CALLOUS thieves have targeted the home of a grandad-of-one in Thelwall to steal three bikes he was training on in preparation for a charity cycle.

Graham Beddard, of Thelwall New Road, has spoken of the sickening feeling he felt when he realised the three bicycles had been stolen from his garage, which was locked at the time.

The 67-year-old immediately reported the theft to the police following the discovery on Thursday morning.

The dad-of-two, who is self-employed, said: "I have never had a feeling like that before – I was in shock.

"I was going out to work and I could see the door was off its hinges.

"It must have happened overnight but I didn't hear a thing."

Graham is currently training to complete a 300 mile cycle from London to Paris in aid of Kidneys for Life in September.

He added: "I am now going to have to beg and borrow a bike.

"I'm not in my first flush of youth but it is something I have not done before and I was determined to do it.

"I was inspired to do it after two friends needed kidney transplants.

"It has taken the gloss off it but it's not going to stop me. 

"I hope the person who took the bikes reads this and suddenly gets a conscience."

A red and white Colnago 2.0 CLX bike, which is valued at £3,000, was stolen from the garage along with a Bianchi bike in duck egg blue and a Corratec hybrid bike in white.

All three bikes were bought by Graham for a total of around £4,600.

"If there is someone out there who has a bought a bike for a knock-down price I hope they do the right thing," he said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.