Hartlepool boy, 9, who met Ryan Reynolds dies from cancer

A nine-year-old-boy whose dreams came true when he met Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has died from cancer.

Riley Bains, from Hartlepool, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2023 and had his lower leg amputated.

His story touched thousands when, in December last year, his dream of meeting actor Reynolds became a reality following an appeal on BBC Radio Tees with local charity Miles for Men.

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

Riley’s mother Sarah Kidson penned 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.”

Last year, an online appeal by Micky Day from cancer charity Miles for Men on BBC Radio Tees was spotted by Ryan Reynolds on X.

Reynolds reached out to invite Riley and his family to a special meeting at Wrexham AFC, the football club the actor co-owns.

During their time together, Reynolds described Riley as “an inspiration”.

His mother previously shared that the meeting was something they “would never forget.”