Local community rallies to support ‘happy wee soul’ on the road to recovery after battling brain tumour

A BATTLING boy is on the road to recovery after doctors discovered a tumour the size of a plum in his brain.

The parents of nine-year-old William Crossan were initially told violent episodes he was having were just migraine headaches that could be treated with painkillers.

But mum Rachael, 34, and postman dad Billy, 43, pushed for a scan that eventually revealed the awful truth. The lad is now on the path to recovery, but only after a torturous few months for the family, which has seen the community rally round to help.

School dinner lady Rachael said: “Everyone knows their own child. If you think something isn’t right then it probably isn’t – even if tests do come back clear.

“I knew there was something seriously wrong with William, but I just didn’t know what. I’m so glad he’s finally on the mend.”

Despite various checks, docs were no closer to finding the reason for the crippling pain which gripped little William, leaving him vomiting and screaming in agony.

But more than two weeks after their first emergency visit to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, an MRI scan revealed the devastating truth.

William had a fast-growing brain tumour the size of a plum, known as medulloblastoma.

He also had excessive fluid on his brain which was adding to the pressure and had to be drained before treatment could begin.

Rachael said: “Doctors told us this was a very aggressive type of brain cancer – but that it was treatable.

“I held on to those words – it was treatable – and focused on the positive. ”

William was admitted to the Royal Hospital for Children at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow’s Govan.

Surgeons inserted a shunt to drain the fluid, relieving the pressure which had caused such pain.

Rachael said: “The difference in him was amazing. He was no longer in such pain.

“The headaches had been really violent. It was awful, and they were so unpredictable.

“He was diagnosed, had the drain inserted, and four days later was in surgery having the tumour removed.”

William was in theatre for nine hours as surgeons began the delicate task of separating the tumour from his brain tissue.

Rachael said: “They did an amazing job. We were told there might be mood swings or a change in personality but, so far, so good.

“There was a time when he was angry, but I think that was because he was fed up feeling ill.

“Apart from that, William hasn’t lost his ability to make people laugh. He’s a happy wee soul and he’s very funny.

“He missed a lot of school, but now he’s hoping that he can go back when the new term starts.

“He hasn’t been able to go to school for so long.”

Next week William starts his third session of chemo .He’s already had radiotherapy and his final treatment should be over next month.

Last night at the family home in Neilston, Glasgow, where William lives with big brother Jason, 18, and two-year-old sister Sienna, Rachael revealed villagers had taken William to their hearts.

Rachael said: “The news about William’s tumour soon got out and people started fundraising for us.

“A Just Giving page was set up and strangers, friends and neighbours donated money and sent us messages of support. Such kindness is overwhelming.

“They want to send us off on a really good holiday once William is stronger. We are so touched by their support, love and generosity. They will never know how grateful we are they cared about our William.”