Hooper Family

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04If you believed a warmer climate

0:00:04 > 0:00:06could give you back the family life

0:00:06 > 0:00:08you once knew,

0:00:08 > 0:00:11how far would you go to get what you wanted?

0:00:11 > 0:00:15For one mum, it could mean moving to the other side of the world.

0:00:17 > 0:00:18Hayley Hooper's ill-health

0:00:18 > 0:00:21has robbed her of being a mum to her two young children.

0:00:21 > 0:00:23I couldn't care for them, and it's...

0:00:25 > 0:00:27- SOBS:- ..one of the worst feelings in the world to me.

0:00:27 > 0:00:28Now she passionately believes

0:00:28 > 0:00:31moving to Australia will help turn things around.

0:00:31 > 0:00:34Being in a country where there is sun...

0:00:35 > 0:00:39..you know, 90% of the year, if not more, would, in my eyes, benefit me,

0:00:39 > 0:00:42which means it would benefit my children.

0:00:42 > 0:00:45But when a week down under shows the whole family the positive...

0:00:45 > 0:00:48She's, you know, got a bit of a lust for life again.

0:00:48 > 0:00:51..and negative effects of a potential move...

0:00:51 > 0:00:52I'm already getting emotional

0:00:52 > 0:00:54thinking that it's not going to work in our favour.

0:00:54 > 0:00:57..will the Hoopers decide their future lies at home or away?

0:00:57 > 0:01:01This is a leap of gigantic proportions.

0:01:01 > 0:01:04It's either England or Australia...

0:01:06 > 0:01:08..and it's really tricky to decide, isn't it?

0:01:30 > 0:01:33With one of the lowest population densities in the world,

0:01:33 > 0:01:37it's no surprise so many Brits flock to Australian shores every year

0:01:37 > 0:01:39in search of a better life.

0:01:39 > 0:01:43Today, the country has over one million UK-born residents,

0:01:43 > 0:01:45but the grass isn't always greener,

0:01:45 > 0:01:48and leaving everything you know half a world away

0:01:48 > 0:01:51can be a lot harder than you think.

0:01:51 > 0:01:53Suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,

0:01:53 > 0:01:56Hayley Hooper's spent the past few years

0:01:56 > 0:01:59struggling to cope with everyday life.

0:01:59 > 0:02:01Desperate for a fresh start,

0:02:01 > 0:02:03she believes Australia's warmer climate

0:02:03 > 0:02:07could dramatically change things for her whole family.

0:02:07 > 0:02:11Now, she has just one week to convince husband Phil

0:02:11 > 0:02:14relocating to the other side of the world

0:02:14 > 0:02:16really is the right move.

0:02:16 > 0:02:18Getting from the UK to Brisbane

0:02:18 > 0:02:21normally takes about 23 hours in the air,

0:02:21 > 0:02:23but for the Hoopers, a delay circling over Dubai

0:02:23 > 0:02:26has meant an especially arduous journey.

0:02:26 > 0:02:28It was long, it was very long.

0:02:28 > 0:02:30A lot worse than what I anticipated

0:02:30 > 0:02:31and not something

0:02:31 > 0:02:34that I really want to do back in a hurry, if I'm honest.

0:02:34 > 0:02:36Phil's already pointing the finger.

0:02:36 > 0:02:38I've said all the way in the last 30 hours,

0:02:38 > 0:02:39"This is all your fault, Hayley."

0:02:39 > 0:02:43The long flight's given Hayley plenty of time to think.

0:02:43 > 0:02:46I've dreamed it for so long that, now I'm actually here,

0:02:46 > 0:02:48I'm scared I've put it on too high a pedestal

0:02:48 > 0:02:50and it'll all come crashing down.

0:02:50 > 0:02:52Let's hope her fears are unfounded,

0:02:52 > 0:02:54as the family set out on a week

0:02:54 > 0:02:57which could determine the rest of their lives.

0:02:57 > 0:03:01The Hooper family are Mum, Hayley, Dad, Phil,

0:03:01 > 0:03:04Lewis, aged ten, and Amy, who's six.

0:03:04 > 0:03:06They live in Warwickshire in the West Midlands,

0:03:06 > 0:03:08along with Harley the rabbit.

0:03:08 > 0:03:10- You've had him on your lap, haven't you?- Yeah.

0:03:10 > 0:03:13- When he's clean.- Yeah, that's true.

0:03:13 > 0:03:17Hayley and Phil met 15 years ago at a kickboxing club.

0:03:17 > 0:03:19She was a physically fit person...

0:03:20 > 0:03:22..bubbly personality.

0:03:22 > 0:03:24But just four years into their marriage,

0:03:24 > 0:03:25things changed dramatically

0:03:25 > 0:03:28when complications with her first pregnancy

0:03:28 > 0:03:30left Hayley unable to walk.

0:03:30 > 0:03:33I was actually on crutches and within a wheelchair.

0:03:33 > 0:03:36Back problems, pelvis problems.

0:03:36 > 0:03:40You know, she was kind of bedridden for 15, 18 hours a day.

0:03:40 > 0:03:43Hayley's health improved after Lewis was born,

0:03:43 > 0:03:45but when she became pregnant again a few years later,

0:03:45 > 0:03:48the problem returned with a vengeance.

0:03:48 > 0:03:50I was in so much pain.

0:03:50 > 0:03:51Oh, God, it was horrendous.

0:03:51 > 0:03:53I just thought I couldn't cope with this any more.

0:03:53 > 0:03:55I wanted... I wanted to kill myself.

0:03:55 > 0:03:56With Hayley struggling,

0:03:56 > 0:04:00daughter Amy was born by Caesarean section four weeks early.

0:04:00 > 0:04:04I can still see her now, the little incubator,

0:04:04 > 0:04:07the hat on, gas and air in her

0:04:07 > 0:04:08and wires everywhere.

0:04:09 > 0:04:10Shortly after Amy was born,

0:04:10 > 0:04:13Hayley was diagnosed with ME

0:04:13 > 0:04:16and even the simplest tasks became monumental.

0:04:16 > 0:04:20There was one Christmas I overdid it with cooking

0:04:20 > 0:04:22just a Christmas dinner

0:04:22 > 0:04:25and I was then in bed for three months afterwards.

0:04:25 > 0:04:28Hayley feels her condition has robbed her children of their mother.

0:04:28 > 0:04:31I couldn't look after them. I couldn't care for them.

0:04:31 > 0:04:33And that's...

0:04:33 > 0:04:35one of the worst feelings in the world to me.

0:04:35 > 0:04:37It's beyond her control.

0:04:37 > 0:04:40Because it puts pressure on both of us, I get quite angry about it,

0:04:40 > 0:04:42angry of the fact that she's got it

0:04:42 > 0:04:44and the fact that we can't always deal with it

0:04:44 > 0:04:47as we'd want to and have the life that we want to.

0:04:47 > 0:04:49In an attempt to keep her health in check,

0:04:49 > 0:04:51Hayley has regular visits to an osteopath.

0:04:52 > 0:04:55I do find it very beneficial.

0:04:55 > 0:04:56If I'm down with the ME,

0:04:56 > 0:04:58I tend to find my body reacts,

0:04:58 > 0:05:01and I get a lot of pain from that, joint aches and pains,

0:05:01 > 0:05:05so he kind of keeps my body on the straight and narrow, you might say!

0:05:05 > 0:05:08But family holidays to Spain have convinced her

0:05:08 > 0:05:12her health could be even better living in the sunshine.

0:05:12 > 0:05:14Whenever I'm in the sun over there, I'm a different person.

0:05:14 > 0:05:16You know, I can go swimming every day with the kids,

0:05:16 > 0:05:18and it doesn't affect me.

0:05:18 > 0:05:23In the summer, my mum always seems a bit more boosted, I suppose,

0:05:23 > 0:05:27and happy and well and able to do more things.

