Blyth Spartans vice-captain JJ O'Donnell has thanked Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds for making a young fan with leukemia 'feel like the most important person in the world'.
O'Donnell got in touch with the Deadpool star and Wrexham co-owner to share the story of Leland, a six-year-old who is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant, ahead of Blyth's FA Cup tie with the Welsh side co-owned by Reynolds and Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob Rob McElhanney.
Reynolds sent a video message to Leland on Friday, before Leland and O'Donnell led Blyth onto the pitch at Croft Park when they played Wrexham on Saturday. As the sides drew, Blyth travelled to North Wales on Tuesday night for the replay.
Read more: Ryan Reynolds sends moving message to Leland, six, as he fights leukemia
Reynolds personally invited young Leland to sit in the owners' box at the Racecourse Ground and has urged his 20 million followers to register to join the stem cell register in a bid to save Leland and other children who have cancer.
Reynolds, who was working in New York so could not attend the matches, tweeted: "You take a quick swab of your cheek and register to save a life like Leland’s. Takes only a few minutes. Let’s kick the s*** out of childhood cancer please."
Canadian actor Reynolds added thanks to O'Donnell for helping to publicise Leland's cause.
O'Donnell, who scored as Blyth Spartans threatened to pull off a stunning comeback after being 3-0 down at the Racecourse before ultimately losing 3-2, heralded Reynolds for stepping up to help Leland.
In social media post published before last night's match, O'Donnell wrote: "Leland and his family have been invited down to Wrexham for the replay on Tuesday.
"Incredibly, Mr Ryan Reynolds has been in touch and offered Leland his Owners' Box to watch the game.
"What an unbelievable gesture from Wrexham and from Ryan.
"This is all in the hope that we can find that vital match for Leland and help him in his fight against leukemia. A long battle ahead faces Leland but what Ryan Reynolds has done in the last few days will live with little Leland forever."
In a tweet, former Luton Town and Gateshead star O'Donnell added: "What Ryan Reynolds has done the last few days has been pretty special. Leland is a young boy he’s never met and he’s made him feel like the most important person in the world."
Leland received the devastating diagnosis on September 8 following tests at Sunderland Royal and the RVI hospitals. He is in urgent need of a transplant and none of his family are a match. You can read his story on the Leland's Fight Facebook page.
In a Facebook post, Leyland's mother, Sez, thanked O'Donnell and Reynolds, saying she has been "blown away" by their generosity.
She added: "Giving up their time to raise awareness and providing Leland with amazing memories. Thank you.
"Please keep registering as every swab is a chance to give Leland a fighting chance."
To register as a stem cell donor and potentially save lives, head to the following links:
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