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00:00:00In Britain, the top 10% own over half the country's wealth.
00:00:06I have nice cars, I own a couple of resources.
00:00:09It feels nice to have money.
00:00:12But while the rich are getting richer...
00:00:14It's a very profitable business that turns over well over £10 million a year.
00:00:18The poor are getting poorer.
00:00:21It's tough.
00:00:22Hit hard by relentless price rises.
00:00:24A lot of posh people think poor people just sit on their bums all day on benefits.
00:00:29Once we've spent on food, we don't really have anything left over.
00:00:33I had bailiffs come in.
00:00:36Might be on its way out.
00:00:38Now, two families are swapping homes.
00:00:42That is very different.
00:00:43Yes.
00:00:44How many windows does a house need?
00:00:46How many doors?
00:00:48Budget.
00:00:48Right, this is where I get serious.
00:00:51Oh, God.
00:00:53And lives.
00:00:54It's our bloody work.
00:00:55It was way more challenging than I thought it would be.
00:00:59Champagne!
00:01:00I'm in heaven.
00:01:01To find out if money really does buy happiness.
00:01:06I love to have a walk in order.
00:01:08Oh, my goodness!
00:01:11Never been in a limo in the last.
00:01:14Or do people matter most?
00:01:16This is the nicest family time that us three have had together in years.
00:01:21And when they finally meet...
00:01:23Hello!
00:01:25...lives are changed forever.
00:01:27We'd like to gift you a van.
00:01:31We want to back your vision to a value of £100,000.
00:01:35Oh, my God!
00:01:35It's going to change everything for the better.
00:01:41On the Sussex coast, along from bustling Brighton, lies the seaside town of Worthing.
00:01:47It may share the same shoreline, but has a rather different reputation.
00:01:52Recently named Britain's shoplifting capital.
00:01:58It's where lone parent Lindsay and 21-year-old daughter Katie hang their coats.
00:02:03Katie is my world.
00:02:05They're not on this bit.
00:02:07My mum's very funny.
00:02:09What?
00:02:10She could talk to a tree, make friends with a tree.
00:02:12I'm not sure my little funny hands will let me do this.
00:02:16I would say that we're our best friends.
00:02:18Oh, that's nice.
00:02:20Home is a ground floor housing association flat.
00:02:24It's a block of 10.
00:02:26Unfortunately, there's no outside space.
00:02:28And what outside space there is, there's rubbish bins, cigarette butts.
00:02:33We are in here all the time, really.
00:02:35So, all my money I try to put into having a nice home.
00:02:40This is the hallway.
00:02:41This is the narnia cupboard.
00:02:44The bathroom.
00:02:46This is Katie's big room.
00:02:48So, a lot of stuff we upcycled.
00:02:51You know, like the drawers were secondhand, and it saved me 50 quid.
00:02:54We kind of look around and feel grateful for what I have done to my home.
00:03:00Lindsay used to run a small child-minding business,
00:03:03but had to give it up eight years ago after a hysterectomy.
00:03:07She then developed arthritis and fibromyalgia,
00:03:10a chronic condition with no known cure, which causes widespread pain and tiredness.
00:03:16And you can be bed-bound for two days, a week.
00:03:21Yeah, so it does really control your life.
00:03:24I was struggling really badly, and I had to make the decision to shut my business down.
00:03:29I'm still not ready to kind of say I'm done with that, because it's something that I really love.
00:03:36Tea.
00:03:36For now, Lindsay survives off weekend receptionist work, topped up by benefits,
00:03:42and has just £91.38 disposable income a week.
00:03:48It's tough, because I'm just about trying to keep my head over water.
00:03:53We only spend money on, like, food and petrol.
00:03:56Charity shops.
00:03:57Scott used some jeans from a charity shop the other day, and saved, like, 40 quid.
00:04:03It wasn't only Lindsay's health which made it hard to work full-time.
00:04:07Seven years ago, Katie developed a rare pancreatic disease.
00:04:11They said by the time I was 25, I would most likely have pancreatic cancer,
00:04:17so I had to have it removed.
00:04:18It was really tough.
00:04:19Just two months ago, Katie had her pancreas removed,
00:04:24along with her gallbladder, spleen, and a quarter of her stomach.
00:04:29I can't lift or really do much at the moment.
00:04:31I've got a big scar from about 30 centimetres, maybe.
00:04:36Standing in a hospital for 14 hours,
00:04:39while your child is having three organs removed,
00:04:43it's got to be the hardest thing as a parent,
00:04:47knowing that any minute someone could come out and tell me that she's died.
00:04:53With the operation behind her, the road to recovery is a long one.
00:04:58So I'm in pain a lot of the time.
00:05:00I'm just trying to get on with it and just live.
00:05:03Having missed out on so much already in her young life,
00:05:07Katie is now starting to think about her future.
00:05:10I did a cabin crew course at college,
00:05:12and it made me fall in love flying.
00:05:14I'd really like to do my private pilot's licence,
00:05:17I wanted to get her confidence, try and live her life again.
00:05:23Just 37 miles away, on the edge of Ashdown Forest,
00:05:28the historic market town of Crowborough couldn't be more different.
00:05:32It's one of East Sussex's richest neighbourhoods,
00:05:35and a celebrity hotspot too,
00:05:37with locals like Cate Blanchett and Roskamp.
00:05:41It's also home to recycled packaging multi-millionaire Rachel Watkin and husband Steve.
00:05:49So we met 12 years ago, when I went for a job interview.
00:05:52The lady that runs the print department suggested that she had the ideal candidate for a printer role we had
00:05:58going.
00:05:58She said, he's a grandad, but he's a very nice guy, brought him up.
00:06:04I was like, hello grandad.
00:06:09Probably shouldn't have said that bit.
00:06:12Five years later, they were married and bought their £2 million Sussex home.
00:06:17Could be in the south of France, we could be in Spain, but no, we're in sunny Crowborough.
00:06:23There's a 13 metre swimming pool, 1.2 acres of garden,
00:06:28and despite it being just the two of them, inside there are three living areas.
00:06:34We have this sitting room, and we never sit in it.
00:06:36We always sit in the snug.
00:06:38A medieval-style dining room, and a choice of five bedrooms.
00:06:43If Steve's snoring, one of us will sleep in here, on-suite bathroom.
00:06:47We just have peace and tranquillity.
00:06:50It's like being at a spa, really, isn't it?
00:06:52Rachel has all the trappings of a successful entrepreneur.
00:06:55This was about £55,000.
00:06:58I just saw one in the garage and thought, yeah, that would be nice.
00:07:0318 years ago, Rachel used every last penny of her savings, just four grand,
00:07:09and started her business selling recycled gift packaging.
00:07:13The tiny box company was born out of pure frustration
00:07:17because I couldn't find any packaging that worked with some sustainable jewellery.
00:07:22Now, her company is anything but tiny,
00:07:26with 100 staff and a £10 million turnover.
00:07:32Rachel's very outgoing, talking to people, get stuff done.
00:07:36Steve's the fixer, and he's like behind-the-scenes operator
00:07:39so that I can do the stuff that I do.
00:07:43Rachel's success is all the more remarkable,
00:07:47given she lacks a gene which protects most of us from cancer.
00:07:51I've now had cancer four times.
00:07:54I started off with breast cancer.
00:07:56A year later, I was diagnosed with a tumour on my parathyroid
00:07:59and had to have my throat slit open.
00:08:02That same year, I was then diagnosed with lung cancer,
00:08:06and then I got breast cancer in my left breast,
00:08:09and so I had a double mastectomy.
00:08:12Oh, and then I had skin cancer earlier this year.
00:08:14Rachel's been resilient, but she's also only too aware that cancer could reoccur
00:08:20and so forks out over 20 grand a year on a healthy lifestyle.
00:08:24I feel quite strongly about organic vegetables and fruit.
00:08:29I do yoga.
00:08:31I also have singing lessons.
00:08:34The woman doesn't stop.
00:08:35Thrive and hard work and sheer determination,
00:08:38and that is what Rachel's success is down to.
00:08:42While Rachel has no children of her own,
00:08:45Steve has three,
00:08:46who are all grown up and work at Rachel's company.
00:08:50And his 12-year-old granddaughter Amelia is often round,
00:08:54enjoying the fruits of their success.
00:08:56My favourite part is the swimming pool.
00:08:59Every, like, birthday or anything, it's usually like a pool party.
00:09:03We both enjoy spending time with Amelia.
00:09:06Me and Rachel like to go shopping.
