Elizabeth Gallagher of Cole Harbour wins free trip around the world
What's in a name? Well, for Elizabeth Quinn Gallagher it means a trip around the world.
The 23-year-old Cole Harbour woman is leaving today to start the first leg of a round-the-world trip, just because she has the same name as a Toronto man's ex.
"Crazy seems to be the word that keeps coming up," she said.
In May, 28-year-old Jordan Axani and his now ex-girlfriend, named Elizabeth Gallagher, booked discounted plane tickets for an adventure of a lifetime: Milan, Prague, Paris, Bangkok and New Delhi.
Then, they broke up.
The ticket has a no-transfer policy, but Axani offered up the ticket online to anyone with a Canadian passport and his ex's name.
"We heard from hundreds of people from around the world who wanted to change their name to Elizabeth Gallagher. Then we heard from many, many Elizabeth Gallaghers from around the world. When we get down to Canadian Elizabeth Gallaghers, there were 18," he told CBC.
Gallagher, a part-time office administrator with plans of being a social worker, says she was swarmed with messages when the story broke.
"I saw the article and it was sort of like, 'Oh that's my name. That's pretty neat.' And then I went back to work," she said. "When I first heard about the trip it was like, 'Oh I have his ex-girlfriend's name. That's not weird.' But now I've spoken with Jordan."
She eventually sent Axani a message. Then came a long questionnaire and a Skype interview. She says her age and volunteer experience won her points.
Gallagher almost dropped out, but committed more than a week ago when she learned Axani was starting a charity, A Ticket Forward, to help fund trips for people who otherwise can't afford to travel.
She was also wooed by the chance to do some charity work along the way.
"I think we might try to do some volunteering, maybe visit the communities and get to know the cultures more than just the touristy things," Gallagher said.
In the spotlight
Gallagher is also looking forward to visiting the small town in Thailand where she once taught.
"There was one lady who used to cook us dinner every single day so I'm going to go visit her again," she said.
She knows travelling with a stranger sounds weird, but she's excited.
"He seems nice enough and he seems like someone I can get along with and have a lot of fun with. Enough media coverage on this that it can't be that weird, basically."
Gallagher is travelling to New York Thursday to meet Axani and his family, with some backup.
"I have a friend coming with me in case he's crazy," she said.
The pair flies out on Sunday.
"I still can't believe it's happening," Gallagher said.
Marriott International offered to put up Axani and Gallagher in separate rooms. A relief for Gallagher, who has a boyfriend.