0:05:27 > 0:05:30I mean, my doctor has even said, turned round to me and went,

0:05:30 > 0:05:32"You know, can't you move to a warmer country?"

0:05:32 > 0:05:34He said, "It would do you so much better."

0:05:34 > 0:05:36Longing for a fresh start,

0:05:36 > 0:05:39Hayley's now desperate to uproot her family

0:05:39 > 0:05:41and move halfway across the world to Australia.

0:05:41 > 0:05:44So, obviously, being in a country where there is sun

0:05:44 > 0:05:46in 90% of the year, if not more,

0:05:46 > 0:05:48would, in my eyes, benefit me,

0:05:48 > 0:05:51which means it will benefit my children.

0:05:51 > 0:05:53But Phil's not convinced.

0:05:53 > 0:05:56The sunshine factor is a big thing in Hayley's mind.

0:05:57 > 0:06:00It remains to be seen whether that really is the case.

0:06:02 > 0:06:04Having got things on an even keel at home,

0:06:04 > 0:06:07he feels the move could set them back again.

0:06:07 > 0:06:12We've just reached the stage where you're not in bed 18 hours a day.

0:06:12 > 0:06:14I really don't want to go back to that sort of time.

0:06:14 > 0:06:17Amy and Lewis aren't sure, either.

0:06:17 > 0:06:21I would like to go to go on holiday, but I wouldn't fancy moving there,

0:06:21 > 0:06:25because I'd miss everybody that I know.

0:06:25 > 0:06:27I'm sort of on the fence.

0:06:27 > 0:06:30I'm worried about leaving our circle of help and family and friends,

0:06:30 > 0:06:34but I do know that it might be a better future in Australia,

0:06:34 > 0:06:36better for health.

0:06:36 > 0:06:39So it might be worth giving it a go.

0:06:39 > 0:06:42Having managed to regain some control in her life,

0:06:42 > 0:06:45Hayley's determined not to lose it again.

0:06:45 > 0:06:48For years, I couldn't do anything...

0:06:49 > 0:06:53..and now I can again, and I'm not letting it pass me by.

0:06:53 > 0:06:58For his wife's sake, Phil has agreed to a trial week down under.

0:06:58 > 0:07:01As much as I'm scared of the prospect of it all...

0:07:02 > 0:07:04..I know we've got to give it a shot.

0:07:04 > 0:07:07And Hayley's pinning all her hopes on Australia

0:07:07 > 0:07:09being the place she can become the mum

0:07:09 > 0:07:12she so desperately wants to be.

0:07:12 > 0:07:14I don't want to be sitting on the sidelines,

0:07:14 > 0:07:17watching in, while somebody else plays cars on the floor with them

0:07:17 > 0:07:22or you know, teaches them to ride a bike.

0:07:22 > 0:07:24I don't want to be on the sidelines.

0:07:24 > 0:07:26I want to be in there with them, doing it.

0:07:26 > 0:07:28That's, for me, my dream.

0:07:34 > 0:07:38The Hoopers are spending their trial week in Queensland.

0:07:38 > 0:07:40Their temporary home is a four-bedroomed property

0:07:40 > 0:07:42at the northern end of the Gold Coast.

0:07:42 > 0:07:44First impressions are good.

0:07:44 > 0:07:45Wow!

0:07:46 > 0:07:49It's pretty much the only thing you can say really, isn't it?

0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Wow!- Wow.

0:07:51 > 0:07:52Look at this!

0:07:52 > 0:07:55It's their first taste of an Aussie home,

0:07:55 > 0:07:57and they're definitely not disappointed.

0:07:57 > 0:08:00It's... Can't quite take it all in, to be honest.

0:08:00 > 0:08:02Wowzers. Look at this!

0:08:02 > 0:08:03This ain't real, surely.

0:08:03 > 0:08:06Outdoors, Hayley's lost for words.

0:08:06 > 0:08:08I don't think there's anything...

0:08:08 > 0:08:10The only way you can.

0:08:12 > 0:08:16The location, the layout, the pool, everything, it's just like, yeah,

0:08:16 > 0:08:17this would be the dream.

0:08:17 > 0:08:20The long journey's already a distant memory for Phil.

0:08:20 > 0:08:22That's just one day, isn't it, of travelling,

0:08:22 > 0:08:23to be somewhere like this.

0:08:23 > 0:08:26The whole family are impressed.

0:08:26 > 0:08:28I'm speechless, put it that way.

0:08:28 > 0:08:31I think it's a really nice place.

0:08:31 > 0:08:33She's only been here a few hours,

0:08:33 > 0:08:37but Hayley's already feeling the benefits of the southern hemisphere.

0:08:37 > 0:08:40I had a lot of pain on the plane, but since being here,

0:08:40 > 0:08:43it has eased, you know. So far, so good.

0:08:43 > 0:08:45Hayley's in seventh heaven,

0:08:45 > 0:08:48but Phil's keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground.

0:08:48 > 0:08:51Beautiful as this is, my first instinct is,

0:08:51 > 0:08:52we can't afford this!

0:08:52 > 0:08:55He's prepared to keep an open mind, though.

0:08:55 > 0:08:58If there's a possibility that I could find a job out here,

0:08:58 > 0:08:59and we could find a property like this,

0:08:59 > 0:09:02then it would make the decision a whole lot easier,

0:09:02 > 0:09:04because this is just incredible.

0:09:04 > 0:09:08Such enthusiasm is encouraging for Hayley,

0:09:08 > 0:09:11but the positive note will have to continue in the next few days

0:09:11 > 0:09:13if she's to get the fresh start she's craving.

0:09:18 > 0:09:22Back in the UK, the Hoopers live in a four-bedroom semi

0:09:22 > 0:09:24in the town of Bedworth near Coventry.

0:09:24 > 0:09:29We've got a decent-sized house, really, in the UK.

0:09:29 > 0:09:32It's a slightly larger than average-sized kitchen,

0:09:32 > 0:09:33which is what I love about it,

0:09:33 > 0:09:35because I love my baking.

0:09:35 > 0:09:39We'd like something of a similar nature in Australia, really.

0:09:39 > 0:09:40Bigger bedrooms would be nice,

0:09:40 > 0:09:42cos as much as we've got lots of downstairs space,

0:09:42 > 0:09:44the upstairs is a little bit tight.

0:09:44 > 0:09:47Their property boasts a good-sized garden,

0:09:47 > 0:09:50something they wouldn't want to give up in Australia.

0:09:50 > 0:09:53- We'd want the same at the very least, wouldn't we?- Yeah.

0:09:53 > 0:09:56Finding the right family home is a must for a move.

0:09:56 > 0:09:58It would almost be a deal-breaker.

0:09:58 > 0:10:00If I'm going to go somewhere to have a good lifestyle, you know,

0:10:00 > 0:10:03downsizing isn't on the cards.

0:10:03 > 0:10:08The Hoopers have a budget of £220,000 for a home down under.

0:10:08 > 0:10:09To give them an idea

0:10:09 > 0:10:11of what their money could buy on the Gold Coast,

0:10:11 > 0:10:13we'll show them three properties -

0:10:13 > 0:10:15two close to budget

0:10:15 > 0:10:19and one which should be everything they want in a dream home.

0:10:19 > 0:10:20The search begins in Coomera.

0:10:20 > 0:10:2234 miles south of Brisbane,

0:10:22 > 0:10:26the residential suburb offers good value for money.

0:10:26 > 0:10:27Situated opposite a park

0:10:27 > 0:10:30and within walking distance of a new shopping centre,

0:10:30 > 0:10:32this four-bedroom family home

0:10:32 > 0:10:35could be just what the Hoopers are looking for.

0:10:35 > 0:10:36What do we think?

0:10:36 > 0:10:38Don't know. I can't see for the fence.

0:10:39 > 0:10:41Lovely quiet area, though.

0:10:41 > 0:10:45Once inside, first impressions are lacklustre, to say the least.

