Paul Spencer-Gittens’ Specialized Crosstrail Hybrid Pro Disc was swiped outside his house

A cancer nurse is hoping to be on the receiving end of support after his bike was stolen just a few weeks before he was due to ride 70 miles for charity.

Paul Spencer-Gittens, 52, of Larch Road, Cricklewood, was left devastated after his 2011 Specialized Crosstrail Hybrid Pro Disc was taken from outside his house on June 2 along with the Wee-Ride Co-pilot tag-along he uses when taking his son Oscar to school.

Mr Spencer-Gittens, a cancer nurse at St Barts hospital, was in training for the London to Brighton Moonride event and locked his bike to a wall bracket every night.

He said: “It was my day off and my wife opened the curtains in the front room and said ‘your bike has gone’.

“I could not believe it. I felt sick and wanted to cry. I had only bought it in January and splashed out a bit more for it as I use my bike a lot.”

Neighbours rallied round and have pledged to provide My Spencer-Gittens with a bike if insurance does not come through in time for the June 29 ride.

In the meantime, Mr Spencer-Gittens is calling for people to keep their eyes open for his bike.

To sponsor Mr Spencer-Gittens visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulSpencerGittens