Wrexham AFC Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney 'Expect a hattrick' after Generous Donation ahead of Charity Match

Wrexham AFC co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are “expecting a hattrick” from Wrexham Police FC’s Sergeant Dave Smith following their generous donation towards an upcoming charity match.

The Hollywood stars donated £5,000 via a JustGiving page set up by Sgt Smith to raise funds towards the Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s children’s ward – the chosen charity for the fundraising match against FC United of Wrexham on July 1^st.

The pair heard about the game earlier this week after he chanced his luck by messaging the Deadpool star on Twitter.

He said: “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.

“I couldn’t believe it when he replied, I was really taken aback.”

In response to Sgt Smith’s message, Ryan said: ‘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.’

As a result of the £5,000 donation, Sgt Smith hit his fundraising target just a couple of weeks after launching the page and has now doubled the target in the hope of supporting the charity further.

“The money raised will help fund new oncology equipment for the ward. Having been through cancer treatment myself, I know how difficult it can be. To even think of children having to go through something similar is horrific and heart-breaking,” he said.

“It will also help fund some of the added extras - big and small - that go above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide, making a real difference for local patients and their families when they need it the most.

“My children have also needed to use the children’s ward a number of times in the past and having experienced first-hand the work they do there, the specialist care and staff really are fantastic.”

He added: “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 formed Wrexham Police FC towards the end of 2021, which is made up of off-duty officers from all departments across the force, in a bid to forge stronger links within the community and raise money for local causes and charities.

He added: “I want to continue to break down barriers and those misconceptions that are out there when it comes to the police. We want to build bridges with our community, so we can build trust and confidence in the police.

“The score on the day is irrelevant. The matches are about making friendships to dispel misconceptions of the police that those playing against us might have previously held.

“Behind the uniform, we are just like everyone else.”

The two sides will face off on Saturday, July 1, at Bronwen's Green, Wrexham with a 10.30am kick-off.

To donate, visit the Just Giving page here: Wrexham Police FC is fundraising for Awyr Las Gogledd Cymru - Blue Sky North Wales (justgiving.com)