Marvel star’s moving message to youngster
SIX-YEAR-OLD LELAND NEEDS BONE MARROW DONOR AFTER DIAGNOSIS
“THANKS for caring about me. Love you”.
That’s what one six-year-old had to say in response to a moving video message from Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds who took to social media this week to send well-wishes to the youngster who has been diagnosed with pre-leukaemia.
On September 8, six-year-old Leland received the devastating diagnosis and is currently in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant, which his family are unable to provide due to not being a match.
They have launched a desperate search for a donor and have been raising awareness of the search on social media via the Facebook page, Leland’s Fight.
And now their story is being shared around the world following a video message from Marvel Deadpool star Reynolds. Addressing the young Blyth Spartans fan, Reynolds said: “Hi Leland, it’s Ryan Reynolds here.
“I’m shooting a movie right now and I’m in New York and I heard a little bit about you and your story and I know that you’ve been going through hell and I just wanted to send you a little video and let you know that I’m thinking about you.
“I understand that you’re six, my daughter’s six as well, and I know that you love football. That’s one thing that you and I have in common in a big way, I also love football, although I would venture a bet that you know more about football than I do because I’m kind of new to it. But I’m really excited for the match tomorrow.
“I hope I get to see you out there on the field. But more importantly, I hope I get to meet you in person one of these days.
“I’m sending you all my love, not just from me but the whole football community and my own family. Lots of love, pal.”
The message, along with Leland’s touching video response was shared on Twitter by Blyth Spartans midfielder JJ O’donnell, who stepped out onto the pitch with Leland during yesterday’s Blyth Spartans FA Cup clash against Wrexham FC, which recently shot to fame after the club was bought by Reynolds and fellow American actor Rob Mcelhenney. Leland replied with his own video message from his bed. He said: “Thanks JJ and Ryan Reynolds, I appreciate that video. Thanks for caring about me. Love you, bye.”