School helps to grant brave Luca his dying wish

FRIENDS of a brave schoolboy have come together to pay tribute to him.

Luca Pucella was 11 when he lost his battle with rare disease ROHHAD – rapid-onset obesity – in November.

The rare illness only affects 75 people in the world.

To celebrate Luca’s life, his friends, peers and relatives cycled between Penarth and Cardiff yesterday.

He was a pupil at Headlands School, which is part of Action for Children.

The ride raised money for Action for Children – a charity Luca supported.

People from Pontyclun Rugby Club also travelled to take part in the event as his uncle plays for Pontyclun.

Luca’s parents, Beth and Angelo, decided to donate his organs to save three lives including a child.

They both joined the ride yesterday.

Luca’s mother 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.”

Headlands school principal, Matt Burns, said: “This was the thing he was doing before he died.

“His passing has been felt profoundly by students and staff alike but I’m so proud of everyone for rallying round to do something positive and long standing in Luca’s memory.

“It’s wonderful the staff and pupils at Headlands and his family and friends are helping him fulfil this generous wish to fundraise for ROHHAD Research and Support to improve survival rates worldwide.

“Despite the desperately difficult limitations of the disease, Luca had a lot of energy and wanted to make a difference in the world.”

The group raised around £800 yesterday for the ROHHAD Association after setting an initial target of £500.

To make a donation, you can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lucasrideforrohhad