It wasn’t lonely this Christmas for a fortunate few, as this heart-warming video shows the moment a Reading family was reunited over the holidays for the first time in many years.

The Continental Journeys series, released by Thorntons as part of their #PassTheLoveOn campaign, shows Diana Hardman De Gonzalez surprise her son and grandchildren after living in Mexico for decades.

Her story was discovered after Thorntons asked the British public to nominate a family member they would like to bring home for Christmas.

Diana is one of the three winners who travelled more than 28,000 miles from all corners of the globe to surprise their loved ones.

The emotional footage shows her journey from Mexico to spend Christmas with her son and grandchildren – she hasn’t spent the holidays in the UK for five years.

Her grandson LJ was treated to an extra special Christmas treat when Diana unexpectedly turned up to a festive family meal.

She then spent her first Christmas at her son Jorge’s home with her grandchildren.

Diana said: “Living in Mexico has meant I’ve never been able to spend a Christmas with my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandchildren as a family, so this Christmas is going to be very special for me.

"With help from Thorntons, I’ve travelled back to the UK to surprise them all and the moment I saw all their faces will stay with me forever – it’s a truly magical Christmas gift.”

Thorntons is working with the charity SSAFA, which supports servicemen and women, veterans and their families. A donation of all Thorntons Continental products will go directly to SSAFA.

The videos follow research which revealed that half of Brits will celebrate Christmas virtually this year as money, miles and manic work schedules mean they are unable to be with family and friends.

More than a third live too far away to see their loved ones, while one in six struggle to find the funds to visit family and friends over the festive season.

Ian Tweedale, marketing director of Thorntons, added: “Despite being the time of year when most families come together, Christmas can be an emotional time – especially for those whose loved ones are on the other side of the globe and unable to make it home.

“We’re so pleased to be able to Pass the Love On and make some Christmas wishes come true this year.”