Ryan Reynolds has issued a heartfelt message to the family of a young fan who died of cancer. Aiden Waller passed away in February at the age of 15 following four fights with the disease.
He was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, in early 2022. Aiden’s mother, Sarah Waller, announced her son’s passing on social media, whilst also expressing gratitude towards Wrexham co-owner Reynolds for his kindness.
Aiden had the opportunity to meet the Deadpool star and the Red Dragons’ players before a match against Maidstone United in August 2022. Reynolds has now shared a touching tribute to Aiden after hosting his parents, Sarah and Rob, at a Wrexham game on the weekend.
Phil Parkinson‘s side won 3-0 against Burton Albion at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday, boosting their hopes of promotion to the Championship. Posting on Instagram, Reynolds described the day as one of the “top five” moments of his life after crediting Aiden for delivering victory.
As well as reflecting on a catch-up with former 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].”
Sharing the news of Aiden’s passing in February, Sarah wrote: “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 replied: “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.”
Fellow actor and Wrexham co-chairman Rob McElhenney also shared a message of support. 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 previously said she was deeply moved by the kindness displayed by Reynolds, McElhenney, and the players during their meeting with 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.”
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