0:10:46 > 0:10:48I want to love it.

0:10:48 > 0:10:50But it's not catching me just yet.

0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Just don't like the layout.- No.

0:10:54 > 0:10:58A door in the open-plan living area reveals potential.

0:10:58 > 0:11:00OK. Wasn't expecting that.

0:11:00 > 0:11:04- That's a big garage.- Well, that's a pleasant surprise.

0:11:04 > 0:11:07You could probably convert it to quite a good annexe

0:11:07 > 0:11:09or something for family for coming over.

0:11:09 > 0:11:11The garage opens onto a back yard,

0:11:11 > 0:11:13but it's not what Hayley's been dreaming of.

0:11:13 > 0:11:17You'd almost see this maybe more as the front of the house,

0:11:17 > 0:11:18but without a front door.

0:11:18 > 0:11:20You drive in, and then you're in the house.

0:11:20 > 0:11:24Back indoors, the upstairs space proves pleasing.

0:11:24 > 0:11:26Oh, it's a nice big landing, isn't it?

0:11:26 > 0:11:28It surprised me. I didn't expect it

0:11:28 > 0:11:31to be quite this big upstairs, to be honest.

0:11:31 > 0:11:34It's bigger than downstairs.

0:11:34 > 0:11:36The master bedroom's a decent fit.

0:11:36 > 0:11:39In terms of space, it's a bit more than what we've got.

0:11:39 > 0:11:40It is good.

0:11:40 > 0:11:41But Hayley's disappointed.

0:11:41 > 0:11:43It's just...

0:11:43 > 0:11:45- It's not grabbing you.- No.

0:11:45 > 0:11:48I think we're all in agreement with that, really, though, aren't we?

0:11:48 > 0:11:49Yeah.

0:11:50 > 0:11:54A small balcony overlooks a bijou garden.

0:11:54 > 0:11:57So, in effect, that is the only garden out there.

0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Yeah.- You'd rather have a bigger garden, would you?

0:11:59 > 0:12:01Our garden is massive, isn't it?

0:12:01 > 0:12:04The property isn't hitting the mark with the family,

0:12:04 > 0:12:06but is it somewhere they could afford to buy

0:12:06 > 0:12:09with their £220,000 budget?

0:12:09 > 0:12:14I wouldn't want to pay any more than £190,000.

0:12:14 > 0:12:15It may be more than that.

0:12:15 > 0:12:18It's a reasonable-sized property.

0:12:18 > 0:12:20Well, I think it probably will be quite expensive.

0:12:20 > 0:12:22So, are we going to have a look, then?

0:12:27 > 0:12:28Go on, then.

0:12:32 > 0:12:34It's within budget, but I wouldn't pay it.

0:12:34 > 0:12:36Phil's not put off, though.

0:12:36 > 0:12:40If we could find something similar size bedrooms-wise,

0:12:40 > 0:12:42but with a better layout downstairs,

0:12:42 > 0:12:46then that's encouraging, isn't it, really?

0:12:46 > 0:12:48I think there's better houses out there.

0:12:48 > 0:12:50- Hopefully.- Hopefully.

0:12:50 > 0:12:52Fingers crossed, Lewis.

0:12:52 > 0:12:55The next stop is in the suburb of Pacific Pines,

0:12:55 > 0:12:57a fast-growing, family-friendly area

0:12:57 > 0:13:00just a 40-minute commute from central Brisbane.

0:13:00 > 0:13:01It's this one here.

0:13:03 > 0:13:05Looks nice, doesn't it?

0:13:05 > 0:13:07Will this three-bedroom, two-bathroom family home

0:13:07 > 0:13:09offer more than the last?

0:13:09 > 0:13:11Thumbs up so far, I'd say.

0:13:11 > 0:13:14Yeah, it's definitely got that curb appeal, driving up to it.

0:13:14 > 0:13:15Yeah, this is, this is nice.

0:13:17 > 0:13:20The open-plan layout is much more to their liking.

0:13:20 > 0:13:23It's bright, it's got the room.

0:13:23 > 0:13:25It's a very large room,

0:13:25 > 0:13:28very spacious, and I think you could probably fit more than a TV

0:13:28 > 0:13:30and a couple of couches in here.

0:13:30 > 0:13:32Nice sales patter, Lewis.

0:13:32 > 0:13:35The kitchen's perfect for Hayley, too.

0:13:35 > 0:13:36This is big enough.

0:13:36 > 0:13:40It's got the oven that's a bit higher for me as well.

0:13:40 > 0:13:44The fact that it flows through does make it feel bigger.

0:13:44 > 0:13:45I could see myself in here.

0:13:45 > 0:13:48Her enthusiasm continues in the master bedroom.

0:13:48 > 0:13:50Ohh!

0:13:50 > 0:13:51Oh, that's nice.

0:13:51 > 0:13:55- And an en suite bathroom. - Oh, it's got the en suite, yeah.

0:13:55 > 0:13:56Yeah, looks good.

0:13:56 > 0:13:59Lewis has got his estate agent's cap on again.

0:13:59 > 0:14:02Quite easy to just get to sleep, I suppose, here.

0:14:02 > 0:14:07No bothering of trains or cars or anything really roaring past,

0:14:07 > 0:14:09waking you up in the middle of the night.

0:14:09 > 0:14:11Quiet. It's nice.

0:14:11 > 0:14:14I'd quite happily just move in now, I suppose.

0:14:14 > 0:14:17And he keeps going in the other bedrooms.

0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Mm!- Nice! Nice built-in wardrobe.

0:14:20 > 0:14:22This is a nice room.

0:14:22 > 0:14:24But there are only three bedrooms.

0:14:24 > 0:14:29- As a family as it is, really, the house is spot-on.- It's spot-on.

0:14:29 > 0:14:33But we'd like the fourth bedroom for people to come and visit.

0:14:33 > 0:14:35The outdoor area pleases...

0:14:35 > 0:14:37- That's a nice little patio area, isn't it?- Yeah.

0:14:37 > 0:14:38..then disappoints.

0:14:38 > 0:14:41But there's not really much room for these two to run around.

0:14:41 > 0:14:43Amy's not too concerned.

0:14:43 > 0:14:45I can still do cartwheels down here,

0:14:45 > 0:14:48and we can still play tennis, probably.

0:14:48 > 0:14:50But Dad's not convinced.

0:14:50 > 0:14:51If we could find something else like this

0:14:51 > 0:14:55with that little bit of extra space indoors and outdoors,

0:14:55 > 0:14:57but if this is over our budget,

0:14:57 > 0:14:59- then we've got problems, haven't we? - Yeah.

0:14:59 > 0:15:00Time to find out.

0:15:00 > 0:15:04The family's budget is £220,000.

0:15:04 > 0:15:07I'd probably say it's top-end of the budget, if not a little bit more.

0:15:07 > 0:15:09I would probably be expecting even more than that, maybe.

0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Do you think?- 230, 235?

0:15:11 > 0:15:14What do you say then, Lewis? Do you want to turn it over?

0:15:18 > 0:15:19Go on, then.

0:15:21 > 0:15:23Mm!

0:15:23 > 0:15:26That's just £1,000 over budget.

0:15:26 > 0:15:28Pleasantly surprised.

0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Although that's the top-end of our budget...- Mm.

0:15:31 > 0:15:33..if we can get something that ticks all the boxes,

0:15:33 > 0:15:36then we'd have to push ourselves to get that.

0:15:36 > 0:15:38Yeah. No, that's encouraging to see.

0:15:38 > 0:15:41Pleased with that, yeah, definitely.

0:15:41 > 0:15:43With the family encouraged by the price,

0:15:43 > 0:15:44it's time to move on

0:15:44 > 0:15:48to what we think could be the Hoopers' dream home.

0:15:48 > 0:15:50It's also in Pacific Pines.

