Charity football match raises more than £11,000 for Children’s Ward

The money raised is going towards new oncology equipment on the ward, which will benefit young patients, like Mascot of the match Griff, during their treatment. Griff, 4, a long-term patient of Wrexham Children’s Ward and the Community Service, was asked to be the mascot of the game by both teams and has recently raised an additional £5,000 himself for the ward.

Griff was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) when he was just two years old, and he will be receiving treatment on the ward until February 2025.

Wrexham Police FC and FC United of Wrexham were joined by co-owners of Wrexham AFC Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElenney who donated almost £10,000 to their fundraising page.

Talking about their fundraising, Sgt Dave Smith said: “Behind our uniform we’re just like everyone else, I have two children and my family have needed to use the Maelor Children’s Ward, just as other families across the area do on a daily basis.

“The specialist care and its staff are fantastic, making a real difference for local patients and their families when they need it most. The money raised will be going towards new oncology equipment to help support those young patients, like Griff, receiving cancer care on the ward.”

The match ended with a 3-3 draw with FC United of Wrexham then winning the match on penalties.

After the match a statement was posted on Wrexham Police FC’s social media channels saying: “FT score was 3-3 with a penalty shootout victory to @FCUtdofWxm. The result is irrelevant, thanks to our opponents and everyone that’s donated and supported our fundraising for the Children’s Ward. The money will make a real difference to local patients and their families.

“It was an honour to have ‘Big Griff’ with us today as our mascot. Griff was diagnosed with leukaemia and is undergoing treatment on the Children’s Ward, despite this he is fundraising for them, he’s our hero.”

FC United of Wrexham also tweeted saying: “We can’t believe how much money has been raised for our match with the @wrexhampolicefc for the Wrexham Children’s Ward!”

If you would like to donate to the Children’s Ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, please click here.