's a fantastic woman,
0:42:44 > 0:42:48great mother and a fantastic support.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50I mean, without Vicky,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52with her support and that, I mean, I don't think...
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I don't know where I'd be.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- You're not meant to make me cry. - THEY LAUGH
0:43:01 > 0:43:03They've not been there long,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07but it looks like the O'Connors' new life in Australia
0:43:07 > 0:43:10is off to a fantastic start.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13We wish them all a happy and healthy future
0:43:13 > 0:43:17as they continue to embark on their new lives down under.