A HAMPSHIRE mum is appealing for the return of two ankle splints used by her disabled son.

Hythe toddler James Mills suffers from cerebral palsy and is unable to take a single step without help.

Without his specially-made splints he is unsteady on his feet and thus unable to use his walking frame.

His mum Vicki said they fell out of his buggy as she walked through Southampton earlier today.

She retraced her steps as soon as she realised they were missing but was unable to find them.

Vicki, 29, of Hythe, believes they may have been handed in and is desperate to get them back.

She said: “My son needs them urgently. They keep his feet flat on the floor and also prevent his ankles from bending inwards or outwards.

“Without them he's unable to use his standing frame or his walking frame.”

Daily Echo:

James Mills with mum Vicki

The splints - green with white straps - are decorated with pictures of footballs and football boots.

They slipped out of the buggy between Town Quay and the WestQuay shopping centre.

Daily Echo:

A Daily Echo-backed appeal has raised more than £20,000 towards a £50,000 operation that will enable two-year-old James to walk unaided.

Anyone who finds the splints should ring Vicki on 07583 753991.