Watch: Derry woman who lost husband cries tears of joy as kids make surprise visit

A heartfelt video of a tearful Derry woman opening the door to her two children in a surprise Christmas video is in the running for a special prize.

Deirdre Mahon, who sadly lost her husband Mark in April last year, is emotional in the video when she is surprised by her daughter Eimear following a flight home for Christmas from Brighton.

The video is now in the running as a finalist in a competition run by regional airline Loganair, celebrating Christmas connections. The winner of the Season of Connections competition will get a year's worth of free flights.

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“This Christmas was one I was dreading after losing Mark earlier in the year," Deirdre said. "But having my children surprise me was the most wonderful gift I could have asked for. Eimear and Odhrán turned what could have been a lonely time into one filled with love, support, and family. It’s a Christmas I’ll always remember with gratitude.”

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The emotional video captures the moment Deirdre’s daughter Eimear opens the door to the family home after flying home from Brighton to surprise her just days before Christmas – her first without her husband of 39 years.

Later that evening, Deirdre received a second surprise when she visited her sister’s house to find her son Odhrán, who had travelled from London, had joined the family reunion.

The reunion was particularly poignant as Deirdre had been dreading spending the holidays alone in the dream retirement home she and her late husband had built together.

As a finalist, Deirdre and two other entrants have the chance to win a year’s worth of free flights for herself and a companion on Loganair’s extensive network. Two runners-up will be treated to return flights for two on the airline’s iconic Glasgow to Barra route, which famously lands on the beach.

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “Deirdre’s story is a beautiful example of what A Season of Connections is all about. Her children’s thoughtful surprises capture the essence of connection and the lengths we go to for the people we love. These are the moments that truly matter, and we’re delighted to share and celebrate them.”

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Loganair operates regular flights between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow. To vote for Deirdre visit the Loganair Facebook page. Public voting for the finalists is now open and will run until midnight on Wednesday, 23rd January 2025. The winner will be announced on Saturday, 25 January 2025.

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