Dozens of cyclists ride in memory of little Luca
DOZENS of cyclists took part in a fundraising cycle ride in memory of 11-yearold Luca Pucella from Bridgend, who died from a rare illness just weeks before Christmas.
More than 100 students, family and staff from Headlands School in Penarth, where Luca was a pupil, took a route from the school along the barrage between Penarth and Cardiff, with Santa Claus even joining the ride.
A single balloon in Luca’s memory was released at the Senedd by Luca’s sister Sofia and cousin Ffion and the ride was followed by a celebration at Headlands of Luca’s time at the Action for Children school.
Luca had suffered from a rare and life-limiting illness called rapid-onset obesity with hypothalam- ic dysfunction, hypoventilation and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome which affects only 75 people in the world and involved complex medical requirements.
Headlands School principal Matt Burns said: “It’s been one of the best days I’ve had here in terms of how everyone has come together and everyone has done something to contribute to it. Obviously, there’s an inherent sadness in that Luca is not around and this is something he would’ve loved with Santa, the dressing up and the silliness.
“But ultimately, his parents and Luca would’ve just wanted everyone to remember him fondly and have fun. In the spirit of that, I think we’ve done a good job.”
Luca’s parents Angelo and Beth, from Bridgend, joined the ride and celebration.
Beth said: “It was a fantastic experience. Luca had planned to do the ride with Mr Burns, so this would’ve meant the world to him to see all his friends and the teachers having a bit of fun, enjoying themselves and doing a bit to help other people. It was overwhelming to see so many people here.
“Luca touched a lot of lives and it’s testament to the personality he had.
“He would speak to everyone and anyone, he wanted to know everyone and all their stories and that’s been reflected in the turnout.”
To donate, go to www.justgiving. com/fundraising/ lucasrideforrohhad