Some advice please

[scoobysoo]

I have a bit of a dilemma. It's my Mum's birthday on Saturday. She lives 80 miles away, and I will be going to drive down there for the day. My brother lives much further away, and doesn't get to visit my parents much as he doesn't have a car, so I thought it would be a nice surprise for Mum if I picked him up and took him with me, then took him home again. Anyway, I was laid off recently, and am very short of money, so was going to suggest my brother gave me the petrol to cover the diversion...but it's one heck of a diversion!!! I've worked it out that minus the amount I would spend to get there and back on my own, his share would work out as about �50. He's not exactly coining it in himself, and has 3 children under 5, and I'm not sure if I could ask for that much money, but I can't afford to cover it! Should I just scrap the whole idea?

[skyep]

scoobysoo - Is there any chance of you both using local coach/ train travel? You may be surprised at how cheap they can work out.

[scoobysoo]

It will only cost me �20 to get there if I just go by myself, which is a lot cheaper than the train (and the train station is miles away), so it wouldn't be an option.
My brother would have to spend half the day on a train with his kids, which I don't think he'd fancy, plus it would also be pricey. I'm in Cheltenham, he's in Torquay, and Mum's in Maidenhead. It's a 650 mile round trip according to the Sat Nav

[skyep]

scooby - oops, sorry, that's a tricky one!! What a shame, it would have been a very special surprise for your parents! Is there anyway you could cut back anywhere & meet in the middle to make the 50.00 up, maybe 25.00 each?

[TillyNilly]

Scoobysoo.....I would tell your brother how tight money is for you now and say that you are very sorry but you won't be able to pick him up as arranged...Tell him the price difference and how dissappointed you are that this lovely supprise can't go ahead....He may say he'll pay the petrol . I'm sure he'll understand...Good luck

[scoobysoo]

The whole trip will cost approx �65, and I had thought about suggesting we split it but my other half doesn't think I should spend over �30 on petrol for one day when realistically, it would cost me only �16-�18. I don't know what to do for the best. I guess in the greater scheme of things, it isn't really that much money

[bednobs]

he might be willimg to give it to you, but dosent have the choice because you haven't asked him .. just say, i could pik you up, but im afraid you'll have to pay for the petrol ause im a bit brassic at the mo and see what he says

[scoobysoo]

Oh sod it, I'll put the petrol money on my flexible friend and tell him to contribute whatever he can!

[scoobysoo]

Problem solved (sort of). My bother just called to say he can't go anyway now, as he's working! So all that worry over nowt! Thanks for all your advice anyway folks.

[skyep]

scoobysoo - It seems a little unfair you putting the larger amount to the trip, but I bet you will get a massive 'high' from seeing the joy you will bring to your parents getting to see you all & their grandkids, resulting from your generosity!

[skyep]

scoobysoo - lol, oops again :0( Nice thought anyway!!

[TillyNilly]

scoobysoo..You can relax now and enjoy your trip...It has all worked out ok...Have a lovely day Saturday with your Mum on her birthday...

[Shannon07]

You brother can now spend twenty five quid on getting flowers delivered to her instead.