A FATHER has launched a heartfelt fundraiser in the hopes of getting a new bike for a paramedic who had hers stolen.

Boat worker Steven Ashby, 29, was "disgusted" after he saw an article on the Bournemouth Echo which told the story of a key worker who left a 12-hour shift to find her bicycle was stolen.

In just five hours, he has raised £165 for the paramedic - who left Royal Bournemouth Hospital at the same time as the 8pm clap to support the NHS on Thursday - to find a padlock where her £600 bicycle was locked up hours earlier.

But now Steven, father to a four-year-old boy and girl, two, has taken action in a bid to raise enough money to replace her bike.

He said: "I check the Bournemouth Echo every day, especially now, so I can keep updated on what's going on with coronavirus.

"When I saw that this morning, I was disgusted, especially for someone to do that at a time like now.

"I can't go out as I have asthma so I wanted to do my bit if I can help someone at all."

The Sunseeker International worker, who is not currently working due to the business closing during coronavirus, had raised £60 in just half an hour of launching an online fundraising page.

Steven added: "I'm going to push friends and family to put their hands in their pockets so I can raise the money as soon as possible.

"She hasn't got a bike now so if I can get the money to her by Monday, then it's happy days."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nhs-stolen-bike.

The theft took place sometime between 7.30am and 7.30pm on Thursday.

It also comes just days after similar thefts were reported at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, while the Echo understands at least seven bicycles may now have been stolen from the hospital.

The bike stolen was a red and black hybrid Cube Nature bike.

Anyone with information is urged to call Dorset Police on 101.