A fundraising campaign set up to support a North Wales teenager living with a rare and aggressive cancer of the heart has surpassed its target thanks to a donation from Ryan Reynolds.
The Hollywood actor has donated £10,000 to help 13-year-old Lexi Collins, from Flintshire, who has already undergone two open-heart surgeries, had a pacemaker fitted and is now receiving intensive chemotherapy.
Despite her treatment, Lexi still dreams of visiting New York when she is well enough.
Wrexham Police FC had announced that their final charity football match yesterday would support Lexi and her family. The team has raised nearly £70,000 over the years for children and families facing serious challenges.
A message shared by Wrexham Police FC said: "A huge thank you to long time Wrexham Police FC supporter and friend Ryan Reynolds for once again showing his incredible generosity. Lexi will be heading to New York when she's feeling well enough. Not all heroes wear capes, this one wears a red and black suit ✈️ Thank you!"
North Wales Police Sergeant Dave Smith added: "Today's the last one, our final charity football match. What a journey it's been.
"Some might read this and ask, 'What's this got to do with policing?' The answer is simple, everything.
"Policing isn't just about law enforcement, it's about community. It's about making a difference, bringing people together, and building trust. Because safer communities are built when we work together.
"When we started it was just a simple idea, get a team together, play some football, and use it as a way to connect with the community and raise a bit of money for good causes. None of us could have imagined how far it would go, or the difference it would end up making.
"Together, we've raised nearly £70,000. That's not just a number, that's food on the table for struggling families, support for people battling with their mental health, vital equipment in hospitals, and a lifeline for families facing challenges most of us couldn't even begin to imagine. In some cases, it's literally saved lives.
"Some of the moments that will always stick with me are the times we've helped kids like Louis, Theo, Griff, and Lexi. It's been our privilege to rally around them and their families. To see the community come together through football to make a difference for them, that's something I'll never forget.
"Thank you to everyone that's donated, cheered us on, or even just taken the time to send us a kind word of support, thank you.
"Fundraising is really tough, but it's been worth it, to see the difference it's made. That difference today is Lexi, help us make her dream come true and donate one final time https://orlo.uk/drcKT"