Serving soldier Timoci got the best early Christmas present imaginable: a reunion with his two young children after almost two years apart.
Timoci and his wife Titilia, originally from Fiji but now settled in Inverness, had been forced to leave their nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter with a close family member back home, as spiralling flight costs and visa fees put the journey to Scotland out of reach.
The ordeal started in August 2019 when Timoci joined the British Army, having heard about the opportunity from his uncle. Within weeks he was boarding a solo flight to the UK, beginning his training at Catterick before moving to Three Scots - Royal Regiment of Scotland in an infantry role at Fort George Barracks.
While Titilia held the fort in Fiji, Timoci saved hard and after nearly four years, had enough to bring his wife to Scotland. But the costs ran into thousands, forcing the couple to make the heartbreaking decision to leave their children with their aunt while they scraped together every penny to close the gap.
Timoci said: "It was so difficult to leave Titilia and the children behind, and I knew I had to work hard to bring them over. But the costs kept climbing. Eventually we had enough for my wife, and the plan was to keep saving for the children.
"Flights were over a thousand pounds each, and visas much the same. Then we found out Titilia was expecting our third child — that added financial pressure, but the baby was a blessing. The children were so excited to meet their new sister. We video-called every day and made plans for when they'd finally arrive."
With Timoci away on service, Titilia managed everything at home but as the cost-of-living crisis deepened, she found it harder and harder to believe the day would ever come.
She said: "Timoci works so hard for us, but we just couldn't see a way. Then someone told me about Poppyscotland and the support they offer serving and former service personnel and their families. I called their helpline and I was gobsmacked when they said they could help.
"Within weeks they had applied for visas, covered the costs and sorted flights for the children and my sister, who travelled as their chaperone. It came to thousands of pounds and they paid every penny to make sure our children were home for Christmas."
All five family members shared a joyful reunion in the Highlands in mid-October, and the couple say they still can't quite believe what Poppyscotland made possible.
Timoci said: "The children screamed with excitement when we told them this wonderful charity was bringing them home. We all cried.
"They coped so well these past two years, they were in good hands with family, but we had sleepless nights and shed so many tears. All we wanted was our babies together. Thanks to Poppyscotland, that dream has come true."
"We have a fab, fun, chaotic house again and it's superb."
Timoci, who has served in Afghanistan, Kenya and America and is due to complete his duty in 2031, has time with his family over Christmas before heading out again in the new year. This time, though, he leaves knowing his family is whole and together in their Highland home.
He said: "Military life is good but it's hard, especially when you're posted away for long stretches and miss so much of your children growing up. Without Poppyscotland it would have taken so much longer and I would have missed so much more.
"We are absolutely blessed. We cannot thank Poppyscotland enough, they have reunited us as a family."
Titilia added: "I would encourage anyone in the military, or former service members who need support, to reach out to Poppyscotland. Don't hesitate.
"This charity has changed our lives."
