I'm so sorry to hear that. As a person who also lost her bike because of thieves, I know your feelings. When your bike is like a friend and your best helper, like another pair of legs or hands ... and especially if it is part of a big dream, as in your case ... This is a damn sad situation.
Unfortunately, bicycle theft is a frequent phenomenon in the cities of Ukraine or Russia, so only a few risk leaving the bike unattended. But for me it was a surprise to find out that this could happen on the streets of cultural London.
I hope you can cope with your difficult situation, and karma will overtake those who did it.
Heyho @erikaflynn, it's a really sad feeling indeed, but we can't let that put us down.
Bike theft does happen a LOT in London, same for motorcycles.. I even saw a guy stealing inside the supermarket!