A MAN who was able to get back on his bike thanks to help from a stranger has completed his charity cycle rides.

Robert Gunter of Basin Road, Diglis, had been preparing to take on two bike rides for charity when his white Barracuda Vivante road bike, worth about £250, was stolen in June.

The 28-year-old said he was “devastated” by the theft as it meant he could no longer take part in the 55-mile ride and the 100-mile ride in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

But Roy Devlia, the owner of Powick Service Station, came to the rescue and offered to donate £150 towards a new bike for Mr Gunter.

"With the help from Roy assisting with replacing my bike, I managed to compete in the two events and have managed to raise a total of £1,105 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research," Mr Gunter said.

"I have never been to a gym, I don't play sports and have been a smoker for 10 years so fitness is certainly not my forte.

"The 100-mile ride was tough but the thought of raising money for charity kept me going."

Mr Devlia got in touch with Mr Gunter after reading about his plight in your Worcester News.

Speaking to the newspaper in July, Mr Devlia said: "After reading the story about the theft, I just called Rob straight away on the spur of the moment. I thought it would be a nice thing to do and would help get Rob back on his bike as soon as possible.

“At the same time it helps the charity, so I am more than happy to have been able to help.”

Although police have been unable to find Mr Gunter’s old bike, he said he has taken extra precautions with the new bike and had it tagged by the police so it will be more easily traced if stolen in future.

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

To donate to Mr Gunter visit leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/people/robert-gunter/55-mile-worcester-classic-100-mile-birmingham-bikeathon-2014.