A DISTRAUGHT mother from York has appealed for the return of £3,600 she planned to splash on a holiday for her young blind son.

Cheryl Macleod, of New Earswick, said she has been "physically sick" since the money was stolen from the front passenger seat of her car.

She says she was busy with her children - and had forgotten to lock the door.

The family had been saving for months to take six-year-old Reece, who has been blind from birth, away to Turkey.

Dad Michael, the couple's five other children and their regular childminder were all due to go on the trip. But it now hangs in the balance - unless the money is returned.

Cheryl, of White Rose Avenue, said: "I have told the kids about it. They are worried but I am trying to tell them not to worry, we will get it sorted out.

"I really hope we can. This was supposed to be a special trip for us all, especially for Reece. Our only hope is that we get the money back."

Cheryl said she knows leaving the door unlocked was a mistake. It had been preying on her mind since, she said.

She said: "I know it was a daft thing to do, leaving it in the car, and I am suffering for it now. I was busy, the kids were shouting and fighting and it just happened.

"Whoever stole it can post it to me, drop it into the police station, whatever. I won't ask them anything I just want it back."

The money was taken between 3.50pm and 4.20pm on Tuesday.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said: "If anyone saw or heard anything then please get in touch."

York police can be contacted on 01904 631321, and Cheryl on 01904 750718.

Updated: 11:45 Thursday, May 02, 2002