The sun shines through my window overlooking views of the picturesque medieval town of Fontenay-le-Comte. The warm weather of the summer recently passed and is replaced by a crisp autumn sky. I’ve been here one month now and, on my way to fully integrating myself in the ‘vie français’. Let me introduce myself; my name is Liam, I am 28 years old and, like many of us, have taken the somewhat brave decision to leave my native land, family and friends, job security, house, and pub, in favour of new life in the Vendée.

After completing my degree and PGCE in music I joined the teaching profession and taught in secondary schools in Buckinghamshire. I ran choirs, rang bells, joined a band, whilst keeping the thought of moving to France in the back of mind for a later date. Fast forward to the 23^rd June 2016: 52% of the country voted to leave the EU. Keeping politics out of this, my soon-to-be wife and I faced a choice: adopt a ‘wait-and-see' attitude to moving or bring forward our plans of expatriation before the UK leaves Europe. We choose the latter and so here I am!

The greatest obstacle I must, deal with every single day is that my wife is not currently able to join me. Lise and I have been together for almost 10 years and married last year in the summer. The wedding took place in Maine-et-Loire and we could have not asked for a more perfect day; the sun was shining the venue was stunning, and my beautiful wife looked incredible. A complete contrast to weddings this year and for that I feel very lucky.

Now, one year on, we are 595km apart. For those curious as to why Lise is still in the UK; she is a teacher and as such cannot leave her school when she wishes but must wait for the end of term. (Lise is also French and will be allowed back to France after the 31^st December). It is by far the hardest thing I have ever done.

Unfortunately, there is a darker element to this story that I will only touch upon, as I understand the power and importance of sharing. In January this year I was diagnosed with depression. I mention this not only to raise awareness of mental health but despite the pain and anguish it caused, even the greyest clouds have the glimmer of a silver lining. I suddenly found myself feeling isolated and alone but at the same time responsible for keeping a brave, smiling, face; a façade that I had built over many years that now cracked under its own weight.

I found that in my darkest times the thought of starting over got me through. Although there are many push and pull factors when deciding to leave your country, the idea of moving to France where, we all know, the lifestyle is very different, was the biggest. The reassurance from my wife every day that things will get better came true and without her, my local doctors' surgery, the NHS, and Healthy Minds, things would not have changed, and for this I am forever grateful.

Now let's move on! Everything has been organised, the house is up for sale, I’ve handed in my notice, plans to stay with the in-laws are all set, the ferry has been booked, the removal van has been reserved, passport renewed, and I’m eager for the summer term to end so that I can move over;