0:15:50 > 0:15:53With four bedrooms, it should have the space they're looking for,

0:15:53 > 0:15:55but will they agree?

0:15:55 > 0:15:57Oh, that looks nice.

0:15:59 > 0:16:01I've got a good feeling,

0:16:01 > 0:16:03but then, never judge a book by its cover, I suppose.

0:16:06 > 0:16:07That's what you call an entrance!

0:16:07 > 0:16:10A generous master bedroom's just off the hallway.

0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Oh, wow.- Wow!

0:16:12 > 0:16:13- Wow!- It's huge!

0:16:14 > 0:16:16This is space. This is spacious.

0:16:16 > 0:16:19There's no two ways about it, you know.

0:16:19 > 0:16:20Almost too big, I think.

0:16:20 > 0:16:22No! Disagree with you there.

0:16:23 > 0:16:26That's not an en suite. This is a fully-fledged bathroom.

0:16:26 > 0:16:28It's pretty swish, isn't it?

0:16:28 > 0:16:30Phil's impressed, but he's already worried

0:16:30 > 0:16:32the price might clean them out.

0:16:32 > 0:16:34I'm kind of counting it up as we go already, going, "Ka-ching,

0:16:34 > 0:16:36"there's 100,000!"

0:16:36 > 0:16:37THEY LAUGH

0:16:37 > 0:16:40Is this going to be the mother of all walk-in wardrobes?

0:16:43 > 0:16:45Oh, my life! How big?!

0:16:45 > 0:16:48Amy, it's your bedroom!

0:16:48 > 0:16:51It's fab, yeah, liking it, definitely liking it.

0:16:51 > 0:16:55A home cinema room's perfect for family time.

0:16:55 > 0:16:57Be great to sit here and have movie nights, wouldn't it?

0:16:57 > 0:17:01And Hayley's enchanted with the open-plan kitchen-diner.

0:17:01 > 0:17:02Oh, wow!

0:17:03 > 0:17:07I'm in heaven. All this space, Amy, eh?

0:17:07 > 0:17:10There's not anything you'd change in here at all, is there?

0:17:10 > 0:17:12You'd just go, "Move in."

0:17:12 > 0:17:16It's our sort of house, this is, isn't it, for definite?

0:17:16 > 0:17:19You know we won't be able to afford it, though.

0:17:19 > 0:17:23An undercover entertaining room is the ideal spot for relaxing.

0:17:23 > 0:17:25This is outdoor living, isn't it?

0:17:25 > 0:17:28- Yeah.- You can just imagine sitting here in the evening, having a drink.

0:17:28 > 0:17:30Yeah, I really like this area.

0:17:30 > 0:17:32And the pool's the icing on the cake.

0:17:32 > 0:17:35Wow, that's a deep pool.

0:17:35 > 0:17:37It does tick all the boxes, doesn't it?

0:17:37 > 0:17:39It does tick all the boxes.

0:17:39 > 0:17:42It's just how much is it going to be?

0:17:42 > 0:17:44This property is everything and more

0:17:44 > 0:17:46they could hope for in an Aussie home,

0:17:46 > 0:17:51but is it somewhere they can afford with £220,000 to spend?

0:17:56 > 0:17:58Shall we have a look, then, and see what the damage is?

0:18:00 > 0:18:01Ooh!

0:18:01 > 0:18:04It's £100,000 over budget.

0:18:04 > 0:18:06But Hayley's not too surprised.

0:18:06 > 0:18:08I would have to say, for the house for what it is,

0:18:08 > 0:18:10I would class that as good value.

0:18:10 > 0:18:12- It's just...- It's just we can't afford it.

0:18:12 > 0:18:15- Yeah!- Does the pool go?

0:18:15 > 0:18:17Does the fourth bedroom go

0:18:17 > 0:18:20to get down to a figure that we can manage?

0:18:20 > 0:18:22I know I've said I wouldn't compromise on things.

0:18:22 > 0:18:25But maybe I'll have to, if we really want to...

0:18:25 > 0:18:27I could dream about us living in a house like this.

0:18:27 > 0:18:30But to be honest, I can't really see it as reality.

0:18:30 > 0:18:33If Dad gets a good job, you never know.

0:18:33 > 0:18:35- Yeah, we can dream.- We can dream till then.

0:18:35 > 0:18:37It's all on you tomorrow.

0:18:37 > 0:18:38SHE LAUGHS

0:18:38 > 0:18:42The Hoopers have had highs and lows exploring homes on the Gold Coast.

0:18:42 > 0:18:45Property number one impressed upstairs,

0:18:45 > 0:18:47but downstairs fell short

0:18:47 > 0:18:48of the family space they wanted.

0:18:48 > 0:18:52The second house was more up their street, and affordable,

0:18:52 > 0:18:53but the lack of a fourth bedroom

0:18:53 > 0:18:56and limited outdoor space wasn't ideal.

0:18:57 > 0:19:00The final property was a show stopper,

0:19:00 > 0:19:02but a hefty price tag

0:19:02 > 0:19:04meant it could be beyond reach.

0:19:04 > 0:19:07So, when it comes to the vote, will it be home or away?

0:19:07 > 0:19:10Based on the properties we've seen today, our vote goes to...

0:19:21 > 0:19:23- Australia!- Undecided.

0:19:23 > 0:19:26It's kind of what I expected, to be honest.

0:19:26 > 0:19:28Me and you still together, Lewis.

0:19:28 > 0:19:30Why are you undecided, Amy?

0:19:30 > 0:19:33It doesn't feel right leaving our house.

0:19:33 > 0:19:34Fair enough, darling.

0:19:34 > 0:19:36I chose Australia

0:19:36 > 0:19:40because even though the last property was out of our price range,

0:19:40 > 0:19:41the second one was close enough,

0:19:41 > 0:19:44and I think if we get the right area,

0:19:44 > 0:19:47we can still have a really good property.

0:19:47 > 0:19:49And why did you choose Australia, then, Lewis?

0:19:49 > 0:19:51Similar reason to you.

0:19:51 > 0:19:54I'd agree with that, mostly, which is why I've said undecided.

0:19:54 > 0:19:56We need to do a bit more research.

0:19:56 > 0:19:58With the family split down the middle,

0:19:58 > 0:20:00Hayley's still got some way to go

0:20:00 > 0:20:03if the life she dreams of is ever to become a reality.

0:20:08 > 0:20:11Desperate for a fresh start for her family in Australia,

0:20:11 > 0:20:13Hayley knows if Phil can't be convinced

0:20:13 > 0:20:16he'll have good job prospects down under,

0:20:16 > 0:20:17they won't be going anywhere.

0:20:18 > 0:20:22Back in the UK, he's a systems analyst in information technology.

0:20:22 > 0:20:24Something I'd like to continue, if possible.

0:20:24 > 0:20:26It's my only real skill set.

0:20:26 > 0:20:28As the sole breadwinner, he knows the pressure's on.

0:20:28 > 0:20:30I do feel a great deal of responsibility.

0:20:30 > 0:20:33It's going to affect my life and three other lives.

0:20:33 > 0:20:36If I can't find the right job in the right area, then...

0:20:38 > 0:20:41..there's just no point in going.

0:20:41 > 0:20:42As Phil sets out to explore

0:20:42 > 0:20:45his chances of finding work on the Gold Coast,

0:20:45 > 0:20:47he's only too aware of what's at stake.

0:20:47 > 0:20:49I think Hayley's quite concerned today

0:20:49 > 0:20:51because I'm here on my own,

0:20:51 > 0:20:53and she wants to be the puppet master pulling the strings,

0:20:53 > 0:20:55and it's a bit beyond her control at the moment.

0:20:55 > 0:20:58So, I think she'll be quite anxious of what I say and what I find out.

0:20:58 > 0:21:01We've arranged for him to visit a local recruitment company

0:21:01 > 0:21:03where he's met by Ben Bawsey.

