Ryan Reynolds has sent a touching video message and promised to meet up with a Wrexham supporter who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Jay Fear, 45, was diagnosed with terminal appendix cancer in January, having previously been given the all-clear from doctors. He has been given tickets to attend Wrexham’s huge National League match against Boreham Wood on Saturday.
Two Wrexham businesses donated the tickets after charity Bucket List Wishes reached out to try and organise the trip. Jay will travel up from his home in Southampton to watch the match and stay overnight in Wrexham – and his trip has been made even better by Reynolds’ gesture.
The Hollywood superstar is co-owner of the north Wales club alongside Rob McElhenney and will be at the Racecourse Ground for what could be a promotion party. Wrexham will be promoted to the Football League if they beat Boreham Wood in Saturday’s 6.30pm kick-off.
Ahead of the game, Jay explained his desire to meet Reynolds. "I've always loved Ryan Reynolds, ever since Van Wilder. I remember watching that for the first time and thinking that guy was cool," he told the BBC.
"I started watching the [Welcome to] Wrexham programme on Disney Plus and when you watch that you can't help but love Wrexham. It would be so nice to go to a Wrexham game and actually meet Ryan Reynolds at the same time."
That request was sent to Reynolds on Twitter via BBC journalist Peter Gillibrand and the A-lister replied: “I’ll find him. Any idea where he’s sitting?”
Reynolds, who was last at the Racecourse Ground for Wrexham’s dramatic 3-2 win over promotion rivals Notts County on April 10, had previously sent a video message to Jay.
“I just wanted to send a video and let you know that I’m thinking about you,” he said. “I’m whispering because my children are asleep, so this is just a little quiet time in the house, which is nice.
“I know that words are probably too clumsy to express what it is that you are going through, but I want you to know that I’m in your corner and hope that I get to meet you in person one of these days and I’m sending you tons of love Jay.”
Jay’s son Sam has been touched by the huge upswell in support on social media for his father. "It's really taken off a lot,” he told the BBC. “Seeing how many times it's been shared, is really amazing for our family. The power of social media is incredible."
Wrexham stand on the brink of promotion after beating Yeovil Town 3-0 on Tuesday night. They are four points clear of second-placed Notts County with two games remaining, meaning a victory over sixth-placed Boreham Wood would be enough for promotion.
