A stolen custom bike was going to be used to raise money in memory of a young boy who sadly died after suffering from a rare condition, it has emerged.

Shaun Harvey, 49, of Stamford Rivers, was planning to take part in a gruelling 1,000 mile cycle from Land’s end to John O’Groats in August, along with three others from the Ongar Leisure Centre.

The 14-day cycle, due to start on August 22, suffered a huge setback on July 17 when Mr Harvey’s black hybrid Giant bike was taken from Hurricane Way, North Weald Airfield.

He had been planning to use it to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in memory of one-year-old Mason Young, who died in 2014 after suffering from rare DiGeorge Syndrome and a missing thymus gland.

Mr Harvey said: “It is amazing how much of an impact that Alex, his mum, has touched so many people’s hearts.

“Hopefully we can raise the profile of what they have had to suffer in a very small way, to make their lives a little bit more bearable.

“To have the legacy of his story, to raise the profile of Great Ormond Street who cared for him in the latter stages of his life.”

With less than a month to go before the ride, Mr Harvey still hopes to take part but says he is in a difficult position.

“I do not think they realise the awful situation they have caused, not only from the theft of the bike but we are now trying to raise money to reimburse what has been stolen.

“It is not just a question of going out and buying another bike, to do a journey of 1,000 miles you have to be confident and comfortable with a bike that distance… you cannot go and buy another bike off the shelf.”

He added: “As it stands, I am still no further forward to getting a new bike to do the ride.

“The problem is all my fundraising efforts need to be put to Great Ormond Street Hospital, that is the reason why we are doing the ride.

“That would be money that could be going to charity.

“It has put me in a very difficult position… it is the last thing I would want to happen as close to the event.”

Investigating officer Pc Tracy Topche said: “If anyone knows anything about the theft or where the bike currently is then I would ask them to call me at Loughton Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

To donate to the fundraising appeal, visit the website.