00:09:08She loves spending money.
00:09:09Oh, cookies.
00:09:12Amelia is joining Rachel and Steve on the swap.
00:09:15We have become removed from the daily struggles
00:09:18that other people go through.
00:09:20Amelia's at a really impressionable age,
00:09:22really hoping by doing the swap,
00:09:25she will learn that other people come from all walks of life
00:09:28and don't have the opportunities that you do.
00:09:31And for the right person on the other side of the wealth divide,
00:09:35the week could be life-changing.
00:09:37I always want to help people not to get something back,
00:09:40but in the hope that they will then pay that forward to somebody else.
00:09:45Back in Worthing, what are Lindsay and Katie looking for?
00:09:48One of the biggest things now for Katie is trying to give her a confidence back
00:09:52and remind herself who she was before this illness.
00:09:55I think it's because I felt like I was never going to get better.
00:09:59I need that push to show me that it's possible.
00:10:02If Katie can get back on her feet, Lindsay is hoping she can find a way to realise her own
00:10:07dream.
00:10:08It's been a long time since I ran my business,
00:10:11but I'd love to go back to doing the childcare.
00:10:14Day one.
00:10:16It'll be weird being away from the business for a week.
00:10:18So yeah, it'll probably do me good to just step away and trust people to get on with stuff.
00:10:24And anticipation is building for the swap.
00:10:26I've packed games like Uno, cards, top trumps, double.
00:10:30Just in case we don't have anything to do.
00:10:33Everything in my wardrobe is black.
00:10:36Taking a swimming costume just in case you never know.
00:10:40But my whole bag of medication.
00:10:43Tablets that just help me kind of get through it, really.
00:10:47My house!
00:10:50It's just an hour's drive between their homes, but their worlds couldn't be more different.
00:10:56Imagine if it's a castle or a converted barn.
00:11:01It could be a flat.
00:11:02The only thing I won't like about a flat is not having a garden.
00:11:07Where on earth are we going?
00:11:11I see you all down.
00:11:12Oh, we are Gabby right by the sea.
00:11:14Oh, I didn't pack my bikini.
00:11:17Oh, my God, it's so cute.
00:11:20It's like something out of a film.
00:11:26Oh, I'm shaking a little bit.
00:11:30Wow.
00:11:30Oh, wow.
00:11:34Stop.
00:11:35Next, emotions run high when the weekly spending budgets are revealed.
00:11:41What?
00:11:42Oh, my God.
00:11:43That's very emotional.
00:11:47Katie's story is too much for Rachel.
00:11:49Poor little love.
00:11:50She nearly lost her life.
00:11:52Oh, my God.
00:11:52There's a slip in fall.
00:11:54And Lindsay gets comfortable in her new luxury life.
00:11:58Can you make me a pina colada, please?
00:12:07Having survived life-threatening pancreatitis.
00:12:10They said by the time I was 25, I would have pancreatic cancer, so I had to have it removed.
00:12:1621-year-old Katie is on the road to recovery.
00:12:20But with her lone parent mum, Lindsay, also suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia, times are tough.
00:12:28I've definitely normalised struggling.
00:12:30For me, I don't really know any different.
00:12:32Both could do with a big confidence boost to help realise their dreams.
00:12:36I'd love to go back to doing the childcare.
00:12:39I'd really like to do my private pilot's licence.
00:12:42Entrepreneur Rachel has overcome her own health issues to build a multi-million pound business.
00:12:48I like spending money on holidays.
00:12:51Honestly, we don't budget.
00:12:53With husband Steve, she wants to give granddaughter Amelia a taste of life without the trappings of privilege.
00:12:59We have become removed from the daily struggles that other people go through.
00:13:05It's like something out of a film.
00:13:07What will it be like for high and low-income families to trade places?
00:13:12Stop.
00:13:13Oh, my God.
00:13:15It's like another living room.
00:13:16A second living room.
00:13:18It goes round there.
00:13:19Got a soda stream and it's in gold.
00:13:23There's loads of healthy things.
00:13:25Yeah.
00:13:25Look at all the salad.
00:13:27Oh, isn't that lovely?
00:13:28Very glamorous.
00:13:30Yeah.
00:13:30Before they immerse themselves into the lives of their swap family for the week,
00:13:34the challenge is to find out as much about their hosts as they can.
00:13:39Wow.
00:13:40Oh, wow.
00:13:41This is pancreas-free.
00:13:42I didn't know that you could live without a pancreas completely.
00:13:45There's two sinks.
00:13:46Oh, my God, that bathroom's so nice.
00:13:49I am only seeing women.
00:13:53Oh, OK.
00:13:55The mum could be a childminder.
00:13:56All of these toys are here.
00:13:58Look, we can start our own bath.
00:14:03Oh, my God.
00:14:04There's a swimming pool.
00:14:06She doesn't know what to say.
00:14:07I'm lost for words.
00:14:09Can you make me a pina colada, please?
00:14:11I wonder what they do.
00:14:13Well, this is nice.
00:14:14It says 21 on February.
00:14:16Katie's got a lot of meds.
00:14:18Katie, I'm so proud of you.
00:14:19No matter how painful life got, she still smiled and never gave up.
00:14:23She's had a horrible time.
00:14:24Despite the wealth gap, similarities between the families start to show.
00:14:29She nearly lost her life.
00:14:31Poor little love.
00:14:38The families have also got to get used to sleeping in different beds.
00:14:43The bed's huge.
00:14:44I'd better put a lay on it that way.
00:14:46One, two, three.
00:14:48I was soft, comfortable.
00:14:50A little bit narrower in ours.
00:14:51I only need a few inches.
00:14:55No, no.
00:14:56Now for the burning question.
00:14:58How much cash do they have for the week?
00:15:0330, 40, 50.
00:15:10What?
00:15:11Oh, my God.
00:15:13How can someone...
00:15:14Sorry, I'm just making me really much.
00:15:16That's a lot of money.
00:15:19I've not seen that money before.
00:15:2291.38.
00:15:24You know we've spent that on a biryani each before.
00:15:26Yeah.
00:15:27Still going.
00:15:28Doesn't look real, does it?
00:15:291,900.
00:15:32That's another...
00:15:332,000 pounds.
00:15:35What a week.
00:15:36Is this what it feels like to win the lottery?
00:15:39Now they know how much disposable cash they have to spend.
00:15:43Well, what's in store for the week?
00:15:45Have you ever shopped in a charity shop?
00:15:47I've been to one.
00:15:48You've been, you've been, yeah.
00:15:50Big Pitch.
00:15:51It may be something work-related.
00:15:55Then we're going crabbing.
00:15:57Is that where we just walk sideways?
00:15:58Dressed to impress.
00:16:00That sounds like a bit of me.
00:16:02And singing.
00:16:03Oh!
00:16:04I've always wanted to learn how to sing.
00:16:07In Worthing, thoughts turn to dinner, if any can be found.
00:16:12Chihuahua food.
00:16:13Food for the dog is...
00:16:15I'm going to half their budget.
00:16:16There's sausage rolls in date.
00:16:17That's promising.
00:16:19Oh, oven cooked.
00:16:1920 minutes, yeah.
00:16:20Their normal 200-pound food delivery is not an option.
00:16:23As far as an organic menu this week, even if we do manage to get some, it would be very
00:16:29limited.
00:16:31Don't eat it all at once.
00:16:33I've got to make that last.
00:16:35Thanks.
00:16:36For once, money is no object for Lindsay.
00:16:39She's pushed the boat out with Katie's favourite takeaway.
00:16:42A whole duck.
00:16:43That's just for you, that is.
00:16:45This is what you would call a baby's dinner.
00:16:47It wasn't, to be fair, the worst dinner we could have had.
00:16:50That is a lot of food.
00:16:52Enjoy it.
00:16:53As Rachel is prone to cancer, she follows an expensive organic diet.
00:16:59But it's easier to eat healthy when wealthy.
00:17:02I'll be keen to do a shop to get some fruit and veg.
00:17:05And Lindsay's facing her own dilemma.
00:17:07Like 50% of the country, she doesn't own a dishwasher.
00:17:11Can I put glass in there?
00:17:13It's such a novelty.
00:17:15For best results, remove the food from the scraps.
00:17:19Surely if you're going to wash the dishes to get the scraps off the plate,
00:17:23you don't need to put them in the dishwasher.
00:17:26There's just one task left for the families.
00:17:29Each day they'll record a secret diary in the one room that guarantees privacy.
