A Leicester mother says her family was “working to survive in the UK” before moving 5,000 miles to Zimbabwe, where they have now settled into a new way of life.
Natalie Furk, 35, and her husband James, 37, relocated with their two children, Isabella, nine, and Harvey, seven, in March 2024. The couple said their decision came after years of struggling with long working hours and little balance between work and family.
James had a full-time role in the automotive industry, while Natalie’s bakery business grew significantly during the pandemic. But the growth came at a cost, with Natalie working up to 18 hours a day to keep up with demand. “It felt like we were just working to survive,” she explained.
In December 2023, the couple sold their four-bedroom home in Ringstead, Northamptonshire, for £500,000. They used the proceeds to help finance their move to Harare, Zimbabwe, where James grew up. Their remaining belongings were shipped in a 40ft container, which cost them £8,000.
The family says the transition has given them a higher quality of life compared to the UK. They now employ staff to help with cleaning, gardening, and cooking. “We even sent one of our maids on a cookery course and she now prepares most of our meals,” Natalie said.
Education for their children was also a priority. Isabella and Harvey are now enrolled in a private school in Harare, with fees of £8,750 per child each year. The couple said this was part of their commitment to ensuring a strong future for their children while adapting to their new surroundings.
Natalie described the move as a complete change of pace, contrasting it with the pressure-filled routine of life back in Britain. “Here, we have more time together as a family,” she said. “The children are happier, and we’ve managed to build a routine that works for us.”
The Furks say they are now settled in Harare and adjusting well to life in southern Africa. They believe the decision to leave the UK has given them the balance and opportunities they were searching for.