0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Hi, Phil. Ben.- Nice to meet you, Ben.

0:21:05 > 0:21:07- Welcome to the Gold Coast, mate. - Thanks very much.

0:21:07 > 0:21:08Come on through, we'll have a chat.

0:21:08 > 0:21:10Things get off to a positive start.

0:21:10 > 0:21:13I had a bit of a read over your CV before we caught up today.

0:21:13 > 0:21:15And there is some interesting crossover there.

0:21:15 > 0:21:17I definitely feel like you could find what you're looking for

0:21:17 > 0:21:19in the south-east Queensland area.

0:21:19 > 0:21:20That sounds good.

0:21:20 > 0:21:23If they do make the move down under,

0:21:23 > 0:21:26Phil would want a job in place before they left the UK.

0:21:26 > 0:21:28I've got to have that knowledge that I'm starting something,

0:21:28 > 0:21:30I can bring the family over.

0:21:30 > 0:21:33Not just jump in and then wondering where I'm going to work,

0:21:33 > 0:21:35where we're going to live.

0:21:35 > 0:21:37But it doesn't quite work that way on the Gold Coast.

0:21:37 > 0:21:39I know this is a big risk for you,

0:21:39 > 0:21:42but probably weighing up the possibility of moving out

0:21:42 > 0:21:45before securing a job, because it will just be very hard for them

0:21:45 > 0:21:47as far as your timelines are concerned.

0:21:47 > 0:21:50Trying to secure a job and then trying to give the notice

0:21:50 > 0:21:53- and then also the move over here which is huge.- Sure.

0:21:53 > 0:21:56It's not really what Phil wanted to hear.

0:21:56 > 0:21:58While he's been checking out job opportunities,

0:21:58 > 0:22:01Hayley and the children are doing some research, too.

0:22:01 > 0:22:03With a visit to All Saints Anglican School,

0:22:03 > 0:22:08expat headmaster Patrick Wallas gives them a big welcome.

0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Hello.- Lovely to see you!

0:22:10 > 0:22:11You must be Amy and Hayley.

0:22:11 > 0:22:13I'm Patrick, lovely to see you.

0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Nice to meet you.- And this is Lewis who's just past his 11-plus,

0:22:16 > 0:22:18well done. Shall we go, then?

0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Yeah.- Fantastic.

0:22:20 > 0:22:22I think we'll start with our lovely theatre.

0:22:22 > 0:22:23Wow.

0:22:23 > 0:22:27Back home, both Lewis and Amy are academically high-achievers,

0:22:27 > 0:22:30so it's important they can continue to do well

0:22:30 > 0:22:32in the Australian education system.

0:22:32 > 0:22:33You want to look like a fish?

0:22:33 > 0:22:35Go ask him for a mullet!

0:22:35 > 0:22:37The most important thing for me

0:22:37 > 0:22:40is to get the best possible teachers from around Australia,

0:22:40 > 0:22:43and then just really care for them and nourish them

0:22:43 > 0:22:47and help them to grow into the best they can possibly be.

0:22:47 > 0:22:49That's kind of what we want to hear, really, isn't it?

0:22:49 > 0:22:51That's very reassuring.

0:22:51 > 0:22:55Across town, Ben has some encouraging news for Phil, too.

0:22:55 > 0:22:57You are coming over here at a really good time.

0:22:57 > 0:22:59We are about two years out from The Commonwealth Games.

0:22:59 > 0:23:01We've seen a big upswing in construction,

0:23:01 > 0:23:03and that has a really big knock-on effect

0:23:03 > 0:23:05to all the other industries here on the Gold Coast.

0:23:05 > 0:23:07So, what kind of salary could he earn?

0:23:07 > 0:23:09Down here on the coast, I would say, you know,

0:23:09 > 0:23:13you'd probably be looking at roles around 100K plus super.

0:23:13 > 0:23:16That's approximately £53,000,

0:23:16 > 0:23:20a substantial increase on what Phil's currently paid in the UK.

0:23:20 > 0:23:22So, that's good news.

0:23:22 > 0:23:24It's good to get a feel there's stuff around here.

0:23:24 > 0:23:26That's been great, really useful.

0:23:26 > 0:23:28Back at the school,

0:23:28 > 0:23:31Lewis is about to make a grand entrance in the Wonder Space.

0:23:34 > 0:23:38- THEY CHEER - Well done, Lewis.

0:23:38 > 0:23:39Amy's turn next.

0:23:43 > 0:23:45THEY CHEER

0:23:45 > 0:23:46And finally, not to be outdone...

0:23:46 > 0:23:48THEY CHEER

0:23:50 > 0:23:53Wish I'd had a headmaster like that!

0:23:53 > 0:23:55This cutting-edge facility is designed

0:23:55 > 0:23:58to cultivate curiosity and creativity.

0:23:58 > 0:24:00As you can probably see,

0:24:00 > 0:24:03the whole idea is to get people to think in a different way.

0:24:03 > 0:24:05While Lewis and Amy get stuck in...

0:24:05 > 0:24:07Now, don't distract Lewis.

0:24:09 > 0:24:10..Mum gets the headmaster's take on

0:24:10 > 0:24:13how Lewis could thrive in a school like this.

0:24:13 > 0:24:15We operate the Australian curriculum here

0:24:15 > 0:24:19which is actually a very rigorous and robust curriculum.

0:24:19 > 0:24:24And there are extension classes in every subject at every year level.

0:24:24 > 0:24:27So, he will certainly be fully engaged.

0:24:27 > 0:24:29That's good to know.

0:24:29 > 0:24:30And Amy?

0:24:30 > 0:24:32If we felt that Amy was ready for Year Four,

0:24:32 > 0:24:34we would then discuss it with you.

0:24:34 > 0:24:37I don't want Lewis or Amy ever coming home in the car saying,

0:24:37 > 0:24:41"Mum, I was bored," or "Mum, I didn't learn anything today."

0:24:41 > 0:24:45And I'm really confident that that will never happen.

0:24:45 > 0:24:47It's been a successful visit.

0:24:47 > 0:24:48Very, very nice school

0:24:48 > 0:24:52with some rather original ideas to teach kids.

0:24:52 > 0:24:54I really like it here.

0:24:54 > 0:24:56Amy's still got some reservations.

0:24:56 > 0:25:01I feel quite happy but also scared for our move to Australia.

0:25:01 > 0:25:03Lewis is quick to put her at ease, though.

0:25:03 > 0:25:06If you came to school to this for five days of the week,

0:25:06 > 0:25:08I think you'd be a pretty happy kid.

0:25:08 > 0:25:09This is a very nice school.

0:25:09 > 0:25:11Taking me out of the equation,

0:25:11 > 0:25:14and my health out of the equation, just for these two alone,

0:25:14 > 0:25:17it has so much to offer them for their future.

0:25:17 > 0:25:19It's been a really good day.

0:25:19 > 0:25:23But attending a school like this will all depend on Dad.

0:25:23 > 0:25:24So when the family reunite,

0:25:24 > 0:25:27Hayley's anxious to know how Phil's day has been.

0:25:27 > 0:25:29It's been a bit of a mixture of a day, really.

0:25:29 > 0:25:33It was better in terms of what they were saying about 100,000.

0:25:33 > 0:25:35Good news in terms of the salary.

0:25:35 > 0:25:37But to stand a good chance of securing something,

0:25:37 > 0:25:39you need to be here rather than the UK.

0:25:39 > 0:25:42- We've still got more adventures to have.- Yeah, I know.

0:25:42 > 0:25:45But, by the end of the week, that little bit of...

0:25:45 > 0:25:48It's given us stuff to think about and worry about.

0:25:48 > 0:25:50But it's been a constant worry since we started,

0:25:50 > 0:25:51so why should now be any different?

0:25:53 > 0:25:55For now, though, when it comes to work,

0:25:55 > 0:25:58will Phil go with his head or his heart?

