RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have shown their love for the community of Wrexham by donating £5,000 ahead of a local charity match.
The Hollywood actors saw Wrexham reach the football league after a record-breaking season in the National League.
But forgetting on pitch results, since becoming owners in 2020 they have endeared themselves to the fanbase with their investment into the community.
And the latest wholesome tale from the Reynolds-McElhenney ownership has left the community “overwhelmed with happiness”.
The pair donated £5,000 towards a charity match between members of Wrexham Police and FC United of Wrexham, Amateur and Futsal teams respectively.
The two sides, who are set to play on July 1, has the goal of raising money for the children’s ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
READ MORE ON WREXHAM
The JustGiving page had initially set a target of £5,000.
However, given the donation of the Wrexham owners, the target has now doubled.
Chairman, co-founder and manager at FC United of Wrexham Andrew Ruscoe told the PA news agency: “We didn’t expect it.
“I just went on social media and people were going wild.
Most read in Football
“When I saw the donation from Ryan and Rob, I was absolutely overwhelmed with happiness.”
On the donation message with the username “RR McReynolds”, Reynolds and McElhenney simply said: “Up The Town,” alongside a flag emoji.
Deadpool star Reynolds has also donated to the football and futsal club in the past.
In March he donated £1,600 for new kits for the Under 12 team, while also donning a club shirt.
Mr Ruscoe revealed: “Having his continued support is surreal really.
“I know the police would echo this, and the community too – we just can’t thank them enough and I think this recent donation signifies that they both truly care about the Wrexham community and the people within it.”
The ward has been visited on a number of occasions by members of the club, including at Easter and Christmas, with April seeing children handed Easter eggs.
Mr Ruscoe said: “(Staff there) have been really excited and want us to go in for a photoshoot and the police.
“They said diolch, which means thanks in Welsh, to express how thankful they are.”
He explained the ward was “close to my heart” because the “fantastic” staff have helped children, including his daughter, when they have been “poorly”.
“It was where my daughter went when she was poorly and had breathing issues,” he explained.
“She’s fine now – and my son went there when he had suspected kidney issues. He’s got his final check soon, but the staff have been fantastic.”
Mr Ruscoe also revealed training ahead of the match was going well.
He added: “The lads are raring to go.
“They know they’re up against some tough opponents as the Wrexham Police have got some good ex-semi-professionals in their squad, but we are not going to be pushovers.
“Kickoff will be at 10.30am hopefully and and we’re hoping to get a good crowd at Bronwen’s Green and raise more vital funds for the children’s ward because they fully deserve it.”
Wrexham Police Sergeant Dave Smith expressed his gratitude towards Reynolds and McElhenney ahead of the match.
He said: “It really will help make a positive difference to the lives of many children from across the area.
“Behind our uniform we’re just like everyone else, my children have needed to use the children’s ward numerous times, the specialist care and staff are truly fantastic.
“We hope that with the money raised they will be able to continue to provide care and support for patients and their families when they need it most.”
If you wish to donate, the JustGiving page can be found HERE.
Read More on The Sun
FC United of Wrexham are also trying to raise funds to stay afloat.
More information on this can be found HERE.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
