**Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Surprise Local Fundraiser with Generous Donation to Childhood Cancer Charity**
A devoted Wrexham AFC supporter was left in disbelief this week after Hollywood stars and club co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made a sizeable donation to her fundraising efforts for children living with cancer. Catherine Jackson, who is preparing for a charity sky dive to raise money for the organisation Young Lives vs Cancer, was stunned to wake up to a £5,000 contribution from the Wrexham co-chairs, a gesture that has sent ripples through the North Wales community.
Jackson, a 42-year-old working in waste management, had initially set out with a modest fundraising target of £1,000. However, her campaign has gathered remarkable momentum following the intervention by Reynolds and McElhenney, whose gesture she described as “an utter shock”. The substantial donation has propelled her JustGiving total to over £6,000 and counting, well ahead of her original goal.
Her charitable quest was inspired by the courage of 12-year-old Wrexham fan Archie White, who is currently undergoing treatment for a rare blood cancer called myeloid sarcoma. Archie has become a symbol of resilience, enduring multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy with remarkable strength and positivity. Supported by his family and the local community, Archie’s story has deeply touched his fellow Wrexham supporters and captured the attention of the club’s celebrity owners.
Reflecting on her fundraising journey, Jackson explained to journalists, “It’s the sense of togetherness here. When people heard about Archie, everyone wanted to help.” She added that she intends to continue raising awareness and support for Young Lives vs Cancer until her sky dive takes place on 22 August. “I’m not going to stop until I’ve done my jump and raised as much as possible. The response has been overwhelming,” she said.
Wrexham’s co-owners have a record of engaging with charitable initiatives within the community, but Jackson insisted their latest action underscores their genuine commitment. “They’re far more than club owners or celebrities here for the headlines; they really are part of the community,” she said. Their donation was accompanied by a touching message to Archie on the fundraising page: “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 White is no stranger to the Wrexham AFC family. He has previously been invited to meet the team and was personally hosted by Reynolds and McElhenney in the directors’ box at the Racecourse Ground for a vital league fixture, demonstrating the pair’s personal commitment to the young supporter and his family.
Archie’s mother, SJ White, shared her gratitude for the support the family has received, including that from Young Lives vs Cancer. She outlined Archie’s battle with his rare diagnosis: “He’s gone through three cycles of intense chemotherapy at Alder Hey and is now facing further treatment in Manchester, including a bone marrow transplant to boost his chances,” she said. SJ credited the charity with providing a vital support network, saying, “From the moment we were introduced to Ffion, our support worker, we’ve had help at every turn. They make a nightmare situation feel more manageable.”
The story highlights the wider impact football clubs can have when they embrace their communities, moving beyond sport to foster direct, meaningful support for those in need. Reynolds and McElhenney’s stewardship of the club has already drawn acclaim for its heartfelt approach, intertwining the fortunes of Wrexham on and off the pitch.
As Catherine Jackson’s sky dive approaches, the campaign she started for Archie White and others living with cancer continues to gather both local and national support, emboldened by the high-profile backing of Wrexham’s co-owners. Their donation is a reminder that in football, as in life, the most significant wins often happen beyond the field of play.
With months left until her jump, Jackson’s JustGiving page remains active, and she hopes the community’s generosity will only grow. Her final word captures the spirit at the heart of this story: “We are all in this together, and that’s what Wrexham is all about.”