A CYCLIST has been left heartbroken after the bike which helped her on the path to recovery after a life-threatening illness had been stolen.

The theft victim, who did not wish to be named, had her navy blue Rally Voyager bike swiped from Moss Park Road, in Stretford, sometime between 12.30am and 6.30am on Wednesday June 29.

The owner bought the bike at auction six years before, the money raised going to a charity run by nurses for bowel awareness.

She had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and cancer some years before and used the bike to get back on her feet after her life-saving surgery.

“It helped me on the road to recovery, with all elements, fitness, social activity, getting me out of the house,” she said.

“At first it was just going for small rides and then progressed. I can’t walk very far because of my health issues so it gave me freedom and it has left a big void in my life.

“It disappoints and upsets me that someone could steal it.”

The victim had invested much time and money into adapting the bike to fit her specific needs as she has ongoing health problems associated with her condition.

“I could consider getting a new bike but I know how to ride that one and I will have to start all over again,” she said.

Anyone has information about this crime or has seen anyone trying to sell a bike fitting this description in suspicious circumstances is asked to call the police on 101 and quote the crime number 116740R/16.