Ref. 26039-20WHEN Harry Trueman was two-weeks- old when he underwent an operation to save his life.

Doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford were forced to starve the now two-year-old from Abbey Meads for three days to allow the anaesthetic to take effect.

During a traumatic time for the baby and his parents Harry's one crumb of comfort was a musical cuddly toy rabbit.

But his life-long friend went missing during a family cycle ride and now he is heartbroken.

Harry's parents Justine, 31, a part- time nursery assistant and Paul, 38, a computer specialist at Nationwide are offering a £10 reward to anyone who finds the cuddly toy, which was lost on the cycle track between Abbey Meads and Penhill through Seven Fields at 4pm on Saturday.

Harry suffered from pyloric stenosis, which is a stomach illness that stops babies from being able to eat or drink.

Justine said: "It was a routine operation but it was difficult because he was so young.

"They had to starve him for two or three days to get his blood right for the anaesthetic. His only comfort was his bunny rabbit and since then they have been inseparable.

"He does not really understand that it has gone and always wants it at bedtime. We have trouble getting him to sleep because his Row Row isn't there.

"The rabbit has been on two holidays abroad with us, that is how important he is, and we retraced our steps 20 minutes after we realised he had gone missing but could not find it."

The rabbit is nine inches long with a brown head and red and blue body. It has a handle that makes concertina -style music when pulled.

The cuddly toy was made by Ikea but the line has since been discontinued.

Harry's father Paul said: "He doesn't go anywhere without it.

"He is doing better than I thought but when he wants to sleep or is not feeling himself he wants the rabbit and can't understand why he cannot have it.

If you have found the rabbit or can help the Truemans, give them a call on Swindon 728693.