0:25:58 > 0:26:00Based on the work day, my vote goes to...

0:26:07 > 0:26:08..undecided.

0:26:09 > 0:26:13I was hoping to apply for something and then move to it.

0:26:13 > 0:26:17And it doesn't look like that's as likely to happen.

0:26:17 > 0:26:21It's more a case of being here and then trying to find the work,

0:26:21 > 0:26:23which, for me, doesn't sit very well.

0:26:30 > 0:26:32With Phil still undecided,

0:26:32 > 0:26:34Hayley's dream of a fresh start down under

0:26:34 > 0:26:37is yet to get off the starting blocks.

0:26:37 > 0:26:40A move's all about improving her condition,

0:26:40 > 0:26:44so she can become the mum she desperately wants to be.

0:26:44 > 0:26:47So, will a day out in the Australian sunshine

0:26:47 > 0:26:51help her persuade Phil emigrating is a risk worth taking?

0:26:52 > 0:26:55The family are spending their day at a horse riding stable.

0:26:56 > 0:26:58Amy, do you want to take this brush?

0:26:58 > 0:27:00That's it. Say hello.

0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Hello.- She's lovely, isn't she?

0:27:03 > 0:27:05I think she likes me.

0:27:05 > 0:27:08After a getting-to-know-you session, it's time to mount.

0:27:08 > 0:27:11If you put your whole leg through the stirrup,

0:27:11 > 0:27:14your whole foot falls through. That's when it can get dangerous.

0:27:14 > 0:27:17Horse riding is something Hayley enjoyed before her illness.

0:27:17 > 0:27:19It's been a while.

0:27:19 > 0:27:20It's been a while!

0:27:23 > 0:27:26It's a first for Phil, though, and it shows.

0:27:26 > 0:27:31- Off we go.- Yours doesn't really want to move, Daddy!

0:27:34 > 0:27:35Call the AA!

0:27:36 > 0:27:39Finally! But it doesn't last.

0:27:39 > 0:27:41- LEWIS:- No better than when he started.

0:27:44 > 0:27:46He's happy enough, and so am I.

0:27:46 > 0:27:47We're just chilling.

0:27:47 > 0:27:50It's been a new experience for the children, too,

0:27:50 > 0:27:52and they seem to have taken to it with ease.

0:27:52 > 0:27:56My favourite thing was doing the trotting.

0:27:56 > 0:27:59It's fun. I've learned quite a lot on those horses.

0:27:59 > 0:28:01And I've really enjoyed it.

0:28:01 > 0:28:03Being back in the saddle has given Hayley a high.

0:28:03 > 0:28:05Oh, I've loved it.

0:28:05 > 0:28:06The feeling of being on a horse,

0:28:06 > 0:28:08there's no other feeling like it, it's lovely.

0:28:08 > 0:28:11Today's been everything she could have hoped for.

0:28:11 > 0:28:14The whole trip was worth it, just coming and doing this, to be honest.

0:28:14 > 0:28:16It's just been an amazing day.

0:28:16 > 0:28:19Phil's noticed a marked improvement in Hayley's wellbeing.

0:28:19 > 0:28:22Nice to see her doing something quite physical.

0:28:22 > 0:28:24I think she was feeling it a little bit at the end.

0:28:24 > 0:28:26But doing way more than I expected her to, really.

0:28:26 > 0:28:28Back in England, I can't even sit on a horse

0:28:28 > 0:28:30because it just flares my joints up terribly.

0:28:30 > 0:28:33Just doing that was a major milestone for me.

0:28:33 > 0:28:36She's got a bit of a lust for life again.

0:28:36 > 0:28:38If that was something that could be long-term,

0:28:38 > 0:28:40then it can only be a good thing.

0:28:40 > 0:28:41I kind of feel now

0:28:41 > 0:28:43that there's even more pressure to try and make it happen.

0:28:43 > 0:28:46Being here right now and knowing that it is within grasp,

0:28:46 > 0:28:48it fills me with hope.

0:28:48 > 0:28:51If it doesn't come off, I'll be gutted.

0:28:51 > 0:28:55This is a leap of gigantic proportions.

0:28:55 > 0:28:58I don't know if I'm prepared to do that yet.

0:28:58 > 0:29:00Based on their lifestyle experience, though,

0:29:00 > 0:29:03will the family vote for the UK or Australia?

0:29:03 > 0:29:06We've had a really great day today, horse riding,

0:29:06 > 0:29:08and based on this we've decided to vote for...

0:29:20 > 0:29:21- ALL:- Australia!

0:29:24 > 0:29:27We're all Australia? Wow!

0:29:27 > 0:29:28HAYLEY LAUGHS

0:29:28 > 0:29:30So, why did you choose Australia, then, Amy?

0:29:30 > 0:29:33Because all the animals are really nice.

0:29:33 > 0:29:37And all the things here are nice, as well.

0:29:37 > 0:29:40And being able to do it in the sunshine?

0:29:40 > 0:29:43I've spent almost 11 years in England,

0:29:43 > 0:29:45and I've never even touched a horse.

0:29:45 > 0:29:49And I've spent five days in Australia, and I've ridden one.

0:29:49 > 0:29:52- And you really enjoyed it? - Yeah, I enjoyed doing it, too.

0:29:52 > 0:29:54There's no denying it's just a great place.

0:29:54 > 0:29:56Despite all my other reservations,

0:29:56 > 0:30:00really enjoyed the day today and can see us enjoying other days.

0:30:00 > 0:30:03I'm feeling just ever so slightly happy at the moment, you know.

0:30:03 > 0:30:06Dream's a little bit further, closer, who knows?

0:30:06 > 0:30:09Bit, bit... Just there and touching.

0:30:16 > 0:30:20Hayley's hopes may be riding high with Phil's first vote for Oz,

0:30:20 > 0:30:24but there's still a way to go before she reaches the finish line.

0:30:24 > 0:30:27Affording the lifestyle she dreams of won't come cheap.

0:30:27 > 0:30:30Getting the right price for their house in the UK could be key.

0:30:30 > 0:30:34They think it's worth around £180,000.

0:30:34 > 0:30:37We sent round two estate agents to see if they agree.

0:30:37 > 0:30:38There's our house.

0:30:41 > 0:30:43This is a nice-sized family room.

0:30:43 > 0:30:45Neutral decor, very smart.

0:30:45 > 0:30:47Wow, this is a fantastic space.

0:30:47 > 0:30:49The kitchen is very large.

0:30:49 > 0:30:51I can imagine a lot of people wanting to buy a property

0:30:51 > 0:30:55which has a kitchen as large and spacious as this.

0:30:55 > 0:30:56Oh, it's my kitchen.

0:30:57 > 0:30:59Ah, this is a good room.

0:30:59 > 0:31:02This room could be used for a number of different purposes.

0:31:02 > 0:31:05It could be as it is, a bedroom,

0:31:05 > 0:31:07study, office.

0:31:07 > 0:31:09- Lego!- Whose Lego's that?

0:31:11 > 0:31:12Yeah, this is a nice room.

0:31:12 > 0:31:14It's a shame the figures can't stay

0:31:14 > 0:31:17because I'm sure lots of kids would love to have those.

0:31:17 > 0:31:20THEY LAUGH

0:31:20 > 0:31:21In the current market climate,

0:31:21 > 0:31:25we'd recommend marketing the property at £200,000.

0:31:25 > 0:31:26If they're looking for a quicker sale,

0:31:26 > 0:31:29then maybe marketing at offers over

0:31:29 > 0:31:30£190,000.

0:31:32 > 0:31:33In the current market,

0:31:33 > 0:31:37I would put this property on the market at £190,000.

0:31:37 > 0:31:40For a quick sale, £185,000.

0:31:44 > 0:31:47- A bit of a difference between the... - Two estate agents.

0:31:47 > 0:31:49..two estate agents.

0:31:49 > 0:31:52We've had an idea of sort of 180, 185.