00:17:35So having £2,000 is incredible.
00:17:39It's life-changing.
00:17:42Seeing the budget of £91.38 for the two of them just makes you realise we have been incredibly fortunate
00:17:49of not having to worry about money whilst dealing with health.
00:17:52I don't know how you juggle both.
00:17:57Day two.
00:17:58Mother.
00:17:59Lindsay and Katie are waking up in rural East Sussex in a multi-million pound property.
00:18:06The house is too big, I can't find her.
00:18:08Mother.
00:18:10It's almost 70 times as big as their flat back in Worthing.
00:18:14Good morning.
00:18:15That's nice.
00:18:17That's a nice breakfast.
00:18:18It's all how lovely on the outside.
00:18:20And it just inspired me just to make some fresh fruit.
00:18:23A platter like this, easy, near a tenner, isn't it?
00:18:28Literally feel like you're on a little vacation and then you have to kind of remind yourself that this is
00:18:34how someone gets the chance to live.
00:18:37At Lindsay and Katie's more crowded housing association block, Amelia still has to go to school.
00:18:44I didn't sleep that well last night.
00:18:47I didn't feel, like, comfortable.
00:18:49But hopefully the day goes past.
00:18:51Amelia finally got off to sleep about 2.30 and Steve woke up half an hour later and woke me
00:18:57up.
00:18:57So yeah, I've had about three hours sleep.
00:19:00Raring to go.
00:19:04The first challenge for Rachel and Steve is to plan their meals for the week.
00:19:09There's one crumpet.
00:19:10We could have half a crumpet each.
00:19:12An open packet of chocolate bottles.
00:19:14Yeah, there's nothing to actually cook.
00:19:16Plain poppadoms.
00:19:17I don't think we're going to get organic on our budget.
00:19:19We need some eggs.
00:19:20We need...
00:19:21Bread.
00:19:21And maybe some bacon.
00:19:26Rachel and Steve have 91 quid for the week.
00:19:29But that's to cover food, transport and fun.
00:19:33How much do we want to spend on the food?
00:19:34If we had to set the budget to, like, £40.
00:19:36Fill them up for £40.
00:19:38That's around the same as the average Brit spends to feed one mouth a week.
00:19:43Rachel and Steve need to feed three.
00:19:45So they're splitting up to find the best bang for their buck.
00:19:49Steve hates cabbage, but I like it.
00:19:5244p.
00:19:52It's £2.47, three a day, that'll do a week for a week.
00:19:58Well, that's not much discount.
00:20:00Rachel and Steve normally shell out close to a grand a month on food.
00:20:04Mostly organic, which can cost up to 50% more.
00:20:0911 million Brits consider fresh fruit and veg a luxury they can't afford.
00:20:14I feel quite strongly about organic vegetables and fruit.
00:20:18It shouldn't be a luxury.
00:20:19It should be accessible to everybody.
00:20:22I'd imagine if we had to live on that budget on a regular basis,
00:20:26we would definitely struggle.
00:20:2889p for a cucumber.
00:20:30127.
00:20:31You normally just pick up the organic stuff and go.
00:20:35Right, how much have I spent?
00:20:36£21, that's half my budget.
00:20:40And I've got half a meal so far, but never mind.
00:20:4437p for those.
00:20:46Bargain.
00:20:47I think we're done.
00:20:48Cool.
00:20:49Got enough food for a week.
00:20:50They've gone slightly overage.
00:20:52It's 45.
00:20:55Only two days in,
00:20:56and nearly half of Rachel and Steve's budget is gone.
00:21:02Back in Crowborough, Lindsay and Katie have a visitor.
00:21:06I'm Mel.
00:21:07Hello, lovely to meet you.
00:21:09It's Rachel's best friend, Mel,
00:21:11so a chance to discover more about their hosts.
00:21:15I've known Rachel for over 30 years.
00:21:18We're like sisters.
00:21:19She's grafted.
00:21:20She came from nothing and worked her way up.
00:21:22She sounds incredible.
00:21:24She's had cancer.
00:21:25Wow.
00:21:26Four times, and she basically had to stop working.
00:21:30She had chronic fatigue.
00:21:32She's really been through a lot.
00:21:33A lot that I can relate to.
00:21:36Health really can get in the way.
00:21:38Yeah.
00:21:39But because her mind is so active,
00:21:41she was always looking and thinking about new things.
00:21:44She started a business up from her bedroom,
00:21:47selling jewellery,
00:21:47and she found a gap in the market,
00:21:50selling recycled boxes.
00:21:52She has a steely determination in her.
00:21:54She just fought, and she's fought,
00:21:55and she's got this incredible story,
00:21:58and it's really inspirational.
00:22:00She met Steve, her husband,
00:22:03and they are an absolutely fantastic partnership.
00:22:06But she's very close to her granddaughter, Amelia.
00:22:09Yeah.
00:22:10You can see all her love's gone into family
00:22:12and other people around her.
00:22:14You know, I mean, I'm lucky to have her as a friend.
00:22:16Honestly, I am.
00:22:17She's always optimistic.
00:22:19Yeah, so that's obviously got her through life, hasn't it?
00:22:21Hearing Rachel's story,
00:22:23Katie opens up about her own health battle.
00:22:26My whole pancreas was split, like in half.
00:22:29How old are you now?
00:22:3021.
00:22:31It's such a big operation.
00:22:32And I've come on the other side really well.
00:22:35Oh, that's so lovely.
00:22:37You're both really strong women.
00:22:39And Rachel is most passionate about
00:22:41helping entrepreneurial women and empowering them.
00:22:45It's really inspirational for me.
00:22:47So I'm so ready to move on to the next part of my life
00:22:49where I haven't been able to do anything
00:22:50the last five years.
00:22:52I learnt that Rachel's a really hard-working woman.
00:22:55She's just absolutely amazing.
00:22:57Like, I've gone through all of this.
00:22:59So maybe there is a chance
00:23:01that could be me one day.
00:23:04In Worthing, Amelia's back from school.
00:23:07But there are chores to be done,
00:23:09as despite her painful health problems,
00:23:12Lindsay is very house-proud.
00:23:15Right, you have to scrub it quite hard, Amelia.
00:23:17If you look up there, they're pretty filthy.
00:23:19It's very tiring on your arms.
00:23:20Is it?
00:23:21Yeah.
00:23:22It would be very easy for Amelia
00:23:24to have everything handed on a plate.
00:23:26It's great for her to see
00:23:27the importance of just mucking in.
00:23:30You need to put some more willy into it.
00:23:31I'm fishing on the window as hard as I can.
00:23:36I guess if your health is up and down
00:23:38and you never know how you're going to feel,
00:23:41it's really hard to do a lot of the jobs.
00:23:44Can you imagine how hard this would be
00:23:46if you were struggling physically?
00:23:49Yeah.
00:23:50Look at that, Amelia.
00:23:53Rachel!
00:23:55It's nice that they have clean windows.
00:23:59They look good, don't they?
00:24:00They look much better.
00:24:01Yeah.
00:24:04Next.
00:24:05The week's events take their toll on Katie.
00:24:08Are you in pain?
00:24:09Yeah.
00:24:09What bad?
00:24:11No different hurts on my bath.
00:24:12Rachel learns of Lindsay's sacrifice.
00:24:14I can't imagine having to give up your work
00:24:18to look after your daughter.
00:24:20Financially, Katie's illnesses
00:24:22must have been an absolute nightmare.
00:24:24And Lindsay and Katie find out
00:24:26what it's like to spend big.
00:24:29£250.
00:24:31I have to choose.
00:24:34£950?
00:24:36What, that we spent today?
00:24:46Rachel's gone from running
00:24:47a £10 million company
00:24:49to living off just £90 a week.
00:24:51That's half my budget.
00:24:54And I've got half a meal so far,
00:24:56but never mind.
00:24:58After learning more about her...
00:24:59She's had cancer.
00:25:01How?
00:25:02Four times.
00:25:03Rachel's story has made an early impression
00:25:05on Lindsay and Katie.
00:25:07Health really can get in the way.
00:25:09She's just absolutely amazing.
00:25:11Like, I've gone through all of this.
00:25:13That could be me one day.
00:25:15Three days into the swap
00:25:17and Lindsay and Katie have woken up
00:25:19to another luxurious morning in Crowborough.
00:25:22That's cold.
00:25:23Do you think Rachel gets in
00:25:25and has a swim every day?
00:25:26You know what?
