A night to remember – told my parents about our plans. If I were doing this all over again, I’d have dropped hints before actually telling them. It comes as a total bombshell for them and they get a bit angry and upset. They thought I was going to tell them I was pregnant, and instead I announce we’re going off to the other side of the world. My dad doesn’t speak to me for the next three weeks, which is dreadful, but I realise it’s because every time he sees me he gets so upset at the thought that I want to leave. We are a close family and I’m the only girl – no wonder he’s taken it badly. But they are slowly starting to get used to the idea. My mum says to me: “Ali, you can’t live your life worrying about the what-ifs. You’ve just got to do what you need and want to do.” My grandmother has been fabulous, as has John’s grandfather. They think it’s a fantastic idea – I’m in shock at how cool they are about it!