A DOCTOR on the frontline says he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public after his bicycle was stolen.

Dr Michael Savage is a clinical fellow in accident and emergency at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Last month The Argus reported how he had finished a gruelling Saturday night shift only to find his bicycle was stolen in Brighton.

At the time Dr Savage said: “I was so annoyed. At first I thought I was delirious, having worked the night shift I was wondering where else I could have left it.

“But it was nowhere to be found. It is frustrating, more than anything else.

“I’m working on the coronavirus frontline, so it feels like it is a slap in the face for the hard work we are doing.

“I know the person who took it probably didn’t know that I was working at the hospital, but in the current climate I’m annoyed because everyone is supposed to be in lockdown.”

Following the report, there were numerous offers sent in from people offering to buy the doctor a replacement, to allow him to continue cycling up to Haywards Heath from his Brighton home.

One business which came forward after the story was reported was Lewes Cycleshack, and owner Steve Ranger gifted Dr Savage a new bicycle last week.

In response he said: “Following the article in The Argus I was very kindly donated a brand new bicycle by Lewes Cycleshack.

“I was really overwhelmed by their generous spirit. I think it would be very fitting that their good deed should get them some publicity.”

He also wondered whether his bike was among the huge haul of stolen cycles which were found in the yard of a vulnerable pensioner earlier this month, where police are looking to trace owners.

Meanwhile Lewes Cycleshack owner Steve Ranger said: “When I saw the article I thought it was a disgrace that someone risking their life for us could have someone behaving in that way to steal his bicycle.

“I wanted to show the doctor that most people are not like that, and show my support for him.”

Mr Ranger said business for cycle shops, which have remained open as a key service during the lockdown, has been busy for his firm and for others across Sussex.

He said interest in cycling has increased, and hopes people continue to use their bikes both for exercise and as an alternative to driving.

“A lot of people have been delighted that we have stayed open, as they have been desperate to be able to go out. So I do believe we have been helping people.”