A SURREY policeman’s bike has been stolen on the eve of his charity ride this Sunday in memory of his son.

Waverley police constable Chris West, who grew up in Haslemere and now lives in Liphook, is cycling in memory of his son Oliver West, who died just before he was born on March 16, 2018.

Chris is cycling from the Royal Surrey Hospital, where Oliver was born and died, to St Thomas’ Hospital, where his post-mortem took place, before finishing at Midhurst’s Carron Lane Cemetery, where Oliver was laid to rest.

However, Chris’ bike was stolen from his shed last week.

Community spirit has come to the rescue though, with more than £1,700 raised for a new bike.

Chris might not be able to get his bike before Sunday, but he confirmed the ride will definitely go ahead.

"There are stock issues trying to buy a bike in time, but I’ve had offers from people willing to lend me a bike, so I’m still doing the ride on Sunday," said Chris.

Chris and his partner, Roxanne Cooper, are raising funds for a comfort room at the Royal Surrey Hospital.

The room will provide support for grieving parents who have received bad news, or are waiting for an appointment and are able to sit away from expectant mothers and their families.

The Royal Surrey has given Chris and Roxanne a suitable room, but it will cost at least £1,000 to be furnished.

Any additional funds will go to the Forget-Me-Not suite - a private ward for parents to deliver, recover and spend time with their babies.

When Chris’ bike was stolen, Andrew Udal set up the fundraiser for a new bike.

Andrew said: "I don’t know Chris but when I read what happened it made me sick to my stomach.

"I’m a father myself and if I was in the same situation as Chris I would be gutted."

If you would like to donate to the comfort room, visit: www.royalsurreycharity.org.uk/fundraisers/roxannecoopersfundraising-page

To donate to the bike fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/andrew-udal