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Johnston parents set for reunion Johnston family 'never lost hope'
(10 minutes later)
The parents of Scottish journalist Alan Johnston, the BBC's correspondent in Gaza, have spoken of their relief at him being freed from captivity.The parents of Scottish journalist Alan Johnston, the BBC's correspondent in Gaza, have spoken of their relief at him being freed from captivity.
Graham and Margaret Johnston said they "never lost hope" that they would see their son again.Graham and Margaret Johnston said they "never lost hope" that they would see their son again.
Mr Johnston was abducted four months ago. He described his experience as "quite terrifying".Mr Johnston was abducted four months ago. He described his experience as "quite terrifying".
Speaking outside the family home in Argyll, Graham Johnston said it had been "a living nightmare".Speaking outside the family home in Argyll, Graham Johnston said it had been "a living nightmare".
Mr Johnston Sr said: "It's a wonderful morning, I can't tell you. We got the phone call late last night from the BBC and we're absolutely overjoyed.
"It's been 114 days of a living nightmare and just to hear his voice. He telephoned us. There was a lot of noise in the background - I think he was being jostled a lot - and all he said was: 'Hello, dad' and I: 'Hello, son, I hear you're alright.' He said: 'I'm a 100%'.
"The phone was cut so that's all we've had from him so far - but we've seen him on the box and it's just incredible; it's been a long 114 days."
We have had absolutely amazing support from so many people and that is what has kept us in good spirits Graham and Margaret Johnston
Alan Johnston said he had managed to speak to his father although the hours since his release had been "incredibly hectic".Alan Johnston said he had managed to speak to his father although the hours since his release had been "incredibly hectic".
Speaking of his family, he said: "I really feel that they have been through an awful lot. It's so good, the thought that I will be with them soon."Speaking of his family, he said: "I really feel that they have been through an awful lot. It's so good, the thought that I will be with them soon."
The last 114 days have been a dreadful time for us - but particularly for Alan. Through it all, we never lost hope Graham and Margaret Johnston Graham Johnston thanked everyone who had supported the family while their son was being held.
In a statement, Mr Johnston's father Graham, mother Margaret and sister Katriona said: "A short time ago, we received the news we've waited 114 days for - that Alan is free and is safe - and we are overjoyed. He especially praised villagers in the family's home town of Lochgoilhead.
"The last 114 days have been a dreadful time for us - but particularly for Alan. Through it all, we never lost hope. "We have had absolutely amazing support from so many people and that is what has kept us in good spirits.
"Alan had always told us of the friends he'd made in Gaza. We knew, in the end, they would be there for him. "The villagers have been amazing, they've been ever-present at vigils every Friday. We never lost hope he would be released."
"We've always known Alan was special. But the last 14 weeks have shown us how special he is to others - to his friends in Gaza, to his colleagues at the BBC and to the listeners and viewers who've written in their thousands.
"Their support has buoyed us up through the darkest days. We've drawn our strength from them.
"We want to thank all those who've worked so hard to secure Alan's release - the people in Gaza, those in the wider Middle East region, as well as the Foreign Office and the BBC."
Series of vigilsSeries of vigils
Alan's father added that his son would probably be embarrassed by all the attention he has been getting.
"He is going to cringe when he realises all the pictures and stuff up all over the place, he's really going to cringe at that, he's pretty self-effacing sort of lad."
The couple recently released 100 balloons as part of a worldwide vigil for their son on his 100th day in captivity.The couple recently released 100 balloons as part of a worldwide vigil for their son on his 100th day in captivity.
The event was held in their home village of Lochgoilhead.The event was held in their home village of Lochgoilhead.
Mr Johnston, 45, was educated at Dollar Academy and went on to do an MA in English and Politics at Dundee University.Mr Johnston, 45, was educated at Dollar Academy and went on to do an MA in English and Politics at Dundee University.
He gained a diploma in Journalism Studies from the University of Wales in Cardiff and joined the BBC in 1991.He gained a diploma in Journalism Studies from the University of Wales in Cardiff and joined the BBC in 1991.
Rallies worldwide have called for Mr Johnston's release. An online petition was signed by some 200,000 people.Rallies worldwide have called for Mr Johnston's release. An online petition was signed by some 200,000 people.
Throughout his captivity, friends and colleagues have also remembered Mr Johnston at a series of vigils outside BBC centres.Throughout his captivity, friends and colleagues have also remembered Mr Johnston at a series of vigils outside BBC centres.
Mr Johnston said he fell ill twice during his captivity and spent most of his time in solitary confinement, without access to any windows.Mr Johnston said he fell ill twice during his captivity and spent most of his time in solitary confinement, without access to any windows.
He did have a radio however and was aware of the campaign to free him as he listened to the BBC World Service.He did have a radio however and was aware of the campaign to free him as he listened to the BBC World Service.