A KIND-HEARTED cyclist has been left devastated after callous crooks stole the bike he was set to use to raise funds for terminally ill children.

Francis Mills, of Una Road, Parkeston, is less than a month away from embar king on a 299-mile charity bike ride from London to Paris.

He bought the £550 white Trek bike especially for the charity effort, which will take place on July 20.

Francis was left devastated to find the bike had been stolen from workplace at The Octagon, in Colchester, on Wednesday.

In a further blow to the generous fundraiser, he received a letter from Essex Police the follo wing day to say that no further inquiries could be made and the investigation would be closed.

Francis said: “I had taken it to work so I could cycle home and get a bit of practice in. I couldn’t belie ve it – I was stunned.

“I have seen CCTV images from work and it was two youngish-looking blokes, bold as brass, who had gone into the building and somehow gotten into the secure room where I left the bike.

“They obviously had the right tools because they’ve cut through the lock.

“I will be handing the footage to the police, although I’m annoyed as they have said they won’t be investigating already. ”

Francis has so far raised about £2,300 to fight Batten disease after being touched by the plight of seven-year-old Harry Rolph-Wills, of Dovercourt, was diagnosed with the disease in 2014.

The condition strikes children at a young age, deteriorating their sight, mobility and speech.

Harry’s mother Laura Rolph-Wills reacted with dismay to the theft.

She has previously praised Francis for lifting much of the pressure of fundraising for Batten Disease Family Association off the family’s shoulders, allowing her to devote more of her time to Harry’s care.

“It is bad enough to steal in general, but this wasn’t just an ordinary bike, it meant so much more,” she said.

“Not only is this sad taking other people’s property that they work hard to pay for, but this is going to be used to do a charity bike ride in the coming weeks, raising much-needed funds for terminally ill children like my son.

“If you have this, please give back now and show you have a heart.”

Any one with information about the theft should call Essex Police on 101.