A cyclist training for an epic 54-mile ride to “give something back” to those who helped her after a heart attack has had her bicycle stolen.

Natalie Taylor, who was forced to give up her snack bar business after being diagnosed with rare condition SCAD - spontaneous coronary artery dissection - was building up her fitness to take part in the London to Brighton bike ride in June in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

But the 49-year-old’s bike, which she relies on for getting around, was taken from outside Kingsmead Leisure Centre in Canterbury while she was at a yoga class.

“There must have been about 10 bikes there and I locked mine up next to them,” she said.

“When I came back out I couldn’t see it anywhere. I reported it to the police but I don’t hold out much hope.

“My godmother left me some money when she died and I bought the bike with it, so it also has sentimental value.”

Miss Taylor, who lives near Bridge, says she had never suffered ill health until August last year when she had a heart attack during yoga.

“My godmother left me some money when she died and I bought the bike with it, so it also has sentimental value...” Natalie Taylor

She was diagnosed with SCAD, a rare condition which primarily affects young to middle-aged women.

“I’d done the London to Brighton bike ride about a month before and I’d had no health concerns before so it was a shock,” she said.

“I was so appreciative of the QEQM hospital, particularly consultant cardiologist Dr Kevin Ward. Without his persistence my condition wouldn’t have been discovered.

“It made me want to give something back so I started training to do the London to Brighton ride again. I was gradually getting there and my health was improving. I suffer depression too, so it was also helping my mental wellbeing.”

Miss Taylor says she is currently living off universal credit so is unable to afford to buy a new bike or use her car to get around.

The bike is a white Chris Boardman Hybrid Pro.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police received a report of a stolen bicycle in Kingsmead Road, Canterbury on 26 February 2019 at 1.47pm.

“It is believed the white bike with blue and silver markings was taken sometime between 11.45am and 1.45pm from outside a leisure centre.”

Witnesses are urged to call 01843 222289 quoting 26-0930.

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