THIS is the letter which must bring justice to some of the South's most disadvantaged children. And today it will be delivered to health minister John Hutton by three Hampshire MPs.

They have backed the Daily Echo's Make a Difference Campaign.

Southampton Test Labour MP Alan Whitehead, pictured right, will lead the delegation which will urge Mr Hutton to transform NHS rules.

At present families of child amputees have to fork out for private upgrades on artificial limbs with no help from the National Health Service.

They claim that the only way of getting well-fitting limbs for their youngsters is by going private.

The Echo has been running a campaign for the past six weeks to demand the NHS gives a contribution towards the cost.

Mr Whitehead will be joined by Winchester Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten and New Forest East Conservative MP Julian Lewis to lobby Mr Hutton for a reform of the NHS provision of prosthetic limbs.

The cross-party group will ask him to sanction the introduction of a voucher system similar to that available for wheelchair users and will present him with a bulging dossier of articles showing support form Daily Echo readers.

Mr Whitehead said: "The Daily Echo has done a super job in raising awareness of this issue, which particularly affects children.

"I have a proposal to overhaul the system, offering a voucher scheme for parents and children so that they can choose the type of limb that they would prefer and have it refitted as necessary, all at no extra cost to the NHS.

"The strength of the Daily Echo's campaign shows local feeling on the issue.

"I am looking forward to putting the case to Mr Hutton and I know that he will be keen to listen to the views of our local constituents."

If you support our campaign, help us Make a Difference by ringing our Southampton city office on 01703 337757 and leave your full name, address and phone number.

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