0:31:52 > 0:31:56To have it confirmed by the estate agents is really good.

0:31:56 > 0:31:57I mean, both of them, at the end of the day,

0:31:57 > 0:32:00are more than what we initially thought, so that's a good thing.

0:32:00 > 0:32:02Right, are you two going to go and play, then,

0:32:02 > 0:32:05while we try and work out the sums, yeah?

0:32:05 > 0:32:07Come on, then.

0:32:07 > 0:32:10The couple move on to examine the price of everyday living.

0:32:10 > 0:32:13I'm already getting emotional thinking about the possibility

0:32:13 > 0:32:15that it's not going to work in our favour.

0:32:15 > 0:32:17The only way we're going to know is if we open it.

0:32:17 > 0:32:20- Go on, get it open.- Right, OK.

0:32:20 > 0:32:24We've provided a comparison of costs in the UK and Australia,

0:32:24 > 0:32:27starting with the weekly supermarket shop.

0:32:27 > 0:32:30Squash, look at that, almost three times the price.

0:32:30 > 0:32:32Yep, pure juices are cheaper.

0:32:32 > 0:32:36- Raspberry jam, three times the price.- Baked beans.

0:32:36 > 0:32:38Good grief!

0:32:38 > 0:32:40We'll have to wean Lewis off them!

0:32:40 > 0:32:46Oh, my God, decaf teabags, the end for me, £7.50 difference.

0:32:46 > 0:32:47So, there's not many reds, really,

0:32:47 > 0:32:50down there showing it's going to be cheaper.

0:32:50 > 0:32:52So, what does it all add up to?

0:32:52 > 0:32:55£68 more per week, nearly £300 per month.

0:32:56 > 0:32:58I definitely don't want to hear it that way.

0:32:58 > 0:33:02That's a lot to make up on other things through the month.

0:33:02 > 0:33:04It's a disappointing start.

0:33:04 > 0:33:07Time to tackle the bigger outgoings.

0:33:07 > 0:33:10Basing their calculations on the second property they viewed,

0:33:10 > 0:33:12the couple's mortgage down under

0:33:12 > 0:33:15would cost them over £400 more a month.

0:33:15 > 0:33:19The mortgage looks bigger, but council tax looks less.

0:33:19 > 0:33:22There's a saving! 37 quid.

0:33:22 > 0:33:23Electricity's higher, though.

0:33:23 > 0:33:24Car insurance higher.

0:33:26 > 0:33:27Home insurance higher.

0:33:27 > 0:33:29There is one positive, though.

0:33:29 > 0:33:32Osteopath's cheaper, so I'll be all right for my treatment.

0:33:32 > 0:33:34But, you know,

0:33:34 > 0:33:36hopefully, I won't need the treatment at all if I'm over here.

0:33:36 > 0:33:39When the couple compare overall Australian outgoings

0:33:39 > 0:33:41to what they spend in the UK,

0:33:41 > 0:33:46they discover they'd be worse off by almost £1,000 every month.

0:33:46 > 0:33:48Very, very sad face.

0:33:49 > 0:33:50SHE SIGHS

0:33:51 > 0:33:53Hayley's devastated.

0:33:53 > 0:33:56I was expecting us to be A BIT worse off each month.

0:33:56 > 0:33:58But, from those figures...

0:33:58 > 0:34:00If it had been a couple of hundred, 300, we'd have gone, you know,

0:34:00 > 0:34:03worse off, can we recover that?

0:34:03 > 0:34:06But those are enormous differences, aren't they?

0:34:06 > 0:34:09Ironically, Phil's disappointment gives Hayley encouragement.

0:34:09 > 0:34:12If anything, I'm kind of pleased that you're disheartened,

0:34:12 > 0:34:16because that shows you possibly are wanting to come.

0:34:16 > 0:34:17So that's a step more further

0:34:17 > 0:34:19than what I thought I'd ever get with you.

0:34:19 > 0:34:23I'm not... Yeah, I'm not looking for an excuse not to come.

0:34:23 > 0:34:25I just want to see that it's doable.

0:34:25 > 0:34:27And that doesn't look doable.

0:34:27 > 0:34:30Even factoring in Phil's potential increase in salary,

0:34:30 > 0:34:35the family would be over £600 worse off per year in Australia.

0:34:35 > 0:34:38I'm sad that it is a minus.

0:34:38 > 0:34:41But I'm happy that it's not a massive minus.

0:34:41 > 0:34:43Hayley's trying to look on the bright side,

0:34:43 > 0:34:46but Phil puts a spanner in the works.

0:34:46 > 0:34:48As soon as we factor in the cost of another car,

0:34:48 > 0:34:52or the cost of one or both of the kids going into a private school,

0:34:52 > 0:34:55then it just blows it out of the water, doesn't it?

0:34:55 > 0:34:58I want to be excited that it's only a small amount.

0:34:58 > 0:34:59But...

0:34:59 > 0:35:01I can't. I just can't.

0:35:01 > 0:35:02It's time to vote.

0:35:02 > 0:35:05Based on our reality check today, we're going to vote for...

0:35:15 > 0:35:16- BOTH:- Undecided.

0:35:19 > 0:35:21- That surprise you?- No, not really.

0:35:21 > 0:35:24I want to vote that, you know.

0:35:24 > 0:35:28And I thought I would do that on everything, if I'm honest.

0:35:28 > 0:35:30But...

0:35:30 > 0:35:32I can't argue with the figures, can I?

0:35:32 > 0:35:35I've kind of come down-to-earth with a bit of a shock, to be honest,

0:35:35 > 0:35:38- a bit of a bump.- I thought it would be a case of, no, we can't do it.

0:35:38 > 0:35:40At the moment, it's a case of, well,

0:35:40 > 0:35:42although we've seen things in black and white,

0:35:42 > 0:35:44depending on how we live our lives,

0:35:44 > 0:35:48and how we do things differently over here, it could be more doable.

0:35:48 > 0:35:50I don't know, we're just going to have to see what happens.

0:35:50 > 0:35:55I really don't know how I feel on that one, to be honest.

0:36:02 > 0:36:05While Australia's lifestyle's been everything Hayley had hoped for,

0:36:05 > 0:36:09the financial side of things have given pause for thought.

0:36:09 > 0:36:12And there's still the emotional cost of emigrating to confront.

0:36:12 > 0:36:16Knowing they could be about to face the toughest hurdle of all,

0:36:16 > 0:36:19the family sit down together to watch messages from loved ones.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21Are we going to watch some videos,

0:36:21 > 0:36:23some messages from back home, then?

0:36:23 > 0:36:25- Yeah?- OK.

0:36:28 > 0:36:30- Hello.- Hi, guys.

0:36:31 > 0:36:33Hi, guys.

0:36:33 > 0:36:35- Hello!- Hi!

0:36:35 > 0:36:38Phil is the quiet one of the family.

0:36:38 > 0:36:40- Yeah.- If we have a family gathering,

0:36:40 > 0:36:42Phil will probably be the one

0:36:42 > 0:36:43sitting and watching what is going on.

0:36:43 > 0:36:48Amy, ah, she's, well, she's just so good.

0:36:49 > 0:36:51Lewis is very intelligent.

0:36:51 > 0:36:54Yes, I was thinking that, actually.

0:36:54 > 0:36:57- I was thinking that.- You always say that.

0:36:57 > 0:36:58Hayley probably does feel like

0:36:58 > 0:37:01she's missed out on a little bit of life for herself.

0:37:01 > 0:37:03I think this is where this Australian thing

0:37:03 > 0:37:04has actually come from recently.

0:37:04 > 0:37:06She's kind of realised, "I can achieve more.

0:37:06 > 0:37:08"I can do more with my life."

0:37:10 > 0:37:13I worry about the kids as well, are they going to miss us?

0:37:14 > 0:37:16- I'd be upset.- Yeah.

