Family praise club legends after hospice visit

Ronnie Moore (left) and John Breckin (right) visited Wayne Ryalls at Rotherham Hospice

The family of a terminally ill man have spoken of their gratitude after Rotherham United club legends Ronnie Moore and John Breckin paid a visit to his hospice.

Wayne Ryalls, 67, was visited by the duo at Rotherham Hospice within hours of his niece approaching the club to see if they might be able to arrange a card.

Jodi Ryalls said her uncle, who has been diagnosed with cancer, had been a lifelong fan and had enjoyed taking his son and grandson to matches.

She added: "Once a Miller always a Miller, they spent more than an hour with him, chatting like old friends. He cried his eyes out."

Moore, had two spells as manager of Rotherham, winning two promotions, and also played for them more than 100 times.

It was revealed recently he had been diagnosed with myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer.

Breckin, who is a an ambassador for the hospice, made more than 400 appearances for Rotherham between 1971 and 1983 and also had a short stint as manager.

Jodi Ryalls said her uncle was a lifelong fan of Rotherham United

Ms Ryalls said: "Within an hour or two [of contacting the club] the two legends were at my uncle's bedside. We were astounded by it.

"We're ever, ever so grateful, especially given what Ronnie Moore is going through as well."

She said the surprise visit had happened so quickly she had been unable to attend but said Mr Ryall's son, Matt, had told her it had "made his dad's life complete".

The club said Millers "really do look out for one another".

"It is our strong belief that we have a responsibility to repay supporters like Wayne when the opportunities present themselves and we hope that this small gesture went some way to doing that," a spokesperson for the side said.

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