Ryan Reynolds fulfils Wrexham fan’s dying wish - ‘I got a little choked up’

Reynolds watched Wrexham, who he co-owns with Rob McElhenney, win the National League title and presented a supporter battling terminal cancer with an unforgettable memento

Harry Latham-Coyle
Tuesday 25 April 2023 08:13 BST
Comments
Paul Rudd captures Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney 'blacking-out' as Wrexham wins

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ryan Reynolds “got a little choked up” after fulfilling the wish of a fan with terminal cancer at Wrexham’s win over Boreham Wood.

Reynolds watched the Welsh club, who he co-owns with fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney, seal promotion to the EFL with a 3-1 win that secured the National League title.

In the crowd was Jay Fear, a 45-year-old from Southampton who has been diagnosed with terminal appendix cancer, and his family.

Ryan Reynolds presents Wrexham fan Jay Fear with his glove from Deadpool 2
Ryan Reynolds presents Wrexham fan Jay Fear with his glove from Deadpool 2 (Ryan Reynolds Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vancityreynolds/))

Fear was able to spend time with Reynolds, who he described as his “idol”, and was presented with a signed glove from Deadpool 2 by the Hollywood star.

Reynolds also extended Fear an invite to the set of the third film in the popular superhero series, which is due to be released in November 2024.

“It was amazing to meet Jay,” the actor told BBC News. “I wonder if I’d have the same unwavering joy if our roles were reversed.

“He is an exceptional person and his family is wonderful. I got a little choked up talking to him and feeling how much his kids and wife are going to miss him.”

Jay Fear and his family met Ryan Reynolds at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday
Jay Fear and his family met Ryan Reynolds at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday (Ryan Reynolds’ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vancityreynolds/))

Fear had been given the all clear from cancer a year ago but was re-diagnosed in January of this year.

He attended Wrexham’s win with his wife, Deb, and two teenage children, and said the experience was as much for them as him.

Fear said of his meeting with Reynolds to BBC Radio 5 Live: “They always say you should never met your idol and this guy is definitely an exception to that.

“I’ve always loved Ryan Reynolds - ever since [2002 film] Van Wilder. I remember watching that for the first time and thinking that guy was cool.

“I started watching the Wrexham programme on Disney+ and when you watch that you can’t help but love Wrexham.

“People might think this whole thing was for me. Actually, this is for my family because they are the ones that are going to remember what happened for the rest of their lives. I just hope this is a core memory that they’ll never forget.”

Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in