Tear-jerking moment overjoyed granddad is reunited with his grandchildren after seven months apart

A 70-year-old grandfather has been reunited with his three grandchildren after months of isolation.

The tear-jerking moment was caught on camera, as George Johnston surprised seven-year-old Archie, Tilly, six, and Rex, three.

George suffered complications following surgery on his neck, resulting in an extended hospital stay. On 30 April, he was finally discharged and returned to his home in Holywood, Northern Ireland.

His son Iain and daughter-in-law, Hannah, decided to keep his visit a surprise, after seven months away from his family.

Hannah, George's daughter-in-law, explained: "George went into hospital for surgery on his neck, sadly there were some complications and what was supposed to be a short visit - a few days - ended up being a seven month stay. He was left with little to no feeling or power in his legs and as a result is now in a wheelchair.

"We are hopeful that with physio and being in his own home environment we will maybe begin to see some improvement.

“It was hard on the family and especially for his wife Liz Johnston. She was the only family member allowed to visit and only once a week.

''Some weeks she couldn’t go at all because another patient in the ward had Covid. Thankfully, George didn’t get it.

"We only found out the day before that he was coming home and decided not to tell the kids and to surprise them to see their reaction.”

George burst into tears, as he was overwhelmed with happiness upon reuniting with his grandchildren,

Hannah added: "Iain collected the kids from school and I saw them arriving back in the car so I ran downstairs to my in-laws living room and thought I would video the moment.

"The kids just couldn’t believe it. As Archie walked into the room he said he saw someone from the corner of his eye but just thought it was a visitor for Nana.

"His face when he realised! It was very special. We were all crying. The kids adore their grandad and he has been so missed by us all."

reporting by SWNS