Boy, 9, who befriended actor Ryan Reynolds dies after tragic most cancers battle

Boy, 9, who befriended actor Ryan Reynolds dies after tragic most cancers battle

Riley Bains from Hartlepool, who had been fighting cancer for two years, had his dream of meeting Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds come true last December when the actor reached out. He has died from the illness aged nine

Riley Bains met Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham FC
Riley Bains met Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham FC(Image: BBC/X)

A little boy who had his wish come true when he met Ryan Reynolds has died from cancer aged nine.

Riley Bains from Hartlepool, had been fighting the illness since 2023 and had to have part of his leg amputated. Last December, BBC Radio Tees and local charity Miles for Men launched an appeal for Riley to meet the Deadpool actor.

Ryan Reynolds reached out and invited Riley and invited him and his family to a special meeting at his football club Wrexham AFC. At the time, the actor described Riley as “an inspiration”.

Riley’s mum Sarah Kidson said that the meeting was something they “would never forget”.

Riley Bains
Riley Bains had been fighting the illness for two years(Image: /X)

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She wrote a tribute to her son following his death.

“We will forever be proud of our little warrior,” she wrote on Facebook. “Rest in paradise, gorgeous boy. Love you to the moon and back.”

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Hartlepool United are set to pay tribute to Riley during their game against Tamworth later with a round of applause during the ninth minute of the match.

Miles for Men is a charity that organises events throughout the year for those fighting cancer. On their website it says: “One day we’ll all be touched by cancer, whether that be ourselves or a loved one, Miles for Men aim to Make a Difference with your help!”

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