00:25:27It wouldn't surprise me
00:25:28because she's that iron woman.
00:25:29It's so nice to have the garden
00:25:31and the pool to be able to go inside
00:25:32so I don't have to be, like, secluded.
00:25:38In Worthing, Amelia's off to school again.
00:25:42Oh, look, the wildlife's been here.
00:25:44Oh, my goodness.
00:25:45What happened?
00:25:47And Rachel and Steve are off to learn
00:25:50about their mystery seaside hosts.
00:25:53Hello.
00:25:54Hello, Leslie.
00:25:55Nice to meet you, Sophie.
00:25:56I'm Rachel.
00:25:57Oh, hi, Rachel.
00:25:58They're meeting best friend Sophie,
00:26:00who's seen Lindsay and Katie struggles firsthand.
00:26:04How long have you known them?
00:26:05Katie was about 18 months old.
00:26:07Oh, OK.
00:26:08We met on a child care course, actually.
00:26:11Yeah, we were the only two single parents in the room
00:26:14that were being slated for being single parents at the time.
00:26:17And we both went, excuse me,
00:26:19and we looked at each other and we're like,
00:26:20oh, OK, we're friends now.
00:26:21So we saw that Katie, she'd had her pancreas out.
00:26:26Yeah.
00:26:26I didn't even know they could do that.
00:26:28It's a massive operation.
00:26:30She'd been so ill.
00:26:31Yeah, just been in hospital a lot.
00:26:33Yeah.
00:26:33Poor love.
00:26:34At 21, that's a lot, isn't it?
00:26:36Yeah.
00:26:36But now Katie's had that operation.
00:26:39There's nothing from stopping her
00:26:40from doing what she wants to do.
00:26:41No.
00:26:42You know, become a pilot, fly the world, see everywhere.
00:26:45Is that what she wants to do?
00:26:45Yeah, because Lindsay did save for Katie
00:26:48to do her pilot's licence.
00:26:50Did she?
00:26:50Yeah, but because of Katie's illness,
00:26:53they've had to use it for, like, somewhere to stay
00:26:55while she's had her operation.
00:26:57I mean, that was just so much money.
00:27:00It's really hard.
00:27:01Her illness has suppressed her confidence quite a lot.
00:27:06I'd love to see her in five years' time
00:27:08to come to me and go.
00:27:09I've done it.
00:27:10I've done it.
00:27:11And what about Lindsay's career?
00:27:13She used to be a childminder.
00:27:14Yeah, and she absolutely loved it.
00:27:15Why did she give up the childminding business?
00:27:18Because of her health?
00:27:19It was her health and Katie's illness.
00:27:21But if she was given the opportunity to start again,
00:27:24like, with slightly older children,
00:27:25she would literally jump at the chance.
00:27:29Financially, Katie's illnesses
00:27:30must have been an absolute nightmare.
00:27:32I can't imagine having to give up your work
00:27:35to look after your daughter
00:27:36and then have to pay for the hotel bills,
00:27:41the commutes, to go and see the specialists.
00:27:44It must have been a big struggle.
00:27:44She's run nightclubs, you know, done all sorts.
00:27:47Okay.
00:27:48Yeah.
00:27:49She would definitely be, like, an amazing manager.
00:27:51She's very good with money.
00:27:54One of the biggest challenges is confidence.
00:27:57So if they can take anything away,
00:27:59it would be that,
00:27:59that they can do anything that they want to
00:28:02by putting their minds to it.
00:28:04Sometimes you have to take calculated risks.
00:28:06Yeah, you do.
00:28:07Because otherwise nothing changes.
00:28:08Otherwise you don't go anywhere.
00:28:09Yeah.
00:28:10I think she'd be up for a calculated risk.
00:28:13LAUGHTER
00:28:14If anyone can help her with improving her confidence,
00:28:19Rachel is definitely the person for that.
00:28:25In Crowborough,
00:28:27Lindsay and Katie are about to find out
00:28:29one way Rachel keeps her own confidence sky high.
00:28:36Hello.
00:28:37Hello.
00:28:38Yeah, I'm Rachel's singing teacher.
00:28:40Rachel hired Maria as part of her physical and mental recovery
00:28:44after losing part of her lung to cancer.
00:28:48Hi.
00:28:49But at £30 an hour,
00:28:50that's the third of Lindsay and Katie's normal budget
00:28:53for a whole week.
00:28:55So it turns out Rachel likes to sing.
00:28:59Does she do this every week?
00:29:01Yeah, she's got a really good voice.
00:29:02Really?
00:29:03Yeah, she's come a really long way.
00:29:04So we need to stand when we sing.
00:29:06Keep this bit nice and straight.
00:29:08Your feet are hip-whip apart.
00:29:12A-E-I-O-U
00:29:16Good.
00:29:17A-E-I-O-U
00:29:21And stop there.
00:29:23Yeah, how did that feel?
00:29:24Like I needed to breathe.
00:29:25Yeah, so that's one of the most important things
00:29:28when you're singing is breath control.
00:29:29But the more you do it,
00:29:31the more you just start to get more confident.
00:29:33When Rachel first started,
00:29:34she was very like,
00:29:36Really?
00:29:37But now she's like,
00:29:40So Rachel just woke up one morning
00:29:42and went,
00:29:43I want to be a singer.
00:29:44So I don't know if you know,
00:29:45but Rachel's only got a lung and a half.
00:29:47So that's one of the main reasons
00:29:49she wanted to start lessons as well.
00:29:51She really wanted to try and strengthen her breath control.
00:29:54How long have you been doing it with her?
00:29:56About three months now.
00:29:58Really?
00:29:58Yeah.
00:29:59She's just in such a short time.
00:30:00Yeah, it's an improvement from start to finish
00:30:03has been fantastic.
00:30:04She's like Wonder Woman.
00:30:06To have money...
00:30:11Is not actually going into a lavish life?
00:30:15So it's going into improving herself.
00:30:17You, you, you, you, you, you.
00:30:20You both have, like, the basics.
00:30:23New egg, new egg, new egg, new.
00:30:28I'll try.
00:30:29New egg, new egg, new egg, new.
00:30:34Good. You can feel it in my...
00:30:35Yeah, imagine.
00:30:37My stomach's like...
00:30:38Oh, yes, it's very huge. That's a good thing.
00:30:41Yeah, it's because my...
00:30:42I've got like a...
00:30:44Oh, wow. Come on down my shoulder.
00:30:46I think we've never done anything like that.
00:30:48It will really, really help your stomach, for sure,
00:30:50because it all connects here.
00:30:52It definitely felt like it helped.
00:30:54Come on, do it.
00:30:55I think we sounded OK.
00:30:56We didn't sound like dying cats, so I would actually do it again.
00:31:02Keep going.
00:31:06In Worthing, Amelia's education continues after school
00:31:10with her first ever shopping trip for cheap second-hand clothes.
00:31:15I'm looking forward to the charity shopping,
00:31:18to see, like, what type of clothes they have there.
00:31:24Used to boutiques and clothes costing hundreds of pounds.
00:31:28Today, they're all shopping like Lindsay and Katie.
00:31:31We've got a budget of £5 each.
00:31:34Yeah.
00:31:34And we have to buy each other something we think they'll like.
00:31:39Me and Rachel go shopping quite a lot.
00:31:41There's a budget, but we usually go outside of the budget.
00:31:46I think Rachel will struggle.
00:31:48It's a shame I haven't got money for a hat as well.
00:31:50She loves spending money.
00:31:53Brenda's not a fan of shopping.
00:31:55Oh.
00:31:56Unless it's for bacon.
00:31:57I am buying for Steve.
00:32:00This one is £4.50, so we might have enough budget,
00:32:04but it doesn't leave much for anything on the bottom.
00:32:08It's really interesting, loads of different styles.
00:32:11It's £6.50.
00:32:13It says it's a size 8.
00:32:15I find that hard to believe, but...
00:32:17They were looked brand new, most of their clothes.
00:32:19And they weren't really noticeable that anyone had worn them.
00:32:22I've got some stuff for Rachel,
00:32:24like blue fluffy trousers and a white top.
00:32:27I've gone over budget.
00:32:28It'll take him so out of his comfort zone.
00:32:31What do you think?
00:32:35Well, I think I'm going to get these.
00:32:38£5, please.
00:32:39Thank you very much.
00:32:41They were really cheap.
00:32:42It was just really adventurous to go see
00:32:45what they had in charity shops.
00:32:47It's a great lesson for Amelia.
00:32:48I accidentally bought a coat off budget.
