Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have donated £5,000 towards an upcoming charity match organized by Wrexham Police FC. The co-owners of Wrexham AFC expressed their support for the local community by making the donation via a JustGiving page set up by Sergeant Dave Smith, the founder of Wrexham Police FC.
The charity match, scheduled to take place on July 1 at Bronwen’s Green in Wrexham, aims to raise funds for the Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s children’s ward. The chosen charity for the event has received a significant boost with the substantial donation from Reynolds and McElhenney.
Sgt Smith, who reached out to Reynolds through Twitter, expressed his astonishment at the response he received. “Ryan has been following our football page on Twitter for some time. He likes the odd post every now and again, so I thought I’d drop him a message and ask if he’d be happy to support the appeal,” Sgt Smith said. “I couldn’t believe it when he replied, I was really taken aback.”
Reynolds responded to Sgt Smith’s message, stating, “Hi Dave. Not sure which of these great clubs I’m supporting most. Happy to have made a donation on behalf of Rob and I. We expect a hattrick.” The unexpected contribution has helped Sgt Smith surpass his fundraising target within just a couple of weeks. Encouraged by this success, he has now set a new goal, hoping to provide further support to the chosen charity.
The funds raised from this charity match will contribute to purchasing new oncology equipment for the children’s ward. Sgt Smith, who battled cancer himself, emphasized the importance of this cause, saying, “To even think of children having to go through something similar is horrific and heart-breaking.” In addition to the medical equipment, the funds will be used to provide additional support to patients and their families, offering assistance that goes beyond the capabilities of the NHS.
Expressing his gratitude for the donation made by Reynolds and McElhenney, Sgt Smith said, “We’re extremely grateful for Rob and Ryan’s donation – not only are they having a huge impact on local football, but they’re also investing in the community and changing people’s lives. Every penny will make a positive difference to the lives of so many children in the area.”
Sgt Smith established Wrexham Police FC at the end of 2021 with the aim of building stronger relationships within the community and raising funds for local causes and charities. By organizing charity matches, he hopes to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions about the police force. “The matches are about making friendships to dispel misconceptions of the police that those playing against us might have previously held,” Sgt Smith explained. “Behind the uniform, we are just like everyone else.”
The charity match between Wrexham Police FC and FC United of Wrexham is set to be a memorable event. Both teams are eager to make a positive impact on the community while showcasing their football skills. The match will kick off at 10.30 am on Saturday, July 1, at Bronwen’s Green, Wrexham.
The presence of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s donation adds a touch of stardom to the event, emphasizing the unity between the entertainment industry and the local community. As the players take to the field, they will be driven not only by the desire to win but also by the shared goal of making a difference in the lives of children receiving treatment at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s children’s ward.
