BURGERS and chocolate are strictly off the menu for Winchester cyclist, Ricky Lee, as he gets in trim for a mammoth bike ride from Rome to London.

Ricky, 30, of Fairdown Close, is taking on the biggest challenge in his life to help raise money for leukaemia research - as well as forcing himself to lose weight and improve his health.

The 1,300 mile sponsored ride has been organised by Leukaemia Busters, and Ricky, a self-employed landscape gardener, will be one of 50 people from all over the country taking part in the event on September 1.

It is anticipated that the trek will take 16 days, with the cyclists covering more than 80 miles a day.

But before he sets off, Ricky has to raise a minimum £1,000 in sponsorships, as well as £500 for the journey to Rome, and at least £800 to purchase a new bike.

"At the moment I have only got a very old mountain bike and I know it just won't make the trip," said Ricky, the father of two young children.

"I have got to get a proper racing bike and I have got to get myself fit. I'm doing this because I think Leukaemia Busters is a very worthy charity to support, but it is also a personal challenge.

"At the moment, I weigh about 13 and a quarter stone - my ideal weight is 11 and a half stone. I've already started to eat a lot more fruit and I will have to give up some of my favourite foods, such as burgers and chocolate.

"My father and my grandfather both died of heart attacks at the age of 72, and I know I've got to do something to improve my fitness and make my heart healthier."

Ricky, who enjoys snooker, pool and board games, has never tackled a sponsored bike ride before, but did take part in a sponsored walk from Portland Bill to Swa-nage a couple of years ago.

His latest venture will see him flying to Rome from Heathrow airport.

The bike ride will take him through Italy and France and on to Britain via ferry.

He will then ride through Kent and the London suburbs to St Paul's Cathedral, where they will present a cheque to charity representatives.

Anyone who is willing to sponsor Ricky, or help him raise cash for a new cycle, is asked to call 01962 626747.