This is the emotional moment an Army dad returned home from the Falklands to surprise his two young children in time for Father’s Day.
Michael Davies-Phillips, 28, disguised himself as a takeaway delivery driver when he arrived at the door of his family home.
And Flynn, 10 and Imelda, six, were delighted to find their dad had come home last Saturday.
‘At first they didn’t realise it was me because all they saw was the Deliveroo jacket. But when they finally recognised me it was the best surprise.
‘We were all so emotional, and there were definitely a few tears shed,’ Michael said.
The children had ordered fish and chips to be delivered to their Stafford home.
But mum Abigail, 33, had arranged the ‘best surprise’ as she knew Michael was coming home in time for Father’s Day. She used charity Little Troopers to help make the treat possible.
Michael, who went to the Falklands in November, added: ‘Little Troopers supports children who have parents in the forces, and they were really good with Abigail and the kids while I was away.
‘Abigail heard about the idea they had to surprise children with their parents returning home using the takeaway as a guise and decided to get involved. As soon as I got my date for coming home she told me about the idea.
‘She said the children would order a takeaway, but instead of it being the delivery driver bringing the food, it would actually be me. I thought it was a brilliant idea.
‘When they [Flynn and Imelda] saw it was me they burst into tears. There was lots of hugs and kisses, and they were over the moon that I was back.
‘And we even got to eat the fish and chips in the end too.’
Michael, who serves in in the Seven Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, was due home in May. However, he had his tour extended, with no set date for his return home.
Since his return, Michael has been spending some quality time with his kids.
He said: ‘Abigail and I got married last year and we put off the honeymoon until I knew when I’d be home.
‘We’re going to do a tour of the US with Flynn and Imelda, and we can’t wait.’
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