Wrexham: Michael Sheen donates £5k for boy with genetic condition

Michael Sheen has donated £5,000 in aid of a four-year-old boy with a genetic condition.

The Welsh actor supported a charity football match for Louis, from Wrexham.

It comes after Holywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney gave £10,000 to the fund, which aims to raise the £40,000 needed for home adaptations for the young football fan.

Louis' parents, Aaron and Charlotte, said Sheen's donation was a "lovely" start to their week.

Louis was born with a rare genetic condition called TUBA1A, which causes him to have painful leg spasms, limited mobility, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

The family are in the process of adapting their home in Wrexham to cater for Louis' needs, and have set up a fundraising page to raise the £40,000 required to do so.

The money will be used to fit a downstairs bedroom with an attached wet room and raise the level in the garden to make it easier for Louis to use the outside space, among other things.

Wrexham Police FC - which is made up of members of North Wales Police who play football off-duty - will play in a charity match against North Wales Dragons on 23 March.

The team has set up a fundraising page which is linked to the family's main appeal.

On Sunday, the team's page received a £5,000 donation from Sheen, with the comment: "Very best wishes to the whole family."

Posting to X, formerly known as Twitter, Sheen confirmed he had donated and urged others to do so too.

Charlotte, 32, who works in the emergency services, said: "How generous of Michael Sheen to do that. What a lovely way to start the week.

"We are so close to Louis' target now, and plan on getting the work for his extension started by April.

"We never in a million years thought it would happen this quick."

She also praised the "sheer determination" of their friends, family and colleagues, as well as those who had donated.

Sgt Dave Smith, 37, who is part of Wrexham Police FC, added: "We'd like to thank Michael Sheen for his incredibly generous donation.

"His support will help make a real difference for Louis and his family, we're truly grateful."