0:37:16 > 0:37:21- We'll miss him.- I'll feel sad on the playground not seeing Lewis.

0:37:21 > 0:37:24Just to see them perhaps a couple of times a year,

0:37:24 > 0:37:26it'd be completely different, wouldn't it?

0:37:26 > 0:37:28Massively different.

0:37:28 > 0:37:29For my mum,

0:37:29 > 0:37:32unfortunately, she can't be here today because she's not very well,

0:37:32 > 0:37:33it would actually destroy her.

0:37:33 > 0:37:36We would all miss that bubble,

0:37:36 > 0:37:41we would miss all that lovely bubbly joy about, you know.

0:37:41 > 0:37:43We hope you've got to see a lot of things,

0:37:43 > 0:37:45and you've got the opportunity

0:37:45 > 0:37:48to think about something and come back to make a big decision.

0:37:48 > 0:37:50And, obviously, we'll support you, whatever you do.

0:37:50 > 0:37:52- ALL:- Goodbye...- Everybody!

0:37:52 > 0:37:54I hope you've gone out there,

0:37:54 > 0:37:56and you've got the information that you need

0:37:56 > 0:37:59to make the decision for all of you, really,

0:37:59 > 0:38:01on what's best for you as a family.

0:38:01 > 0:38:04We'll always be here to support you, no matter what.

0:38:04 > 0:38:08None of the family wants you to go, but, myself,

0:38:08 > 0:38:11I will respect your decision at the end of the day.

0:38:11 > 0:38:13You can always come back any time you want, you know that.

0:38:13 > 0:38:16And there'll always be a home here for you.

0:38:21 > 0:38:23Seeing the videos, the friends and family videos,

0:38:23 > 0:38:26it's going to put another spin on it.

0:38:26 > 0:38:29- SOBS:- It means I won't see Gran.

0:38:31 > 0:38:34And I haven't seen her in a while.

0:38:35 > 0:38:38You're missing them already while we've been over here,

0:38:38 > 0:38:41Grandma and Grandad? Yeah?

0:38:41 > 0:38:43We see them regularly, a lot.

0:38:43 > 0:38:47And she plays a big part in our lives.

0:38:49 > 0:38:51- SOBS:- I don't want to cry.

0:38:53 > 0:38:55Come here.

0:38:55 > 0:38:59At the end of the day, Grandma will want what's best for us.

0:38:59 > 0:39:02And if we... I know she would.

0:39:08 > 0:39:09The past few days have shown Hayley

0:39:09 > 0:39:13the benefits of living in a warmer climate,

0:39:13 > 0:39:16AND shone a light on the financial and emotional price

0:39:16 > 0:39:19of pursuing a new life down under.

0:39:19 > 0:39:21So as the final vote approaches,

0:39:21 > 0:39:27will the Hoopers agree or disagree about where their future lies?

0:39:27 > 0:39:30The trial week has left Hayley in no doubt

0:39:30 > 0:39:32Australia could make a huge difference.

0:39:32 > 0:39:34Like I've got a place again.

0:39:34 > 0:39:35Like I'm me again.

0:39:35 > 0:39:37Like I'm a mum again.

0:39:37 > 0:39:39And I think the kids have noticed it.

0:39:39 > 0:39:42She's been quite good, hasn't she?

0:39:42 > 0:39:44Yeah, she's been a lot better than she usually has.

0:39:44 > 0:39:46I know, I'm pretty sure Phil's noticed it.

0:39:46 > 0:39:49It's been brilliant to see the way she's been this week, you know,

0:39:49 > 0:39:51running about with the kids.

0:39:51 > 0:39:53Something I've not seen for a long time.

0:39:53 > 0:39:55I don't want to leave!

0:39:55 > 0:39:59Emigrating might improve the family's future, but at a cost.

0:39:59 > 0:40:03There's lots of great things, but there's still things that worry me.

0:40:03 > 0:40:06- Dad's a bit...- Unsure...

0:40:06 > 0:40:08..the work.

0:40:08 > 0:40:11And I think they're both a bit anxious if we did move over,

0:40:11 > 0:40:13how we'd be able to deal with the finances

0:40:13 > 0:40:17because I've heard that they're not too great.

0:40:17 > 0:40:20Though it's not just money problems on Phil's mind.

0:40:20 > 0:40:22Amy getting upset really did it for me.

0:40:22 > 0:40:24I do feel a massive sense of guilt

0:40:24 > 0:40:27of dragging her away from everything that she knows.

0:40:27 > 0:40:30Amy has been saying, like, it's going to be really hard.

0:40:30 > 0:40:33And I now can see why, because, after watching that video,

0:40:33 > 0:40:38- it did really bring it home.- It made me feel really sad and upset,

0:40:38 > 0:40:42and I don't want to leave all my friends and family behind.

0:40:42 > 0:40:46Hayley knows how much messages from home have impacted on everyone.

0:40:46 > 0:40:48Until they'd seen their friends and family,

0:40:48 > 0:40:50I think they probably would have voted Australia.

0:40:50 > 0:40:51But I don't know now.

0:40:51 > 0:40:53We just can't really make our mind up.

0:40:53 > 0:40:56Yeah, it's either England or Australia...

0:40:58 > 0:41:01..and it's really tricky to decide, isn't it?

0:41:01 > 0:41:06I feel probably more mixed up now than I did before we started.

0:41:06 > 0:41:10I hope, yeah, that we do make the right decision...

0:41:11 > 0:41:14..and, together as a family, we do what's right for us.

0:41:14 > 0:41:16Yeah, and live happy.

0:41:16 > 0:41:20It'll be an interesting vote to see where everyone's heart lies now.

0:41:21 > 0:41:23It's time for the family to decide

0:41:23 > 0:41:26on which side of the world their future rests.

0:41:26 > 0:41:29Based on this week's discoveries, we will be voting for...

0:41:49 > 0:41:52- FAMILY:- Undecided.- Australia.

0:41:52 > 0:41:55HAYLEY LAUGHS

0:41:56 > 0:41:58I'm not exceptionally shocked.

0:41:58 > 0:42:00There's a bit of me that is a bit disappointed

0:42:00 > 0:42:03that nobody else went for the full Australia.

0:42:03 > 0:42:05I think me and Amy would have probably shown

0:42:05 > 0:42:07the UK flag at the start.

0:42:07 > 0:42:09So we've kind of edged towards Australia.

0:42:09 > 0:42:13I know the friends and family all really affected,

0:42:13 > 0:42:14well, affected you two.

0:42:14 > 0:42:17After hearing that the finances aren't the greatest,

0:42:17 > 0:42:21and it would be only once in every few years

0:42:21 > 0:42:23we'd actually be able to go see them,

0:42:23 > 0:42:27it has got me a bit worried that I might get a bit homesick.

0:42:28 > 0:42:31It's really nice here, and I would like to live here.

0:42:31 > 0:42:34- But...- You don't want to have to give up your friends and family

0:42:34 > 0:42:37- to come here.- We'll really miss them.

0:42:37 > 0:42:40OK. Well, again, you know,

0:42:40 > 0:42:41it's stuff that we have to think about

0:42:41 > 0:42:43and put them into the equation.

0:42:43 > 0:42:45'For us as a family unit,

0:42:45 > 0:42:50'I still think that we would be better off here in the long term.'

0:42:50 > 0:42:52It's not a no, it's just a

0:42:52 > 0:42:55"I still need that little bit of reassurance."

0:42:57 > 0:43:01Hayley may be convinced of Australia's appeal,

0:43:01 > 0:43:04but, unfortunately, the rest of the family don't share

0:43:04 > 0:43:07her enthusiasm for making the move.

0:43:07 > 0:43:09With more talking to be done, however,

0:43:09 > 0:43:12Hayley's dream could still come true.

0:43:12 > 0:43:15Wherever the family go on to call home,

0:43:15 > 0:43:18we wish them all a very happy future.