A CHARITY cyclist has been stung by ‘selfish’ youths after his brand new bike was stolen only half way into a charity bike ride. on Friday (June 3).
Former Dorridge resident Paul Young had completed the first 81-mile leg of his ‘Back to my Roots and Back’ charity ride from Peterborough – where he now lives – to Dorridge, to raise money for his local soup kitchen in Peterborough.
When he arrived ‘back home’ in Dorridge he parked his bike – which he only bought weeks ago – up outside Sainsbury’s while he went in to grab some refreshments to refuel for the journey home.
But when he came out of the store he was shocked and angered to find his bike (pictured) had been stolen by a group of hoody-wearing youths.
“I couldn’t believe it – I’d only been gone for five minutes and some selfish little thieves had run off with my bike.
“At first I thought I had just misplaced it and left it on a different bike rack, but I soon discovered this wasn’t the case.
“I popped into the store for literally less than five minutes, but the CCTV showed the bike was snatched in a matter of seconds by a group of teenagers dressed in black hoodies.
“I was absolutely devastated when I figured I couldn’t finish the ride which had over £400 riding on it.
“It was heartbreaking having to explain to the generous donors why I couldn’t complete the ride. ”
With his bike having disappeared, Paul found himself stranded in Dorridge so had to jump on the train to get himself back home to Peterborough.
The incident was reported to the police, but the bike and the offenders have not been found.
To support the charity, visit justgiving.com/back2myroots2
