Ryan Reynolds sends kind-hearted message after family of fan, 15, who died of cancer watch Wrexham
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to 15-year-old Aiden Waller following the young fan's death, having welcomed his family to a recent League One match
Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds has shared a moving message with the family of a 15-year-old fan who died of cancer. Aiden Waller passed away in February after previously being diagnosed with osteosarcoma – a rare and aggressive bone cancer – early in 2022.
His mother, Sarah Waller, took to social media at the time to share the devastating news of her son's passing and to thank Wrexham co-owner Reynolds for his kindness. Aiden had a memorable encounter with the Deadpool actor and the Wrexham players in August 2022, ahead of their clash with Maidstone United.
Reynolds hosted Aiden's parents at Wrexham's game on Saturday, where they witnessed Phil Parkinson's team win 3-0 against Burton Albion at the Racecourse Ground. The result bolstered the club's hopes of achieving promotion to the Championship.
Reynolds took to Instagram afterwards to express how meaningful the day was, putting it among the "top five" moments of his life. He poignantly noted that Aiden will be eternally linked to the club, also suggesting that he played a part in their success.
After mentioning a catch-up with ex-Wrexham player Anthony Forde, he said: "Special guests, Sarah and Rob Waller came to the match... their beautiful boy, Aiden will be a part of this place forever. And he somehow brought three points with him. Up The Town - and down to the wire. Five more [games]."
When Sarah revealed the heartbreaking news about Aiden in February, she posted: "Aiden sadly passed away this morning peacefully. No pain and holding our hands.
"He fought a hard three-year battle with a strength we could only wish to have. Forever smiling. @VancityReynolds thank you for making a dream come true."
Reynolds then responded with a heartfelt message, saying: "I'm sorry, Sarah. He was pure goodness. No parent should go through this. His visits were as much for you as they were for him.
"He had a sense of wellbeing and a sense of calm because you gave him YOURS. That sacrifice is unimaginable. You're welcome at our club and town forever."
In response to the news of Aiden's passing, Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney also expressed his sadness. He said: "Sarah, Aiden's strength was matched only by yours and the strength of your entire family.
"I am honoured to have met you all. Especially your sweet boy Aiden. Thank you for that privilege and for shepherding a source of light in the world as long as he was with us."
Sarah also mentioned that when they met Reynolds, McElhenney, and the team, she was deeply moved by the kindness shown to Aiden. She said: "We were welcomed like family, it was just little simple acts of kindness that they didn't have to do, it made me want to cry.
"Ryan invited Aiden down to the front row of seats to sit next to him for the game, it was just little things like that, that make the difference. He, Rob and Rob's family were all amazing, we couldn't fault any of them, they were all so down to earth."