An autistic boy from Mirfield has a reason to smile again after being reunited with his missing comfort blanket thanks to the kindness of strangers.
Seven-year-old James Davies was devastated when his blue blanket got lost after a trip into town with mum Tina.
The blanket has been to all of James’ hospital appointments since he was born, and is a source of comfort to him.
But following a trip into Mirfield on Monday, the blanket went missing and James was unable to sleep.
Mum Tina Davies Smith, 32, said: “I looked everywhere and realised we must have left it somewhere.”
James, who was born premature, also has suspected Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition which affects the nervous system.
He is wheelchair bound and cannot talk or eat without being tube-fed, with the blanket helping to keep him comfortable.
Tina, who is a full-time carer to Hollybank School pupil James and mum to his brother Liam, eight, put out an appeal on Facebook to help trace the blanket.
“I thought people would just think I was a mum trying to find a silly old blanket, but people genuinely cared and understood.
“Strangers were popping into shops to ask for it. It really reaffirms your faith in people.”
And after a two-day hunt, the blanket was traced when Tina called by estate agents Whitegates on Huddersfield Road.
Luckily, staff spotted it and hung onto it.
A spokeswoman said: “We could tell it was one of those blankets to comfort a child, so we were thrilled when the mother came back in looking.”
Tina added: “I was so emotional to get it back.
“James can’t speak, but the smile on his face spoke volumes.”