AN AMATEUR cyclist who raised £1,300 for charity has had his bikes stolen.

Mike Whealey, 55, woke to find that thieves had broken into his garage and taken his £6,000 bikes and accessories.

He had bought them last year as part of a fitness drive and to raise money for charity.

In May the graphic designer signed up for the Saints Big Bike Ride and cycled from Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park to St Mary’s.

The Shirley resident rode alongside Saints legend and Freeman of Southampton Francis Benali, as well as dozens of other cyclists, raising money for the Saints Foundation - the charity arm of the football club.

But now he says his plans of entering the 2017 ride have been thwarted, as the bikes weren’t insured and he won’t be able to replace them. 

Mike, who works as a St Mary’s steward on match days, said his garage was heavily locked and considered it to be “impenetrable”.

He also took the precaution of making sure his home details were kept off cycling app Strava, which he uses to track his miles and help him train. 

Mike said: “This type of thing is upsetting at any time of year, but right on top of Christmas it’s devastating, particularly as it’s a hobby that I use to keep fit and help others.”

The thefts come as 30 cars in Freemantle, Regent’s Park and Shirley were damaged over the Christmas period - and other specialised bikes were stolen from Mr Whealey’s neighbours the day before. 

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: “Police were called at 10am on Saturday, December 24, by a member of the public reporting a burglary in which two high value bicycles were stolen.

“The incident took place some time between 5pm on Friday, December 23, and 9.55am on December 24.

“One of the bicycles has been described as a silver, black and red Specialized Roubaix Expert, worth around £3,500.

“The other bicycle has been described as a charcoal-coloured Specialized Allez Elite, worth around £1,500.”

Anyone with information about the break-ins or the whereabouts of the bicycles should contact the police on 101 ref 44160483826.