MEMBERS of the community have been joining in the search of a missing puppy that a mum had bought as a therapy dog for her son who has cancer.

Kerry Harding, from Prescot, got the Cockapoo, named Heidi, for her son Dylan, after his diagnosis last February.

Dylan, 18, has recently completed his A-levels at Carmel College.

On Sunday afternoon, December 4, Heidi went missing after being “spooked” as she was being walked at Eccleston Park Golf Club by a family friend.

Heidi was seen on the rail track, between Rainhill, Whiston and Huyton, and some services were delayed on Sunday afternoon as trains were slowed to help find her.

The puppy has not been seen since, with it coming up to 24 hours since she went missing.

Appeals and photographs of Heidi have been circulated on social media, and people have been joining to help search for her.

Kerry is appealing for people near to the train lines to check their gardens.

Kerry, 38, said: “Heidi was gifted to my son by a family friend when he was diagnosed with cancer in February 2022.

“He’s currently recovering from surgery so is unable to help with the search. He’s frantic.

“Heidi was being walked on Eccleston Park Golf Club at 2pm yesterday (Sunday) afternoon when she went missing.

“She was last sighted at between Rainhill, Huyton, Whiston railway lines at approximately 5pm yesterday evening.

“We need those who live close to the train lines - ideally those who have gardens backing onto the lines to check their gardens.