11 July 2023 , 09:27
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Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds sent his love and support to Ben Tozer's family after the defender's father died from leukaemia.
Defender Tozer had earlier shared a message confirming his father's death. His dad Keith had been diagnosed with a 'treatable' form of the illness on Saturday before going in for brain surgery, only to pass away just 48 hours after his diagnosis.
"Gut wrenching. Sending so much love to the Tozer family," Reynolds wrote. Wrexham had earlier shared their condolences on their Twitter page, telling centre-back Tozer: "So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with you and your family".
"On Saturday, I was told my Dad has Leukaemia but it's treatable," former Newcastle defender Tozer had earlier written "On Sunday night, he required a brain operation, which went positively, then last night the unthinkable happened.
"Sadly, all of this happened because he left it too late. Unknowingly, he was masking the fact he was in complete agony. 'Go and get checked', we regularly said.
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"He was just too scared of what it could be. Thank you, Dad. Our last words together will live with me forever. I love you. I hope we have all done you proud."
Tozer, 33, joined Wrexham ahead of the 2021-22 season and played regularly as the Welsh side narrowly missed out on promotion to League Two. He also played 45 league games last term as the Red Dragons went one better, winning the National League with a whopping 111 points.
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Ryan Reynolds has sent Ben Tozer a message of support (The FA via Getty Images)Mirror Football is now on Threads! You can follow us here
Messages of support poured in for Tozer after he shared his family's news. Some expressed condolences, while others shared similar stories impacting their own families.
"Sorry for your loss, I lost my mother in a similar timeframe and I know how you must be feeling," one Wrexham supporter wrote. "Can’t come up with the right words to say but our thoughts are with you and your family," said another, while fans of the defender's former clubs also sent their support.
"Loved Ben at [Cheltenham] Town," another of the messages read. "Proper leader and good one of life's good guys. This is terrible news. Can imagine how our loved ones suffering makes us feel helpless. Stay strong."
Wrexham are due to get their new season underway on August 5, taking on MK Dons in their season opener after more than a decade in non-league football. Before then, they will embark on a pre-season tour of the United States which includes matches against a number of Premier League opponents.
They will face Manchester United and Chelsea XIs during a four-game tour, with the first of those games scheduled for July 19. The fourth-tier outfit also have fixtures against the second-string of LA Galaxy and Philadelphia Union.
Leukaemia Care also provides a freephone helpline on 08088 010 444 or email [email protected]. More information on leukaemia can be found on the Leukaemia Care website.
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