Thu 26/03/2009

Datchworth and Southgate Rugby Clubs have had a close association for many years. Mark Pittaccio, the Green's ex-Head Coach previously played for Southgate and had several ex-Southgate players in the squad that achieved three promotions in a five year period for the village side.

For a few weeks last year the boots were swapped for two wheels in an effort to raise funds for Leukaemia Research in memory of two team mates, Johnny Allen who died of the disease at age 26 and Micky Bundle, the Southgate stalwart, who lost his battle at age 40.

In his capacity as a Group Investment Sales Director, Datchworth resident Pittaccio (aka Pitsi) delivers presentations around the country. Late one night and after a drink too many he agreed to cycle between the venues unaware that the journey through Edinburgh, Belfast, Bolton, Harrogate, Solihull, Cardiff, Wincanton, London and Cambridge would total 1136 miles. He was joined by friends, colleagues and sponsors for some of the legs. In total he burned up 66015 calories, most of which were replaced by jelly babies, climbed 25911 metres and last month presented a cheque for £50,000 to Leukaemia Research.

Mark says "At times the saddle was the most exhilarating place to be and at others the most desperate. What has left me breathless is the fantastic support and encouragement from friends, colleagues and complete strangers that I met along the way. It really was a very emotional experience."

A short film of the first week's highlights can be seen on YouTube - click here to view - it's worth a watch.