A WINCHESTER man was left 'in shock' after his bike was stolen in Winchester city centre, that he was planning to use for a mammoth fundraiser.

Kieran Payne, 23, was working at the Open Deli Café in Middle Brook Street, when the bike was stolen from outside.

Police have confirmed that the bike is yet to be found. It was stolen on April 12, just two days after Mr Payne had launched his fundraising campaign.

Mr Payne, formerly of Northlands Drive, is currently in his final year of studying international development and economics at the University of Bath. He is going to be cycling more than 7,000km to raise money for Cancer Research UK after his mother, Sandy Turnbull, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 23-year-old said: “I was planning to complete the route on the bike that was stolen - the timing was very frustrating as I’d launched the fundraiser just two days before the bike was stolen. 

“Luckily the bike was insured so I should be able to sort a replacement in time to continue my training. However, to have the lock cut and the bike taken in the middle of the day outside a bike cafe and shop was very frustrating, I was in shock. Enough to put anyone off riding into town and locking their bike up, which is such a shame.”

So far, Mr Payne has raised £1,774 of his £2,000 target. He will be starting on June 7 and he predicts it will take around two months to complete.

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On his fundraising page, it said: “This summer, I'll be attempting to bikepack the European Divide Trail, riding from the far northeast to the far southwest of Europe. The route starts in Grense Jacobslev on the Norwegian-Russian border before passing through the varying climates and terrains of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, and Spain, before reaching the finish at Cabo San Vincente, Portugal. At a distance of 7,600km, the EDT was designed to be primarily off-road but rideable, steering clear of built-up regions.

“Last summer, my Mum, Sandy, had breast cancer for the second time. I felt I'd like to carry out this adventure to raise money for Cancer Research UK, who do some groundbreaking research into all types of cancer

“If you know Sandy or anyone affected by cancer, it would mean a lot if you could have a gander at my progress and donate, however small an amount.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: justgiving.com/page/kieranpayne-edt2023.