For Sharon and Alan Cummings, attending Principle Living's recent Crafting Your Retirement event was about exploring possibilities for their next chapter. They never expected to leave as winners of the event's major prize.

The couple were delighted to discover they had won the ultimate Hunter Valley escape, including a two-night stay in a two-bedroom apartment at Peppers Hunter Valley, a round of golf for two at The Vintage Golf Course and a $250 dining credit at Mezze.

"We've never won anything like this before, so it was a wonderful surprise,” Sharon said.

“We're really looking forward to getting away and enjoying the experience together."

The prize draw was held as part of Principle Living's Crafting Your Retirement event in May, which brought together industry experts and future retirees for an afternoon focused on planning, lifestyle and making informed ecisions about retirement.

For the proud grandparents, the event came at a time when they were beginning to seriously consider what their future could look like, with Alan preparing to officially reach retirement age next year and Sharon continuing her lifelong career in pharmacy.

"We're at that stage where we're thinking about what's next,"Alan said.

"Our home is larger than what we need now and is becoming harder to maintain. We're looking at our options and exploring what retirement living might offer."

Originally from the Port Macquarie region, the couple have built a busy family life around their two daughters and five grandchildren, aged between two and 14 years old.

"Family is incredibly important to us," Sharon said.

"We're fortunate that most of our family is close by, so wherever we end up, staying connected will always be a priority."

Alan said the event gave the couple an opportunity to really consider their future plans and explore the options available to them.

"It's a big decision," he said.

"We're taking the time to look at different options and work out what will suit us best as we move into the next stage of life."

While the Hunter Valley getaway will provide a welcome opportunity to relax and celebrate, the experience also marks the beginning of an exciting new journey for the couple.

As they continue exploring their future options, Sharon and Alan's story reflects exactly what Crafting Your Retirement was designed to achieve: helping people feel informed, inspired and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

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