00:32:52£12.50, but it's really nice.
00:32:54Were you aware of that when you went in?
00:32:55This whole thing, I've had it for years.
00:32:57It was really fun.
00:33:02On the other side of the wealth divide,
00:33:04there's no time for shopping.
00:33:06Lindsay and Katie are getting a first-hand look
00:33:08at the empire Rachel has built.
00:33:11I'm Lindsay.
00:33:12Hi.
00:33:12I'm Katie.
00:33:13Hi.
00:33:14This is our main warehouse where all the goods go out of.
00:33:17It's massive.
00:33:19It's insane.
00:33:22Showing them round the 40,000 square foot packaging plan
00:33:26is Steve's daughter and deputy CEO, Vicky.
00:33:30So, Rachel's my step-mom.
00:33:32Oh, I didn't think that.
00:33:34OK.
00:33:34So, you're Amelia's mum.
00:33:36I'm Amelia's mum.
00:33:38I'm Amelia's mum.
00:33:38Yeah.
00:33:38Oh, that's lovely.
00:33:40That's lovely.
00:33:41Rachel received business backing after pitching her recycled gift packaging idea to TV's Dragon's Den.
00:33:48Her company now sells over 1,500 products to nearly 200,000 customers.
00:33:56And Rachel's efforts towards sustainability have even been recognised with an OBE.
00:34:01Hearing Rachel's story and where she's come from, it's really inspiring.
00:34:06Yeah.
00:34:07I wonder if she has moments where she just kind of stops for a second and goes, I did this.
00:34:12Especially at Christmas when we are at our busiest.
00:34:16I think every now and again, that's a pinch me moment.
00:34:18Mid-chat and the week is catching up on Katie.
00:34:22Can I sit down?
00:34:23She's tired.
00:34:24She's not long had her surgery, so she has to kind of take regular rest breaks.
00:34:28Every now and then, I do get the old pain, but it's hard.
00:34:31I'm just getting on my feet, but I know I can do it.
00:34:35I've had my own health struggles and I'm quite positive, but sometimes you just need
00:34:41reminding of who you are and what you can achieve and Rachel's definitely done that.
00:34:46Rachel would love that.
00:34:46She'd love to just be able to inspire and help and just make people believe that they can do anything
00:34:51they want.
00:34:52What would you ideally love to do?
00:34:54What would that look like for you?
00:34:56I ran a business.
00:34:57I was a childminder and Katie's getting stronger.
00:34:59Like, I'm really open to learning new stuff.
00:35:02To learning new stuff.
00:35:03Yeah, I do.
00:35:03Really good.
00:35:04So with that, we've actually got a really cool task for you to do.
00:35:07The company has a new line of products to market for the festive season.
00:35:13Lindsay has to design a pack shop and come up with a strap line
00:35:16to sell this advent calendar online.
00:35:19I'm going to need Katie's help for this one.
00:35:23She'll come back and present her big ideas to the senior team.
00:35:27If successful, it will go on the company website.
00:35:31But will Katie be up for taking part?
00:35:36Are you in pain?
00:35:37Yeah.
00:35:38What bad?
00:35:39Yeah, just from that to my back.
00:35:41Oh, in your back.
00:35:42I know how you're feeling.
00:35:45So you just have to say, before it gets too bad,
00:35:48just feeling a little bit, I'm just going to rest.
00:35:51I think she's just worried.
00:35:52She's not going to get to appreciate the whole experience.
00:35:56But she is.
00:35:57She just needs to rest a little bit.
00:35:59We've got to pitch this big idea.
00:36:02I'm quite nervous.
00:36:03And I'm really hoping Katie will speak up.
00:36:06So I'm there.
00:36:07I'm like, I'm inspired.
00:36:10I really want her to do this as well.
00:36:13So I'm hoping together we'll smash it.
00:36:16Watch out.
00:36:17I am a bit annoyed I had to kind of step out.
00:36:20And I was just getting a little bit of pain.
00:36:22But I'm glad that I put myself first.
00:36:27Back in Worthing, Rachel, Steve and Amelia
00:36:30try out their £5 charity shop purchases.
00:36:34Oh, look at you.
00:36:35Look at that.
00:36:37You look like you're in the 1980s.
00:36:39You all had leg warmers that matched the green
00:36:42and the orange and the pink.
00:36:43Is it comfy?
00:36:44Yeah.
00:36:45It was really funny trying to pick outfits for each other.
00:36:49The trousers were very small.
00:36:54I feel like we should do more like charity shopping all together,
00:36:57like buying each other clothes with a budget.
00:37:00The outfit actually suits you.
00:37:02It's a great outfit.
00:37:05Next, a pivotal moment for Lindsay and Katie
00:37:08as they try to impress Rachel's senior team.
00:37:11So the next one is what it will look like on social media.
00:37:15And to me, if I was to see that, I'd buy it.
00:37:17Rachel puts her business brain to Lindsay's child-minding dream.
00:37:22There's a real shortage.
00:37:23So if you've got two children and you're at work for eight hours...
00:37:28Yeah, it's a lot of money.
00:37:30And in Krobera, a surprise envelope arrives.
00:37:33Oh, my God.
00:37:35That's so nice.
00:37:44Lindsay and Katie have been pushing through their health issues
00:37:47to make the most out of the swap.
00:37:49Are you in pain?
00:37:50Yeah.
00:37:51Not bad.
00:37:52Yeah, just putting that on my bar.
00:37:54Rachel's been discovering what's holding them back from achieving their dreams.
00:37:58One of the biggest challenges is confidence.
00:38:00They can do anything that they want to by putting their minds to it.
00:38:04And Lindsay's been given her make-or-break moment to come up with a major campaign for Rachel's company.
00:38:11So I'm there.
00:38:12I'm inspired.
00:38:13I really want her to do this as well.
00:38:16So I'm hoping together we'll smash it.
00:38:20Day four.
00:38:22Another morning in the lap of luxury.
00:38:25Definitely an entertainer.
00:38:27It's so shiny.
00:38:29It's like heaven in a cupboard.
00:38:31But despite their surroundings, Lindsay and Katie's daily reality remains.
00:38:36You should take your meds after you've eaten your breakfast.
00:38:40I hate the taste of penicillin.
00:38:42I have to take how many?
00:38:43One, two, three, four, five, six in the morning and then five in the evening.
00:38:48Just today I could see Katie was struggling.
00:38:52She's getting up.
00:38:53She's smiling and she's strong.
00:38:55But she doesn't know how to live now without pain and control.
00:38:59And it's trying to get her confidence and her strength and find that passion.
00:39:05Lindsay's been juggling weekend reception work while looking after Katie.
00:39:10My health's been really up and down.
00:39:12I'm feeling okay at the moment.
00:39:14A bit of pain every now and then, but it's manageable.
00:39:18I just want to have a good week and just enjoy it as much as I can.
00:39:22At least today, Lindsay can afford to give Katie some serious retail therapy.
00:39:28And with £1,500 still to spend, even the most upmarket Tombridge Wells boutiques are within reach.
00:39:36Oh my God, look at that bag.
00:39:37Oh my God, look.
00:39:38Oh, that dress is so cute.
00:39:41Couldn't be more different than five quid charity shop bargain hunting.
00:39:45Whoa.
00:39:46Oh, I love it.
00:39:48Everything's expensive, isn't it?
00:39:50That's it.
00:39:52That's it.
00:39:53£250.
00:39:55Five quid.
00:39:57It's exciting to know that we can kind of just be selfish for once.
00:40:01Not have to really look at the price.
00:40:02Spend the money on the things that we want.
00:40:05How much is that one?
00:40:06I think that's 99.
00:40:08Yes.
00:40:08It's fab, isn't it?
00:40:10When we go shopping, we generally go in because Katie wants to look.
00:40:14I don't really think about myself.
00:40:16I still kind of put her needs first.
00:40:19But Lindsay also has skin in the game because later today is the big pitch to the senior team at
00:40:25Rachel's company.
00:40:27I've kind of forgotten who I am and what qualities I've got and what I can achieve.
00:40:32So I'm hoping today it's going to be a bit of confidence push.
00:40:37As ever, Katie comes first.
00:40:40To the tune of £450.
00:40:43But now it's Lindsay's turn.
00:40:45For once, there's more than enough to go round.
00:40:47Oh, nice.
00:40:48I've always wanted a pair of white jeans.
00:40:50I'm just going to say, hey.
00:40:51This is so nice.
