A LOVING son is appealing to the public to help reunite his seriously ill war veteran father with his beloved cat.

Cyril Bartlett, 96, who lives in Swallowfield Avenue, Old Walcot, has owned black and white Timmy for more than five years.

The friendly feline provided much-needed support and affection to Second World War veteran Cyril who has severe dementia and requires 24-hour care.

But on Tuesday, November 29, furry friend Timmy went out after dinner and did not return, leaving Cyril heartbroken.

Cyril’s son David, who is also his full-time carer, said Timmy’s disappearance was completely out of character as he would usually stay close to home.

“They have such a bond, Timmy would stay by my dad’s side pretty much constantly and be so affectionate to him.

“I have never seen a cat as loyal and devoted as Timmy, he is more than just a pet, he is family.

“That is why it is so worrying that he has just vanished into thin air.

“Timmy would never stray far and mostly stay in the garden and if he did go out would be back within an hour.

“Timmy was something for my father to focus on, to talk about with his carers and me and it’s just so worrying. It’s really ripped him apart not knowing where Timmy is.”

Since Cyril adopted the loveable tomcat in 2011 the pair have forged a close bond and become constant companions.

“Timmy sleeps on the bed with my dad every night, it comforts him to know Timmy and me are there with him,” said David.

“He sits there like a guard dog in the room, watching him, sleeping on my lap, and he stays with him for hours.

“It is so concerning that he didn’t come home.

“My dad has been crying for Timmy, he doesn’t understand where he’s gone. At first we were saying the cat was eating or in the garden but my dad soon realised.”

Although friends have canvassed the area Timmy has not been spotted and remains at large.

War hero Cyril is known in the town for founding the Swindon Sea Cadets and was awarded an Arctic Star Medal in 2015 for his work in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

In February he was honoured with the Russian Ushakov medal for his services delivering supplies to Soviet forces between 1941 and 1945.

David is now appealing to the public to help reunite Timmy with his loving owner

“Father would be over the moon if Timmy was there in the morning - it would mean the world to him,” said David.

Have you seen Timmy? Contact the newsdesk on 01793 501797.