Young Hearts fan with brain cancer meets his heroes

8-year-old Rudi is battling a rare form of brain cancer, he had the chance to meet Robbie Neilson and his players as they prepare for their Scottish Cup Semi-Final

Published 12th Apr 2022

A young Hearts fan who is battling a rare brain cancer had the chance to meet his heroes this week.

8-year-old Rudi Abbot spent Monday morning out at the Jambos' Riccarton training centre meeting the players and Manager Robbie Neilson.

The Tynecastle side are preparing for their Scottish Cup Semi-final clash with rivals Hibernian at Hampden Park.

Speaking today Neilson said Rudi is a "great wee kid".

A instagram account set up to track efforts to fund raise for treatment for the youngster said the visit "really made Rudi's day".

Back in August of 2020 Rudi was diagnosed with a rare tumour.

His parents are now raising money to take their son to the USA for specalised treatment, which isn't available anywhere else.

The family has already raised well over £50,000 in their efforts, but have a lofty target of a quarter of a million pounds.

The Rally_for-Rudi Instagram page posted:

"Gaffer Robbie Neilson took Rudi under his wing for over an hour - some training with the first team, kicking a ball around, chatting with Scotland internationals, a tour of the rehab facilities, pool and gym.

"Robbie even went back to get Rudi some extra layers when the weather closed in."

Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.