A NEILSTON woman is gearing up for a 45-mile cycle ride in aid of a nine-year-old neighbour who is battling cancer.

Roberta Findlay has pledged to take on the Pedal for Scotland event in September for the family of little William Crossan, who has been diagnosed with medulloblastoma.

The parents of the Neilston Primary pupil – who is a quarter of the way through a four-stage chemotherapy course – say they are touched by 61-year-old Roberta’s act of neighbourly love.

Rachael, 34, and Billy Crossan, 43, plan to spend the money on a holiday to take their football-mad son away once he has completed his treatment.

Speaking to the Barrhead News after learning of Roberta’s plans, Rachael said: “It’s amazing what she’s doing.

“William is very happy that she’s doing this for him. He’s not decided where he wants to go on holiday yet – he keeps changing his mind.

“At first, he wanted to go to Legoland but then it was Disneyland Paris and he has since changed his mind again.

“Everybody in Neilston has been so good when it comes to raising money for him.

“A JustGiving page was set up at the start, there have been charity nights and he got to go to Liverpool Football Club through a friend.

“He was able to meet the players during his visit to Anfield.”

Rachael admits times have been tough for her family since William’s cancer was diagnosed.

She said: “It was devastating to hear that he had cancer. We’re taking each day as it comes because we can’t plan for anything.”

William is expected to undergo his final round of chemotherapy in August.

The following month, Roberta will saddle up for what will be her third Pedal for Scotland cycle, during which she will travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Explaining her reason for signing up, she said: “I’ve done it twice already and thought that, since one of my friends wanted to do it, I would do it again - this time for William.

“He’s just turned nine and has a brain tumour which is cancerous. I’ve known him since he was born.”

To sponsor Roberta for the September 10 cycle ride, click here.