A YOUNG cyclist from Great Missenden has surpassed all expectations as he prepares for a charity bike ride this weekend.

William Russell was given a bike for his seventh birthday and will use his present to raise money for Leukaemia Rese-arch in their bikeathon at Bovingdon Airfield on Sunday.

So far the schoolboy has raised more than £1,200, smashing his original target of £500.

The charity is close to the family's hearts because Willi-am's aunt, Catherine, lost her fight against Leukaemia in June 1993, aged 30.

His father Chris Russell said: "I'm absolutely gobsmacked! If he makes £1,500 it would blow me out of the water. It would be great because it would also coincide with the anniversary of Catherine's death."

Riders can still register on the day if they turn up at 11am, and can receive sponsorship after the event.

If you would like to sponsor William visit his website at www.justgiving.com/williamsride