Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds paid for a second medical opinion after his wife was diagnosed with a brain tumour, according to Anthony Forde.
Midway through the 2022-23 season, the Irish midfielder suffered a significant personal setback.
Away from the field, the 29-year-old had a difficult time because his brother was diagnosed with leukaemia just a few weeks after his son Paddy was born.
Laura, Forde’s partner, later discovered she had a brain tumour after undergoing an MRI scan after complaining of feeling ill.
Forde took a two-month break from his professional commitments because he had so much to focus on off the pitch.
Forde’s story was featured in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, with the Irishman explaining why he needed to take a break from football in an early episode of season two: “How could I go out and perform when I have something so serious in the back of my head?” It would have been unjust to myself and the rest of the team. We have received incredible support from the club.
Forde provided an update on his career’s most trying period in the latest episode of the docuseries, which focused on Wrexham’s crucial meeting with Yeovil Town near the end of their historic promotion-winning season.
He revealed that Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds had paid for Laura to get a second opinion on her diagnosis, with Forde admitting that Reynolds “didn’t have to do” that. The Forde family will be eternally grateful to everyone at Wrexham for their help.
Forde made an emotional return to action against Yeovil last season, scoring the Dragons’ first goal in a 3-0 win.
Executive director Humphrey Ker described that goal as “special” and his favourite goal of a memorable season, with Forde going on to make 10 appearances for Wrexham this season across all competitions.
