A DISTRAUGHT mum has today made a tearful plea for the return of her son, who needs urgent treatment for a deadly disease.

Doreen Holland wept as she begged son Matthew to either come home or seek he medication he needs for lethal malaria.

The 35-year-old was infected with malaria as part of a hospital trial, but failed to turn up for urgent treatment in Oxford that could save his life.

Matthew, who works as a nurse in Southampton General Hospital and lives on Shirley Road, has not been seen for days and police fear that without the right medication he could die.

His mum Doreen, 64, was comforted by Matthew's dad Michael, 74, and sister Clare, 31, as she read an appeal calling for his safe return.

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Mrs Holland, from Wellington, Somerset, said: "Matthew is a responsible, ambitious and focused man and his disappearance is totally out of character.

"We regularly speak to him on the phone, by text and by email, and we knew he was taking part in these clinical trials.

He told us about it back in July.

We were totally shocked to find out that he had not turned up top his appointment in Oxford on October 7. It is not like him to take on a project and not follow it through.

"He was quite excited about taking part in these trials. He was doing this as away of getting more experience and a means of furthering his career as a nurse.

"If you know where our son is or you have seen him, then please, please get in contact with the police and let us know he is safe and well.

"Matthew, if you are out there and you are unwell, then please seek medical attention and ring the police or get someone to ring the police and tell us where you are.

"We all care about you and just want to know you're okay and we want you back safe and sound."