大象传媒

Ten years ago Lee Ramoth tried to convince wife Lauren their life would be better on the other side of the world. But fast forward to 2016 and the shoe was on the other foot. The tables had turned and it was Lauren trying to persuade Lee to give up his very successful business and close family ties in the UK to pursue a future he once dreamed about in Australia.

We met the Ramoths in 2006 - dad Lee, mum Lauren, Noah, who was eight at the time, and Lulu, who was then five. They were living in Leeds in Yorkshire, but Lee had itchy feet. He wanted to move to Australia for a better lifestyle for him and his family. But Lauren loved where she was and wanted to stay put. The dream ended in stalemate.

Two years on and the recession hit. Just months into a new carpet-fitting job, Lee was made redundant. He had no choice but to set up on his own. And with two young children the couple saw few prospects for a future for the family in the UK. Thoughts turned again to Australia, and this time Lauren was on board. With the thought of securing skills wanted by Australia she returned to university to study midwifery.

Money was tight and life was tough, but then Lee had a breakthrough with his flooring business. He had found a niche market and his work opportunities rocketed. But success came at a price. With Lauren doing her studies, Lee worked all the hours. They were ships in the night and the relationship was being put under huge stress and strain.

Lauren decided enough was enough. Determined to improve the situation she pushed to get the Aussie dream up and running again. This time though it was Lee refusing to budge. It was, with his business doing so well, simply too a big a gamble. And it wasn't just his work stopping him from going. His parents had moved back from Cyprus to be near their grandchildren. A move was going
to break up his close and recently reunited family.

But Lauren was determined things had to change and wanted to show him she was right, that moving down under would be better for them all. Lee reluctantly agreed to give it a go.

But during the trial week in Perth, just who was persuading who? And one year on where are the Ramoths living now?