A couple appearing on the BBC show Escape to the Country shared how a breast cancer diagnosis influenced their decision to relocate their family from Leicestershire to Herefordshire.
Andy and Sian, who featured in the latest episode, had decided to move with their three children to the countryside, where they hoped to keep horses and a donkey named Derek. The decision followed Sian's diagnosis with breast cancer the previous year.
Life is too short
Presenter Jules Hudson explained that the couple had recently been through a life-affirming period, with Andy selling his share of an IT company and Sian facing health challenges.
"We've always wanted to move to the countryside," said Sian, a baker. "And last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, we thought, why not now? Life's too short."
A dream forever home
The couple were searching for an open-plan property requiring no renovation, with space for their children and animals, on a budget of £1.25 million.
Jules asked if they were looking for their forever home. "Yes, definitely," said Sian, with Andy adding: "Not just forever home, but dream home." Sian agreed: "Dream, forever, yeah. We won't be going anywhere else, this is it."
Falling for the first property
Jules showed the couple several properties, and they were taken with the first one on the list. The country home featured an annex, stables, views over the Wye Valley, and 16 acres of land, which Jules displayed using a drone. Sian described it as "perfect".
After viewing the other homes, the couple said they would return for another look at the property, which was listed for offers over a million pounds. The episode concluded with the announcement that they had decided to proceed.
"I'm thrilled to say Sian and Andy had their bid on our first house accepted," Jules said. "And we hope that they are settled in soon with the horses and of course, Derek the donkey."
Escape to the Country airs on BBC One.
