Not in the same boat however i have had a similar experience.
I won a holiday for one to Italy on a scratch card but to take someone else it cost me �90. I therefore paid this amount and was told i would receive a date within 18 months (as this is why you get it cheap because you go away at off peak, cheaper times etc).
I waitied 18 months and had not heard anything at all so i contacted them and requested my money back.
I took me over a year to get my money back! and that was only when i took it to the local radio consumer programme who contacted them on my behalf and got my money back!!
I would never do this again and would advise anyone else not to as well.
Please tell me you have not parted with any money? If you have not then dont.