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Nine-year-old Riley Bains from Hartlepool is set to meet his hero, Ryan Reynolds, in a story that began with a simple wish. Battling osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, Riley's wish was to meet the Hollywood star best known for his role as Deadpool, his favorite superhero. After a public appeal organized by Micky Day of the charity Miles For Men, the boy's dream quickly caught the attention of Reynolds, who invited Riley to an upcoming Wrexham Football Club game, which he co-owns.
In an emotional video call, Reynolds promised Riley, "I'm going to make sure that this is one of the best days of your life." Joined by his wife, Blake Lively, Reynolds expressed his excitement, saying, "I'm so excited to meet you. I've heard so much about you." His mother, Sarah Kidson, shared her gratitude: "To take time out of their day just to make one little boy feel special—it means everything."
Riley's battle with cancer began at the age of seven, leading to the amputation of his left leg and months of chemotherapy. Though he was briefly cancer-free, the disease sadly returned, spreading to his shoulder, lungs, and lymph nodes. Riley's resilience has continued to inspire those around him, with his family describing him as brave and determined.
The response to Riley's story has been overwhelming. Miles For Men, together with its supporters, raised £15,000 to fund a Disneyland Paris trip for Riley and his family. Day, who started the campaign, praised Reynolds, calling him a "genuine superstar" for making the boy's wish a reality. "Thank you, everyone. We did it," he said, expressing appreciation to all involved.
This isn't the first time Reynolds has granted a fan's wish. Recently, he surprised another young boy fighting cancer by visiting him in a Massachusetts hospital. His kindness extends beyond individual encounters; together with Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney, Reynolds has actively supported various causes in North Wales since acquiring the football club.
For Riley and his family, this moment has been life-changing. As his mother noted, "You could see what it meant to him. Dreams do come true."
