A NURSE taking on a charity challenge two years after the death of her dad has been left devastated after the bike she bought to tackle it was stolen.

Jodie Smith, who works at Poole Hospital, spent more than £750 on a top-of-the-range road bike after signing up for the British Heart Found-ation’s Bath to Bournemouth Bike Ride.

But the 27-year-old was horrified to discover that it had been stolen by thieves who broke into the privately-owned block of flats in Southbourne on Friday night to take it.

Jodie, who works in the outpatient unit, said: “It’s the first decent bike I’ve ever bought.

“I wanted to invest in a good road bike to help me finish the ride. We’ve got a shed for bikes here, but it’s a bit dodgy and the door isn’t very sturdy, so I decided to keep it in the hallway in a cupboard under the stairs as it seemed a lot safer.

“It was chained to a mountain bike, but both of the bikes have been taken.” Jodie decided to take part in the race in memory of her dad, Joseph, who died in May 2011, as well as for the patients she helps at the hospital.

She said: “My dad died of heart problems, so I wanted to do it for him. “I also see lots of people with heart conditions through my job. It’s such a good cause and the charity helps so many people.”

The ride, which takes place on September 29, will see cyclists taking on 80 miles of roads and climbing 6,950 feet over the course of the day.

Jodie said: “It’s really upsetting.

“I had been training on an older bike, but I traded that in when I bought my new one, so I’m borrowing a friend’s for the time being. I just hope it doesn’t set me back too much.”

The bike is a Giant Avail 3 ladies model in black with pink writing on the frame.

It has white handles and pedals.

Jodie said: “It’s very unusual because they don’t make many – the company design new models every year.

“This was the last one in the area.

“It would be amazing to get it back.”

To speak to Dorset Police with information, call 101.