00:40:53I definitely have a comfort zone because she never like shops like this sort of style.
00:40:58I think it's time that I should like put myself first a little bit.
00:41:01Yeah, they're cute.
00:41:03Yeah, I'm trying new things.
00:41:05I even tried on a white top today.
00:41:07I mean, who would have thought?
00:41:09And I mean, I'm really pushing things.
00:41:11So I'm kind of getting more confident.
00:41:14I think we've had enough.
00:41:17Oh, I feel a bit broken.
00:41:20Just aching.
00:41:21My back really hurts.
00:41:22Can't do too much walking.
00:41:24We're literally falling apart, aren't we?
00:41:26Shop until we're dropping.
00:41:28Oh, thanks, Mummy.
00:41:32After a day of splurging cash, what's the total damage?
00:41:38£950.
00:41:39What, that we spent today?
00:41:42Christ, I'm going to frame these jeans.
00:41:45That would get me to Australia to visit my brother that I haven't seen for like 10 years.
00:41:50Like, that makes you feel a bit bad, doesn't it, really?
00:41:52In four hours, Lindsay and Katie have spent almost half their entire week's budget on clothes, bags and makeup.
00:42:03Rachel and Steve are hoping the swap will be grounding for Amelia.
00:42:07But when £200 is easily spent on a normal day out, how will the two adults take to crabbing,
00:42:14one of the local area's favourite low-cost pastimes?
00:42:17It seems quite like an odd hobby to have, just saying.
00:42:21Three buckets, nets and twine cost just £15.
00:42:25I'm going in.
00:42:27How do you go in?
00:42:28Like that.
00:42:30I've only ever been crabbing once.
00:42:31And we don't really do anything like sportiest outside together.
00:42:36We usually just chill around the pool.
00:42:37Have you got one?
00:42:39It's actually quite big.
00:42:41Oh, it's all crabby.
00:42:43Have you got another one?
00:42:45I've got two.
00:42:47Oh, my God.
00:42:48I am literally going to be having nightmares, seeing them wriggling like that.
00:42:53Oh, I've got one.
00:42:54I've got one.
00:42:55Oh, I don't know who's more scared, me or him.
00:42:59You got one?
00:42:59That's a massive one.
00:43:01Oh, my God.
00:43:02Amelia is meant to be learning about the struggles facing budget Britain.
00:43:06That's it.
00:43:07Lig it.
00:43:07Run.
00:43:08I'm getting out.
00:43:10But Rachel's the one getting the education.
00:43:13Off you go.
00:43:14Get the bucket.
00:43:16They were like tarantulas.
00:43:18And I can just see that I'm going to be dreaming of them tonight,
00:43:21all coming for me with their pincers.
00:43:23At least it's some new memories that we've made.
00:43:26It was nice spending time with family.
00:43:30Definitely not a hobby for me.
00:43:32I don't think I'll be crabbing again.
00:43:38I don't think I'll be crabbing again.
00:44:04I don't think I'll be crabbing again.
00:44:23I could maybe become a manager or a business owner again.
00:44:28This is a really good opportunity and a challenge for her to kind of get that inner voice and then
00:44:34come away thinking, yeah, I did that.
00:44:36I just don't feel that confident because it's quite out of my comfort zone.
00:44:41It's something that I don't usually do.
00:44:43What Katie doesn't realise is that Rachel and Steve are already behind her.
00:44:48Confidence coach, photographer.
00:44:52And they're hatching a plan to help.
00:44:55The biggest thing with both of them seems to be confidence.
00:44:58After everything that Katie's been through, I get it.
00:45:01I've got so many scars over my body.
00:45:03I think I've had five operations in the last six years.
00:45:05But I'm in my 50s now and Katie, on the other hand, is probably a lot more body conscious.
00:45:13Rachel and Steve want to give Katie and her mom a life-changing experience.
00:45:18They obviously like their photos being taken because the place is full of pictures of them.
00:45:23But there's no real professional ones apart from the one of Katie when she was really young.
00:45:27For Lindsay, it must have been really hard with her own health issues going through that journey with Katie.
00:45:32It would be great to give them both more confidence to pursue their dreams and follow what they want to
00:45:39do.
00:45:39So by being all beautified up, it sort of starts planting the seeds of confidence, doesn't it?
00:45:47We do that.
00:45:48They decide to arrange a photo shoot worth £1,000 with a specialist body confidence photographer.
00:45:55It would be really nice if we could just give them a day that they'll remember for the rest of
00:45:58their lives.
00:46:01But first, it's the moment Lindsay and Katie have been building to.
00:46:06They're on the way to Rachel's company to present their advent calendar marketing ideas to the senior team.
00:46:12This is a really good opportunity, like, you know, going as a team.
00:46:16I'll use my charm to, like, engage them.
00:46:20Obviously, you can use your beautiful looks to get their attention.
00:46:24I'm definitely going to try. I think once I'm in there and I'm in the situation and my mum starts
00:46:30talking,
00:46:30and we'll just bounce off each other. It's just the leading up to work that I don't like.
00:46:35They're ready to see now. Lovely. Thank you.
00:46:38With Lindsay's desire to get back to work again, can she show enough business acumen to win the team over?
00:46:45Hello. Good afternoon. Hello.
00:46:49So, we've come to you today with our marketing pitch. We've been brainstorming.
00:46:56We kind of did go for a target audience, didn't we?
00:47:00Judging the pitch, our deputy CEO, Vicky, and chief of staff, Sarah.
00:47:06Big pitch.
00:47:09We've decided that our slogan is Christmas has come early.
00:47:12It's not a calendar as such. It's a month of little gifts. So, your Christmas is coming early.
00:47:20So, the next one is what it will look like on social media. And I think it looks absolutely amazing.
00:47:25It's very inviting. To me, if I was to see that, I'd buy it. It just looks really nice,
00:47:32really classy. And it fits all the age ranges, which is really good.
00:47:36I put the lovely wintry props to get the little ones in as well.
00:47:41If I was to look through social media and see that, the first one I'd go is,
00:47:44oh, the mouse is so cute. I feel like a lot of people would do that.
00:47:49It definitely worked, because the first thing I did was like, look at the mouse.
00:47:52I love the mouse. What can we call it? We need a name for the mouse.
00:47:57It's just the naughty little mouse. You open the door and it makes you want to kind of look in.
00:48:03So, what's the final verdict? We absolutely love the idea. And so, when we start advertising the
00:48:09advent calendars, we're going to use yours as our first banner. It goes live for us for our Christmas
00:48:15ads. That's so exciting. We're going to make the mouse the star. So, watch this space. The mouse is
00:48:22going to come to lie. It's really cool. Good feeling, isn't it?
00:48:26They really took our ideas into consideration. I'm always going to put Katie first, but I feel
00:48:32it really gave me a spark to kind of see where I can go, you know? What can I do
00:48:40next?
00:48:41Still to come, Katie gets the ultimate confidence-boosting photo shoot.
00:48:45She looks like Katie again.
00:48:47Yeah. Rachel sees a way to get Lindsay back into business.
00:48:50She doesn't have to do it herself. That's why you bring in stuff.
00:48:54And there's an offer of a lifetime. We just want to see you be able to move forward.
00:48:59It's always been my dream, hasn't it?
00:49:08Lindsay and Katie have been pushing themselves hard all week, and they smashed the marketing pitch.
00:49:15To me, if I was to see that, I'd buy it. The big sell was a big achievement.
00:49:20I'm really proud of myself that I've got this far.
00:49:24It really gave me a spark. What can I do next?
00:49:28And time without their usual luxuries has been an eye-opener for Rachel, Steve, and especially Amelia.
00:49:34It was nice spending time with family. Some new memories that we've made.
00:49:41It's day six for Katie and Lindsay, living life on the other side of the wealth divide.
00:49:46I have to keep reminding myself to take my meds. It's been quite a bit of a hit on my
00:49:51body.
00:49:52I think mentally feeling positive is kind of giving us that edge to kind of push ourselves.
00:50:01This morning, a mystery envelope arrives.
00:50:04The suspense is killing me.
00:50:07Dear Lindsay and Katie, we've come to understand the difficulties you've been facing.
00:50:11To help you look forward to your next chapter in your life, we've booked a private studio in Brighton,
00:50:15where you'll both have your hair and make-up done before having your portraits taken by Ginny Marsh.
00:50:21Oh my God. That's so nice.
00:50:25Yeah, that's really nice.
00:50:25Ginny, award-winning photographer and a certified body confidence and well-being coach.
