A VETERAN who is cycling the coast of Great Britain had his bike stolen in Poole just 150 miles from his final destination.

Allen Stokes, known as Tiny, began his challenge in December 2021 in Plymouth and has gone all the way around the country, raising more than £10,000 for PTSD and CPTSD sufferers.

Tiny, 52, reached Poole on Tuesday, September 19.

He was due to set off for Dorchester on Friday before heading on to Devon.

Bournemouth Echo: Tiny riding on Bournemouth promenade.

The French Foreign Legion veteran was staying in an Airbnb in Branksome and had his bike stolen from a car park overnight.

The bike was attached to a large trailer that Tiny said weighs nearly half a tonne and was welded to the seat of the bike.

The trailer was not taken.

“I am exhausted, that bike has taken me nearly all the way around the country and I wanted it to take me all the way to the finish,” Tiny said.

“It’s wrong. I think I’m more sad than angry now.

“Lads like me, we put our lives on the line for other people and they thank us by stealing from us.”

Bournemouth Echo: Tiny in Bournemouth town centre.

The bike is a black Voodoo and was donated by Halfords at the start of the challenge.

Tiny, who is originally from Shropshire, said he would pull the trailer the rest of the distance if he had to.

“I’ve got straps on there, I’m a big bull of a man but I think I’ve trapped a nerve in my shoulder, so it’s not going to be easy but if I have to, I will do,” he said.

“It’s just sad, I’ve raised over £10,000 for small charities that help veterans and blue lights services.

“I’m doing this with arthritis in both knees, right ankle and right hand. I’m asthmatic and diabetic, and I’ve already had two heart attacks. That is what’s upset me, I’ve put so much into this and I’m on my last 150 miles.”

Bournemouth Echo: Tiny's bike, a black Voodoo.

Colin McCabe, from Bournemouth, has followed Tiny’s journey and met him in the town on Wednesday.

He said: “I am really gutted for him. He’s done over 2,000 miles without a problem.

“He’s raised over 10 grand, it was obvious it was a fundraising thing because it was attached to his big trailer.

“Hopefully we can get it back for him or try and get something sorted.”

To follow Tiny’s journey, visit Tiny’s GB Cycle Ride on Facebook or search Cycle the British coast for British veterans on GoFundMe.