‘I released thousands and travelled the world’
Globetrotting is something 75-year-old Carole Anthony has always done. She and her husband, John, travelled far and wide. John worked for P&O Cruises and, together, he and Carole took full advantage of the staff discount on offer. It meant that the couple could leave their london home to explore the furthest reaches of the world.
After John passed away a little more than a decade ago, following a battle with dementia, Carole wanted to make sure she didn’t just get stuck at home.
‘When my husband died, I decided I was going to make a bucket list,’ says Carole, who now lives in Clacton-on-Sea. ‘I listed all the things I wanted to do before I pass away.
‘I always used to be very shy. Then all of a sudden, I found the guts to do the things I always wanted to do. So, I did them.
‘I went to New York last year with my
friend,’ Carole says. ‘We went at the best time, after Thanksgiving, when they put the Christmas tree up in the Rockefeller Center.
‘I love that building. It gives you the most amazing view of the city. Another time, we went down to New Orleans for the carnival. Then on to Memphis and the home of country and western, Nashville.’
But it wasn’t just the USA that attracted Carole. Her love for horses and riding played a big part in her next adventure.
‘I’ve not long come back from South America,’ she explains. ‘We went to Brazil and Argentina.
‘While we were there, we went to a gaucho ranch. You get to ride the horses and the saddles are amazing compared to home. It’s like sitting in an armchair!’
She’s ticked off Brazil and South Africa, and Hong Kong is on the list for later this year.
‘Then who knows? I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, so maybe that’s the next place to visit.’
Carole’s bucket list has been more than about travelling. Since first releasing equity from her home two and a half years ago, her time has been filled with exhilarating experiences here in the UK, too, some for charity.
‘I’ve screeched around a racetrack in extremely fast cars and I’ve done a tandem skydive for charity,’ Carole says. ‘It was for a little girl who needed an operation in the United States. And it worked – I raised £3,000 for her. It was amazing.’
When Carole drew up her bucket list initially, there was only one problem. But it was a big one. She couldn’t afford to do it all. That’s where Key came in.
‘I spoke to one of Key’s equity release advisers,’ Carole recalls. ‘He was very nice and very interesting. He told me all I needed to know, and explained everything.
‘I’m so glad I took out equity release. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to do all these things.
‘I would definitely recommend equity release. And I would recommend Key. The people who came to my home were extremely friendly and helpful.’