A BOY had his bike stolen on his 11th birthday outside Sports Direct – just one month after his mum nearly died.

The heartbroken mum of Joshua Travis from Newtown got in touch with the Star after seeing the police report online of a bike theft outside Sports Direct on Sunday, September 15.

The bike, a black, blue, grey and white Scott Scale 960, was Joshua's only birthday present given to him that day by his parents.

However just hours later, while going into Sports Direct to spend some birthday money on a new top, his bike was stolen from outside Sports Direct when a man forced the padlock and rode off on it.

READ: CCTV appeal after bike snatched outside Sports Direct

Joshua's mum, Anne-Marie, 38 said: "Last month I nearly died after a nine hour operation on my gall bladder. This year has been an awful one for us as a family.

"I've not been able to work while being poorly, so we have had to save up to be able to afford to by Joshua the bike he wanted.

"It costs £1,000 but the man over the road had one he never used and said we could have for £300 because of what's happened to me, so we saved up and it was the best feeling in the world getting it for Joshua.

"He was so happy when we gave it to him, it was his main present.

"He's not normally allowed to go off on his own but he said 'mum, dad, can I go to Sports Direct to get a top with my birthday money off nan?' And for the first time we let him go with his friend.

"When he was there he locked it up but some person stole it, even though it was padlocked.

"He was absolutely devastated. His birthday was completely ruined.

"We reported it to police but to be honest we have very little hope of getting it back.

"He's gone through so much lately with me nearly dying in hospital, we really did everything we could to get this bike for him, so for it to be stolen off him the day he got it just break our hearts.

"Later that day when he was blowing out the candles on his cake he was just so upset – it broke my heart.

"His birthday wish from blowing the candles out was that 'the man would get caught and he'd get his bike back'.

"He will never have his 11th birthday again, and for that person to totally ruin his day like that is unforgivable.

"He wanted the bike to keep himself fit as well, so that makes it even worse.

"I'd honestly offer to never be well again if I could turn back time and for his bike not to be taken and for him to have an amazing birthday."