#HomeToVote - the women (and men) who've flown thousands of miles to Repeal the Eighth

They've come from Australia, Canada, the US and Asia; they've spent hours on planes, on ferries and on buses; and it's cost them, in some cases, hundreds of pounds. Some have even donated hundreds of pounds towards the journeys of others. They are the women and men of the Irish diaspora, travelling home to vote in today's historic referendum on abortion in the hope of swinging a devilishly close result in their favour. 

At stake is the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution, which effectively outlaws abortion, except when there is a risk to the mother's life. Those who want to see their country's strict rules on the issue relaxed - to "repeal the eighth" - will vote yes. Those who wish to retain the status quo will vote no. 

If the referendum has been divisive, it has also proved to be a unifying moment for those on the same side. As recent emigrants flocked home in their "Repeal" tops and badges, their stories abounded on social media: those of long journeys and emotional homecomings; and of strangers bonding en route, around a common cause. 

Here, in 15 tweets, we tell the story of the masses going home to vote.  

With flights into Ireland fully booked, some had an arduous passage back home

 But they made new friends along the way

And received a warm welcome on arrival

Some spent great sums to be there

Others had to rely on the generosity of strangers

 It wasn't just a young people's thing

 And it wasn't just a women's thing

 They did it for their sisters

And for their daughters

They did it for a woman who died after being denied an abortion

They travelled so that women would no longer have to do so when in need

 Today, Ireland decides

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