BOUGHT with cash left by his late father, Gus McKechnie's bike was his pride and joy.

It was on that bike that he had covered thousands of miles for charity - all in the name of his late father and his brother who died aged just 36 in 2003.

After months of preparation and training, Gus had been due to take part in a mammoth fundraising bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats - and back again.

However, just days before he was due to set off, thieves broke into the back of his van and stole his bike.

Gus had been planning to hold a charity "cyclathon" on board the Red Funnel ferry travelling between Southampton and Cowes.

Using a Turbo Trainer - a static exercise device - Gus would have racked up the miles in preparation for the Lands End to John O'Groats round trip on September 17.

After a delay with the ferries around 10am Saturday, Gus drove to his rowing club Coalporters at the base of Northam bridge.

Within half an hour, thieves had broken into his van through a window and stolen his pride and joy, a Claude Butler road bike worth more than £500.

"I'm absolutely gutted," the 31-year-old said.

"The bike meant so much to me that even if I replace it it won't be the same.

"It's also mucked up my training, and because I won't be able to get the insurance money in time I've been left with no choice but to buy a new bike for the Lands End to John O'Groats ride."

Under the moniker of Bombay Duck, Gus and pal Alisdair Boden have spent the last year doing endurance challenges which have raised more than £7,000 to date.

They named the project after the favourite dish of Gus's brother Andrew, who died from the genetic condition haemachromatosis, a condition which Gus also has.