A loving daughter travelled 6,000 miles and 13 hours to surprise her dad for his birthday after he was diagnosed with cancer. Maria Helena Correa, 29, made the trip to Biguaçu, Brazil to celebrate her dad's 66th birthday.
She moved to Ireland for an exchange program in March last year and never moved back home. So, when her dad Felisbino Correa was diagnosed with prostate cancer Maria knew she had to be there.
Maria said: "When I received the news I was unable to visit him immediately. So I decided to buy tickets for February, which would also be his birthday.
"With the diagnosis I felt guilty for living far away and not enjoying moments with my family."
To keep the visit a surprise, Maria told her family she would be visiting in March but secretly organised to go in February just in time for her dad's birthday. Maria arrived in Brazil, on February 17, and with the help of her brother Wagner Correa, 35, organised a surprise where she would hide in the boot of a car under wrapping paper.
Felisbino 'opened' the present, only to find Maria hiding. Maria, who works in accounts, said: "I missed his hugs, his voice, his smell. Even though it was only a year since I saw him, giving him that hug made me make the most of that moment and remember all the times when things got rough.
"He was very emotional. He didn't expect me to show up before March. Every day he sent me whatsapps counting down the days."
Maria was able to stay with her family for three weeks and spend time with her dad who is going through treatment.
