RYAN Morris was stunned when thieves stole his mountain bike from the funeral parlour near Wallingford where he works.

Now the 38-year-old, who works for Howard Chadwick Funeral Service in Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, wants thieves to bring back his bike so he can train for his next Ironman challenge to raise funds for bereaved children.

Mr Morris, who lives with wife Gerry in Aston Upthorpe near Didcot, said: "My bike was parked at the back and had a lock on it - I can't believe it was stolen from outside a funeral parlour.

"I'm very upset about it and I would love it if whoever did this brought the bike back."

Mr Morris completed the Florida Ironman triathlon in November to raise £2,063 for the Oxford-based charity SeeSaw, which helps children deal with bereavement.

The former St Birinus School pupil said the bike stolen last month (feb8), made by Marin, was vital for his training.

He added: "It's probably worth about £600.

"It's not the actual bike I use for the Ironman challenges.

"But I use the Marin for training as it's a lot heavier, so when I get on the lighter bike for the Ironman I feel like I'm on a rocket."

The Ironman challenge consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run and has to be completed within 17 hours.

Mr Morris added: "I want to train for another Ironman for SeeSaw as it's such a good cause but I really need the bike back for training."

The funeral service worker supports SeeSaw after losing his mother Judith to cancer a week before his 21st birthday.

Co-director of the funeral service Alistair Cox said: "We have reported the theft to police and they are investigating.

"Ryan is upset about his bike and wants it back - it was insured but he would much rather have his own bike back."

Staff at Howard Chadwick were shocked on January 15 when the funeral parlour next to South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse the district council offices was severely damaged in an arson attack, causing £100,000 of damage.

The council office and also a cottage in a neighbouring village were also targeted by the arsonists.

The parlour was completely refurbished after the fire caused about £100,000 of damage and reopened in April last year.