Wrexham fan who met Ryan Reynolds as dying wish passes away

A terminally ill Wrexham fan who met Ryan Reynolds as his final wish has died of cancer.

Jay Fear, who has passed away at the age of 45, was invited by Reynolds to see Wrexham win promotion to the National League last month.

Wrexham co-owner Reynolds said he “got a little choked up” after fulfilling Fear’s dying wish and spending time with his family before his death.

Fear was re-diagnosed with terminal appendix cancer in January after being given the all clear the previous year.

He said Reynolds was his “idol” and the experience of meeting the Hollywood star was an experience his family would “never forget”.

The Deadpool star had also extended an invite to the set of the third film in the popular superhero series, which is due to be released in November 2024.

Fear said of his meeting with Reynolds to BBC Radio 5 Live: “They always say you should never met your idol and this guy is definitely an exception to that.

“I’ve always loved Ryan Reynolds - ever since [2002 film] Van Wilder. I remember watching that for the first time and thinking that guy was cool.

“I started watching the Wrexham programme on Disney+ and when you watch that you can’t help but love Wrexham.

“People might think this whole thing was for me. Actually, this is for my family because they are the ones that are going to remember what happened for the rest of their lives. I just hope this is a core memory that they’ll never forget.”

Reynolds said he was “so grateful” to have met Fear and host his family for Wrexham’s 3-1 win over Boreham Wood.

“It was amazing to meet Jay,” Reynolds told the BBC last month. “I wonder if I’d have the same unwavering joy if our roles were reversed.

“He is an exceptional person and his family is wonderful. I got a little choked up talking to him and feeling how much his kids and wife are going to miss him.”