00:50:31I definitely need some of that.
00:50:33How exciting!
00:50:35It'll be nice to have our make-up done professionally.
00:50:37Can't wait to see your portraits.
00:50:39Yeah, you're going to feel like a movie star.
00:50:42Katie and Lindsay have already had a big week.
00:50:45Now there's an experience coming they'll remember for the rest of their lives.
00:50:50Katie's face lit up.
00:50:51She's always wanted to have a photo shoot and I'm really looking forward to it.
00:50:55I'm really, really excited to have photos done.
00:50:57This is the celebration from the last three years.
00:51:02And there's one part of her in particular to be celebrated.
00:51:05So I'm really excited to be able to show off my scar.
00:51:09My scar is definitely big, but it shows that I'm a worrier and I've been through all this stuff
00:51:15and I've come out on the other end and now being able to put it all behind us.
00:51:21Lindsay and Katie are off to meet top photographer Ginny,
00:51:24who's been making people feel amazing for over 10 years for their own very special photo shoot.
00:51:31So good to meet you.
00:51:33This is Katie.
00:51:34I'm Lindsay.
00:51:34First hair and makeup, all part of their five-star treatment.
00:51:39I want you guys to relax.
00:51:41You guys are here to be pampered.
00:51:43Yeah.
00:51:44Like what I do with my clients is to get them to come up with a kind of power statement
00:51:49to go with
00:51:50their photos so that when you look back on these photos, you're going to think, yes, that's me.
00:51:55Did you want Survivor written on your stomach?
00:51:57Yeah.
00:51:57Yeah.
00:51:58Is there anything else that feels more empowering, more in line with you?
00:52:02No, I like Survivor.
00:52:04Okay, that's pretty.
00:52:06It's just kind of really natural.
00:52:08Yeah.
00:52:08It's very exciting.
00:52:09Feeling very confident that these ladies are going to make me look quite good.
00:52:14That's my spotlight.
00:52:16She really deserves this.
00:52:19You're looking so beautiful, aren't you?
00:52:21I think it was.
00:52:22Every day she's become more confident, and today she was having fun.
00:52:28So what does it do you do for work?
00:52:29I want to be a pilot, so.
00:52:31Do you?
00:52:32I love that response.
00:52:34Oh.
00:52:34She's like, oh, how amazing.
00:52:36The start of the week, if you'd asked her what she wanted to do, she would have been like,
00:52:39hmm, did want to be a pilot, and now she's like, I really want to be a pilot.
00:52:45I love that.
00:52:46Perfect.
00:52:47That's it.
00:52:48All right, just staying there.
00:52:51You're looking stunning.
00:52:54She looks incredible.
00:52:55She's like, she's like, glowing.
00:52:58How are you?
00:52:59Yeah.
00:53:02For Katie, this could be the start of a new chapter where she can live out her hopes and dreams.
00:53:09That's so cool.
00:53:10To have the photos done with my scarf, I just want to show it off, really.
00:53:14Like, I'm really proud of what I've gone through, and I think it really shows my strength.
00:53:21She looks like Katie again.
00:53:23How gorgeous is that?
00:53:25I just really enjoyed having my hair and makeup done, especially with my mum.
00:53:29My mum is just the best mum in the world.
00:53:32The better Katie feels, the more Lindsay can follow her own ambitions.
00:53:37The things they've gone through together, it just makes me so, like, inspired to see them on their journey.
00:53:46Katie's had to grow up quite quickly.
00:53:49This is definitely what we both needed.
00:53:52That's it, keep going.
00:53:53You worked as a VIP waitress.
00:53:55Yeah, I worked as, yeah.
00:54:01Having learned about Lindsay's dream to restart childminding, Rachel has her business head on.
00:54:08It would be great if I can see what the competition is like around this area,
00:54:12and we could help Lindsay create a new sort of business plan.
00:54:17Morning. Hi.
00:54:18I'm Laura. You must be Rachel.
00:54:20I am.
00:54:20Welcome to the Little Play Village.
00:54:22Rachel is meeting the owner of a local children's centre.
00:54:26We offer a safe space for children and families.
00:54:29What generally do you think parents want out of childcare in the Worthing area?
00:54:33It's a great question, but I know, for me personally, I needed long hours.
00:54:37Do you have, like, a typical customer?
00:54:40I would say the majority are working and are juggling life.
00:54:45Almost a third of UK mums with young kids now spend more than 40% of their salary on professional
00:54:51childcare.
00:54:52Hello, I'm Rachel. Hi.
00:54:55And how many do you have?
00:54:57Three.
00:54:58Wow.
00:54:59How often do you use a facility like this?
00:55:02Uh, all the time.
00:55:03Do you?
00:55:03Yes.
00:55:03It's hard to actually get your children onto waiting lists anywhere with childminders, nurseries, two years.
00:55:10So there's a real shortage?
00:55:11Yeah.
00:55:12But what do you think the general rate is around Worthing for a childminder?
00:55:16Anything between, like, £7 and £10 an hour.
00:55:19So if you've got two children and you're at work for eight hours.
00:55:24Yeah, it's a lot of money.
00:55:25The numbers have got to stack up in Rachel's head.
00:55:27She's a big numbers person.
00:55:29And if she thinks it'll work, then she'll go all out to, you know, to help.
00:55:33Demand is high and currently not being service.
00:55:36The million dollar question is, could Lindsay handle both her business and her health issues?
00:55:42It would be totally possible for Lindsay to come up with some kind of business model to
00:55:47suit her lifestyle a lot more.
00:55:48I mean, if I can do it, anyone can.
00:55:51She doesn't have to do it herself.
00:55:53That's why you bring in stuff.
00:55:54For Lindsay and Katie, a last taste of luxury.
00:55:58Whoa, it's well nice in here.
00:56:01At a gastropub they could never normally afford.
00:56:04Organic schnitzel.
00:56:06What's that?
00:56:07Dupin' nice potatoes.
00:56:10Do you think Rachel has this problem?
00:56:11I don't think I've overordered from an a la carte menu.
00:56:14Lindsay and Katie hardly ever eat out.
00:56:17When they do, it's usually under a tenner.
00:56:20Meals here can set you back £100.
00:56:23You know, the starters are more than what we'd spend on a main if we went out for dinner.
00:56:28I'm going to get a fillet steak.
00:56:30Are you?
00:56:31I'm going to get fillet cheesy chips.
00:56:33What an end to a week.
00:56:36Cheers.
00:56:39And here we go, ladies.
00:56:42Oh, it smells so good.
00:56:45That has got to be the best steak.
00:56:48The weight of Katie's heart is steak.
00:56:51This is a good end of my week.
00:56:53I can't lie.
00:56:54Done really well this week.
00:56:56You've been brilliant.
00:56:57You've really pushed yourself.
00:56:58Pushed both of us.
00:57:00Would you want to live this life every week?
00:57:02No.
00:57:02I think it's just really shown me that money does not buy happiness.
00:57:05Your health buys your happiness.
00:57:08Yeah, I totally agree.
00:57:09I'm looking forward to meeting Rachel.
00:57:10So, no, I feel like I already know her.
00:57:12I've not seen her enjoy a meal like that in several months.
00:57:16We, like, completely moved from what she's been for and her health.
00:57:21And we sat together like two powerfully strong women enjoying this delicious steak.
00:57:28We didn't even look at the price.
00:57:30It was like, let's just enjoy this moment.
00:57:32I've never eaten a steak that nice.
00:57:35I'm still in that process of recovery.
00:57:37It's very difficult.
00:57:38But I'm really proud of myself that I've got this far.
00:57:42This week has shown me that Kate is ready now to chase her ambition.
00:57:48And she's kind of found herself now.
00:57:52To mark the end of their week, Rachel, Steve and Amelia decide to spend their last eight pounds
00:57:58of their 90 quid budget on a more modest treat.
00:58:02This is more enjoyable than crabbing, just saying.
00:58:05Mm-hmm.
00:58:05You could do this every day.
00:58:07Ooh.
00:58:07Amelia, what do you think of the week?
00:58:09And what do you think of being on a really tight budget?
00:58:11I don't think I could do it every day.
00:58:13What's been your highlights?
00:58:15Probably just spending time, all of us together.
00:58:18Amelia said a lovely thing tonight.
00:58:20She said, can we go and do charity shopping together?
00:58:24Can we do it again as a family?
00:58:26So I think it's been really good for her and to see that you don't need a lot of money
00:58:29to
00:58:30have nice clothes or have nice things, that there's some great bargains to be had.
