A boy is taking on an epic cycling challenge following his great grandmother’s shock diagnosis.

Riley Townsend, nine, is cycling around the Isle of Wight today to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).

His great grandmother 79-year-old Rita Elsy, known as ‘nanny Reet’, was recently diagnosed with the disease.

This has left her unable to talk, eat, and do any of the things she enjoyed doing with Riley and her family.

Riley, from Millbrook, is hoping to raise money and awareness with his 80-mile cycling challenge.

Daily Echo: Riley Townsend, 9, with his great grandmother Rita Elsy who has been diagnosed with MNDRiley Townsend, 9, with his great grandmother Rita Elsy who has been diagnosed with MND (Image: Sam Townsend)

Dad Sam Townsend, who is cycling alongside him, said: “We have always spoken about doing a ride across the Isle of Wight, so that’s what we decided to do, and to go through the New Forest.

“We will be leaving for the island today at 9am and setting off from Cowes at 10am.

“From there we will cycle to Sandown with a camping stop in between.

“We will then cycle to the West of the island to catch the ferry from Yarmouth, where we will then cycle through Lymington, Brockenhurst, and back to Millbrook.

“It’s around 80 miles in total so it’s a big challenge for Riley.

“He’s nervous and excited, but I’m sure he’s going to surprise himself.”

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Sam said Rita’s diagnosis shocked the family as it happened very quickly.

But Riley recognised that her ‘life didn’t stop’.

He said: “Something wasn’t right, so she had some tests and four days later she was diagnosed with MND.

“Within six weeks she lost all muscles used to speak and she couldn’t eat.

“Riley saw her a few days after she left the hospital, then when he saw her a few weeks later she could no longer speak, eat, or do any of the things she used to do.

“That’s why it’s important we raise awareness, as well as money, of the disease.

“It’s a rapidly degrading disease so it’s about knowing how things change for those with MND.

“Riley realised her diagnosis wasn’t going to stop her life as she still wants to do things.”

The pair will be cycling around the Isle of Wight and through the New Forest until July 31.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/on-your-feet-for-nanny-reet to support Riley and Sam.