Health officials are said to have received �2,500 from the appeal

Craig Morris has not been seen at the couple's home in Llanon, near Aberystwyth, since last Thursday.

Police are investigating Angela Whitehead's Little Sunbeams' appeal.

Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust contacted police because it had not heard from Ms Whitehead, who set up the appeal in 2003, for some months.

A newspaper claims the Little Sunbeams appeal has �13,000 for Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, but it has so far received just �2,500.

Detective Inspector Mark Bergmanski, of Dyfed-Powys Police in Aberystwyth, said: "The couple can't be traced in the locality and we suspect they have absconded.

"Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is asked to contact Aberystwyth police."

Mr Morris and Ms Whitehead's landlord, who preferred not to be identified, said he had not seen the couple.

The couple can't be traced in the locality and we suspect they have absconded Detective Inspector Mark Bergmanski

"I went to the house on Monday and his (Mr Morris) two dogs had gone," said the landlord. "I don't know where they are - I haven't seen Mr Morris for two weeks and Ms Whitehead for months."

Mr Morris' employers, Hewden Hire Centre in Aberystwyth, confirmed he had not been at work since last Wednesday.

A company spokesman said Mr Morris telephoned the office last Thursday morning to say "he had some things to sort out."

BBC Wales has made several attempts to speak to Ms Whitehead, without success.

The BBC News website has left a number of messages on her mobile phone for nearly a week, but she has failed to reply.

In August 2003, Ms Whitehead decided to establish the fund after her daughter gave birth prematurely.

She said at the time she hoped to raise �50,000 for equipment for the special care baby unit at Bronglais.

BBC Wales spoke to Mr Morris at his home last Thursday and said Ms Whitehead was in Leeds caring for a sick relative.

The Little Sunbeams appeal was set up in August 2003

He said that "as far as he knew" the money was "safe inside" the Little Sunbeams appeal bank account.

He said the appeal was "something close to her heart."

"As far as I know there's nothing wrong with the fund," he added.

"Angela was supposed to be coming back before Christmas, but she had to stay a bit longer to look after a sick relative.

"The fund is Angela's baby and I'm unaware that the police or the health trust have been trying to get in touch with her."

The trust which runs Bronglais hospital said it was concerned and had taken advice from the charity commissioners, before contacting the police.