00:58:36And what has the week revealed for Rachel and Steve?
00:58:40We're incredibly lucky to be able to afford to eat healthily, to exercise effectively.
00:58:45Yeah, I'm grateful every day.
00:58:46They've had a really bad run of things.
00:58:48Yeah, they have.
00:58:49I think if we can help them, we should.
00:58:54Coming up, Lindsay and Katie are in for a surprise when they get home.
00:58:58Oh, look!
00:59:01The two families finally meet.
00:59:03I could feel the pain that you'd gone through.
00:59:06And Lindsay receives a dream career offer.
00:59:09What about some kind of agency?
00:59:11We would be happy helping you set up the business.
00:59:24Rachel and Steve have found out about Katie and Lindsay's struggles.
00:59:28Financially, Katie's illnesses must have been an absolute nightmare.
00:59:33Having to give up your work to look after your daughter.
00:59:36And after a week of swapping lives.
00:59:38Two hundred and fifty pounds.
00:59:41Off you go.
00:59:44Get the bucket.
00:59:46The two families have learnt what matters most.
00:59:49She looks incredible. She's like, she's like, glowing.
00:59:53I'm grateful every day.
00:59:54Amelia said, can we go and do charity shopping together?
00:59:58It's day seven. The final day of the swap.
01:00:02And time to pack bags and head home.
01:00:04I'm quite proud of myself.
01:00:06I didn't think I was going to be able to do it, but I did,
01:00:08which is really good, and it's a big step for me.
01:00:10I'm really excited to meet Rachel. I feel like I already know her.
01:00:13Hi, lovely room.
01:00:15Living a week of somebody else's life really does put your own life into perspective.
01:00:20I don't think I'd like to go back and live in a town,
01:00:22but it is lovely and quiet here.
01:00:25Before returning back to their real lives,
01:00:27the families are meeting halfway for the very first time.
01:00:33Hello.
01:00:35It's so nice to meet you.
01:00:36It's so nice to meet you.
01:00:37I feel like I know you already.
01:00:38It's been such an incredible journey.
01:00:40We arrived at your lovely home.
01:00:42When we opened the door, Katie was like, wow.
01:00:45So quiet.
01:00:46This is just, we've had the best sleep.
01:00:48I felt so comfortable in it.
01:00:50How did you find the sleep at all?
01:00:52Absolutely.
01:00:53Is it all right?
01:00:53It was fine.
01:00:55We walked in your house.
01:00:56We saw a pancreas-free sign.
01:00:59I burst into tears, sobbing, because I could feel the pain that you'd gone through.
01:01:05It's been very, very tough.
01:01:07No, Katie, we were just all prime examples of invisible illnesses.
01:01:12Yeah.
01:01:12A lot of people don't see.
01:01:13Rachel's always one of these people on the side.
01:01:15She goes, how are you doing?
01:01:16And she goes, yeah, I'm fine.
01:01:17Yeah.
01:01:17But she's not fine.
01:01:18And Mel told us all about your journey.
01:01:21She's known me a long time.
01:01:23And it became very clear that along the way, you've inspired and helped so many other people.
01:01:30I feel it's a responsibility, don't I?
01:01:32Mm-hmm.
01:01:33It's incredible.
01:01:34So how did the photo shoot go?
01:01:35That was so nice, thank you.
01:01:37Yeah, it was amazing.
01:01:39So there's Katie living her best life.
01:01:43It's a survivor.
01:01:44Oh, that's really lovely.
01:01:45That's something.
01:01:46And now you've got your health issues hopefully behind you, what next?
01:01:52What are the big dreams?
01:01:53I definitely want to become a pilot in the future.
01:01:56Everybody said, Katie, that has been your goal.
01:01:58So what we'd like to do to help you on that road is buy you five lessons.
01:02:04Breathing.
01:02:04It's always been my dream, hasn't it, since I was about three to be a pilot.
01:02:08Yeah.
01:02:08It's for me, I've got my daughter back.
01:02:12And to hear her say, I want to, not I wanted to, has been the most rewarding part for me.
01:02:22I think perhaps now is the time for you to be like, I'm not just Katie's mum.
01:02:29I can now start seeing a future for me.
01:02:32You know, when you get thrown stuff that you just can't prepare for,
01:02:36it just hits you off course.
01:02:39Rachel and Steve have thought hard about how they can help Lindsay find her feet again.
01:02:45What we learned is that you wanted to set up another business.
01:02:50So I went to see Playgroup and I was talking to lots of mums there about what's needed in Worthing.
01:02:56An idea was floated that said, what about some kind of childcare agency?
01:03:02You wouldn't actually be looking after the children yourselves, but an agency that offers the people that you can then
01:03:07manage.
01:03:08Yeah, yeah, I never thought about that.
01:03:10You can literally do it online and fit the hours around you.
01:03:13Yeah, I'd love that.
01:03:15We would be happy to invest £10,000 in helping you set up the business.
01:03:21I can't really not say.
01:03:22Don't, I'm going to start crying.
01:03:27It just kind of was this constant circle, wasn't it?
01:03:30And like me trying to support Katie and she's supporting me.
01:03:33I'm really grateful and I will not let you down.
01:03:37I'm going to put everything into this and the opportunities that you're going to give Katie.
01:03:41And you're going to be a pilot.
01:03:43You're going to do what you love.
01:03:44We just want to see you get your lives back and be able to move forward.
01:03:50Let's do it.
01:03:52It was really nice to meet you.
01:03:53Yeah.
01:03:54It's so generous, the opportunity that they've given you.
01:03:57Yes, I think it's really given me that head start.
01:04:00I'm really, really grateful.
01:04:01It almost feels like it was meant to happen for them.
01:04:03If we can help them achieve what they want to achieve in life, then that's great.
01:04:09Yeah.
01:04:12Both families return home.
01:04:15And after a week of living in luxury, it's back to normality for Lindsay and Katie.
01:04:22It's so tidy.
01:04:24We miss Tilly.
01:04:26Dear Katie and Lindsay, thank you so much for letting us stay in your lovely house.
01:04:31And we really hope things get a lot easier for you both.
01:04:35Much love, Steve, Rachel and Amelia.
01:04:39Oh, look.
01:04:41God.
01:04:42I absolutely love it.
01:04:46So cool.
01:04:48Like, we know what this represents.
01:04:50This is our journey.
01:04:51Oh, it's so nice to be back in our tiny garden.
01:04:55It's just so lovely.
01:04:56It's peaceful.
01:04:57Yeah.
01:04:58To Rachel, Steve and Amelia, a big thank you.
01:05:01Oh, that's sweet.
01:05:02Firstly, you are an inspiration and your home is beautiful.
01:05:05The happiness and smiles I've seen from Katie this week and how she has found herself, I feel have my
01:05:11beautiful, strong, ambitious daughter back.
01:05:14Love Lindsay and Katie.
01:05:15I'm so pleased that Katie got something out of it.
01:05:18It really does, I hope, feel like a new chapter for her.
01:05:21A week away has given everyone a chance to reflect on their lives.
01:05:26It's made me realise more.
01:05:28We never know what's around the corner.
01:05:29It's not about things.
01:05:31We just have to make every day count.
01:05:33I think it just takes one thing like this to make you realise that you can take control and you
01:05:39can live with an illness and you can still try and succeed.
01:05:44I feel really, really motivated.
01:05:47Want to get up and do something with my life.
01:05:49You literally can be my personal pilot.
01:05:54Next time.
01:05:55I have a beautiful, classic Corvette Stingray.
01:05:59I had bailiffs come in and I just went into a state of panic.
01:06:03He's always been a workaholic.
01:06:05What a lovely day to sip champagne.
01:06:09There's no way I'm eating a couch for.
01:06:11There's been tears, there's been swears.
01:06:13Morning, noon and night, doing stuff together.
01:06:16This can change mine and my family's life.
01:06:22And if you've been affected by the issues covered tonight, find information and support at channel5.com slash helplines.
01:06:33Martin Clunes stars in The Downfall of Hugh Edwards, brand new factual drama that explores the newsreader's double life, brand
01:06:40new Tuesday at nine.
01:06:42And we've seen aсть coming up in the back.
01:06:42Until then.
01:06:43have come on.
01:06:47And remember out.
01:06:48We can do something.
01:06:48Have come, people to see the newsreader's double life.
01:06:48A new way.
01:06:48You can turn short.
01:06:49Like theähltron.
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