Wrexham AFC co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElenney donate thousands to Wrexham Children’s Ward
Wrexham Police FC are the football team of the local police force who have raised thousands to support their local community.
Now, they have been joined by Wrexham AFC co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElenney in raising some much-needed funds for the Wrexham Maelor Children’s Ward through Awyr Las: The North Wales NHS Charity. The duo have donated almost £10,000 to the cause to support local Wrexham services.
Wrexham Police FC played FC United of Wrexham in a charity match in aid of the ward on Saturday 1st July at Bronwens Green, Wrexham, and have raised an incredible £11,500 for specialist oncology equipment for the ward.
Talking about the fundraising and donation, 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. We hope to raise some money to help the ward and families who use its facilities.
“Ryan has followed our football page for some time so I thought I’d drop him a message and ask if he’d be happy to support the appeal. I couldn’t believe it when he replied, I was really taken aback.”
The two teams asked Griff, 4, a long-term patient of Wrexham Children’s Ward and the Community Service, to be the mascot for the game.
In October 2021 Griff was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) when he was just two years old. Since his diagnosis, Griff has been receiving constant treatment on the ward and will do until February 2025. Griff himself has recently raised over £5,000 for the Children’s Ward to thank them for all of their care and support.
Kathryn James, Griff’s Mum, said: “Well the day was just brilliant. Big Griff got to be the mascot for the game and travelled in style with his very own police escort! It was a great day with lots of money raised for Wrexham Children’s Ward. Thank you to Sgt Dave Smith for organising.”
You can still support the charity match in aid of Wrexham Maelor’s Childrens Ward, please click here.
