Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have stunned a local charity fundraiser with a surprise donation to help young people living with cancer.
Catherine Jackson is set to do a skydive in aid of Young Lives v Cancer after being inspired by Wrexham fan Archie White, 12, who is battling the disease.
The 42-year-old is a passionate Wrexham supporter and had initially hoped to raise £1,000 for the charity, which offers support for patients and their families.
But, thanks to a generous £5,000 donation from the famous actors, she saw her initial target smashed.
In a message accompanying their donation on Catherine’s JustGiving page the pair wrote: ‘We love you, Archie. Also, Cary Grant’s real name was in fact, Archie. Love Cary Grant, but please stick with Archie. It’s a damn good name.’
It comes after last month Reynolds, McElhenney, and his wife Blake Lively – who is currently embroiled in a legal battle with co-star Justin Baldoni – hosted Archie in their exclusive box to watch the Welsh team secure their third successive promotion.
Describing the outpouring of support for her fundraiser, Ms Jackson said: ‘It’s the community spirit’.
‘People know Archie’s story and they’ve got behind it completely,’ she added.
‘I’m not going to stop. Until I do my jump I’m still going to carry on sharing the page and raise as much money as I possibly can. They’ve been amazing. They’ve supported Archie and supported his family’, Ms Jackson said.
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have stunned a local charity fundraiser with a surprise donation to help young people living with cancer. Pictured: Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively with Wrexham fan Archie White
In a message accompanying their donation on Catherine’s JustGiving page, the pair wrote: ‘We love you, Archie. Also, Cary Grant’s real name was in fact, Archie. ‘Love Cary Grant, but please stick with Archie. It’s a damn good name’
Archie is already a well-known figure among Wrexham fans and the Welsh club’s owners. Pictured: Archie and his mother, SJ
‘Nobody should be going through cancer, particularly a 12-year-old. But he’s constantly smiling. He’s so strong. So resilient and he just keeps fighting.
Ms Jackson’s skydive is pencilled in for August 22, meaning there’s every chance the current figure, which currently stands at just over £6,000, will continue to grow.
Recalling the moment she saw the large donation appear on JustGiving, she said: ‘I won’t repeat the actual words I said! It was an utter shock.
‘They’ve done it in the past for other charities, but it wasn’t expected at all. It also actually made me realise that they’re not just football club owners.
‘They’re not just about getting their names in the headlines, and upping their profiles. This is about the community.
‘They are one of us. Without a doubt. This has proved it to me. They’re part of the community and they care.’
Archie is already a well-known figure among Wrexham fans and the Welsh club’s owners.
He was previously invited to spend some time with the squad ahead of the crucial clash with Charlton Athletic, and was invited to watch the game itself in the director’s box at the Cae Ras alongside Reynolds and co.
In a statement Archie’s mother, SJ, said: ‘In November 2024 after a long battle Archie was diagnosed with a rare leukaemia called myeloid sarcoma, It is a condition that affects less than one in a million children!
‘For months he suffered excruciating joint pains in both arms and legs alongside nasal and eye problems!
Catherine Jackson (pictured) is set to do a skydive in aid of Young Lives v Cancer after being inspired by Wrexham fan Archie White, 12, who is battling the disease
Ms Jackson is a passionate Wrexham supporter and had initially hoped to raise £1,000 for the charity, which offers support for patients and their families (stock image)
‘He has currently gone through three cycles of intense chemotherapy at Alder Hey hospital and is now undergoing his new treatment plan at the royal children’s hospital in Manchester, where he will undergo more chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant to help fight against his body relapsing and being able to give him a better chance for cure!
‘One charity in particular who have been exceptional to us is Young lives vs cancer! From the minute we were introduced to Ffion, our support worker, she has gone above and beyond to make sure Archie has whatever he needs and is fully supported in every way!!
‘My world was completely shattered when Archie became poorly, and I’ve never felt so scared and vulnerable as a parent to a child so poorly, But thanks to Young Lives vs Cancer and their support, my fears and worries went away!
‘Nothing is too much for them and we have been lucky enough to have the emotional support from this amazing charity with open arms whenever we need!
‘They take away the feeling that your child is poorly and turn it around into a super power! Forever grateful for them, especially Ffion.’
