A RETIRED social worker training for a 279-mile cycle ride across China in aid of Women V Cancer has had the wheels of her bike stolen.

Janice Lovegrove, 59, from Witney, lost her mother Grace to breast cancer aged 56 in 1984 and 30 years on decided to do something in her memory and raise money for Breast Cancer Care.

Mrs Lovegrove, of Ducklington Lane, has been training hard over the past couple of months in preparation for her trip across China but then discovered both wheels off her bike had been swiped on Monday morning.

She said: “I came out of my apartment with my helmet on and everything, ready to ride into town and then I saw it and burst out crying.

“Cancer affects all of us in one way or another and I wanted to do something in remembrance of my mum and something to help those affected in the future.”

A new pair of wheels will cost £120 and deny her training time.

Thames Valley Police have urged people with any information regarding the theft on Ducklington Lane, Witney on Monday to call their inquiry centre on 101.