Ryan Reynolds: Stars donate thousands to burgled shop

Wrexham AFC's Hollywood owners have forged close links with Wrexham, both on and off the pitch

Plenty of Wrexham fans would love to meet Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

But what one shop owner really wants to do is thank them for saving his business.

Wrexham AFC's celebrity owners stepped in to donate £3,500 after a sportswear store in the city was burgled on 28 October.

"It was overwhelming - I literally had to be picked up off the floor," said owner Stephen Tapp.

"One of the biggest actors in Hollywood donating money to my little shop, it's ridiculous.

"We were about to wrap up the online donations page, then they doubled the amount I'd already received - taking it to £7,000."

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Stephen, who owns Wrexham Trainer Revival, had just celebrated the one month anniversary of his shop's new location when he discovered the break-in.

He said, "After spending so much time talking to the police my head wasn't in a very good place.

"I was very close to packing up and selling it all on eBay - the support I've had from everyone has been amazing".

The words of encouragement and donations for Mr Tapp's shop have not just been limited to the Wrexham community.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney doubled the donations the shop had received

"The donations page was set up by an American couple I've only met once - that money has covered all of my costs and kept the business going.

"By Sunday tea-time, with the amount of messages I received on social media, there was no way I could give up."

Mr Tapp's son met Rob McElhenney last Saturday at Wrexham's winning game against Gillingham.

"Rob said, 'Oh yeah, the trainer guy' - I didn't realise they even knew I existed, so this has blown my mind."

"They're welcome to the shop anytime," he added.

"There'll be a couple of free T-shirts there for them, that's for sure."

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