A family from Cork have been reunited in time for Christmas after spending a year apart in order for their son to be treated with medicinal cannabis for a rare form of epilepsy.
Yvonne Cahalane and John Forde, from Dunmanway in West Cork, had to make the difficult decision of relocating Yvonne and their two-year-old son Tristan to the US in order for him to get treatment at the Children's Hospital in Colorado for Dravet Syndrome.
Husband John stayed at home in Cork for work and Tristan's big brother Oscar flew to the US in April.
Brave little Tristan suffers seizures from the illness, but since his treatment he hasn't had one for three months.
This week, the Cork Today Show from local radio station C103, captured the tearful reunion of the family at Cork Airport where John, along with his family and friends, was able to give Yvonne, Oscar and Tristan a big hug after months apart.
Mum Yvonne, who is campaigning for the legalisation of cannabis oils for medical use in Ireland, told the Cork Today Show: "It was exhausting but every minute was worth it. I think I'm still in shellshock mode but I'm delighted to see so many friendly faces."
Yvonne told the show that their friends and neighbours have been amazing, saying: "They had the fire truck ready to take us with the boys into town and they were all out on the street - it was lovely, it was such a lovely welcome home."
While the family were in the C103 studios, the station had a final surprise for them to make Christmas a bit easier in what has been a tough year - Christmas presents and a hamper.
Yvonne thanked them on their Facebook page, saying: "Thank you everyone @C103fm you've all been wonderful to us. We are delighted & very proud to be home in Ireland. Thank you everyone for all your support. Happy Christmas everyone."