AN Irish family who were apart for a year while their little boy had medical treatment in the US were finally reunited just in time for Christmas.

Cork parents Yvonne Cahalane and John Forde made the decision that Yvonne would relocate to America with their two-year-old son Tristan who suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, so he could be treated medically with cannabis oils.

The mum and her brave little boy left their home in Dunmanway for Colorado where Tristan was treated at the Children's Hospital Colorado and since the big move, they say Tristan's seizures have dramatically reduced and he is now three months seizure-free.

4 Yvonne and John with their sons Oscar and Tristan Credit: C103

4 The family in Cork Airport this week Credit: C103

Husband John stayed at home in Cork for work and Tristan's big brother Oscar joined his mum in the US in April.

But this week the entire family was reunited as Yvonne, Oscar and Tristan flew into Cork Airport to a rapturous welcome with all their friends and family - and John got to give his wife and kids a massive hug after months apart.

C103's Cork Today Show were on hand to capture the magic moment all four were back together at last.

Mum Yvonne, who says no family should have to make this decision and is campaigning for cannabis oils for medical use to be made legal in this country, 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."

4 Tears as family back together Credit: C103

And Tristan was honoured to turn on the Christmas lights in his native Dunmanway on his return home.

Yvonne paid tribute to their friends and neighbours in their hometown: "They were amazing, 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."

4 Tristan gets a hug from family member Credit: C103

And the popular Cork station had another surprise in store for the family - Cork Today host Patricia Messinger surprised them with Christmas presents and a huge hamper to help make the festive season back at home extra special.

On their Facebook post today, Yvonne wrote: "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."