Wrexham AFC: Former chaplain battling motor neurone disease

Reverend Paul Brown, who was chaplain at the club for nearly 20 years, was tragically diagnosed with the disease in June of this year.

The 66-year-old has already lost the use of his legs due to the disease - which attacks the brain and nervous system and is terminal.

A fundraiser has been launched to help cover the immediate support that will help Paul and his family in making daily life more manageable.

Paul, who grew up in Pentre Broughton, was chaplain at Wrexham AFC between 1989 and 2008, after a chance meeting with former Wales legend Joey Jones.

One day in 1989 he was walking his dog in a field when a stray football flew in his direction.

As he kicked it back, Paul found himself face to face with Joey Jones, who joked that Paul was nearly good enough to play for Wrexham.

Jones asked him what he did and Paul said he would love to be Wrexham FC's chaplain.

After being introduced to then manager Brian Flynn and then the chairman, Pryce Griffiths, Paul was 'signed up'.

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Jones nicknamed him Charlie the Chaplain which stuck with him until his departure to minister in Colchester in January 2009. 

"I had some absolutely wonderful times at Wrexham," he said. 

"I've been a life-long fan, and to have had the privilege to work there for nearly 20 years is something I will cherish dearly."

Remembering some of his fondest moments, Paul said: "When Wrexham signed Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence from the Carribean, I was the member of the club who lived closest to the ground.

"I got a call from the club to ask if I could bring some coats and blankets to the Racecourse as they had (Carlos) Edwards and (Dennis) Lawrence sitting in the dug outs freezing.

"I grabbed a couple of hot water bottles and blankets and went straight there to give it them. Just thinking back to moments like that bring a smile to my face."

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Paul became a hugely popular figure at the club, and was well-known for the events he organised. 

"We put on a carol service at The Racecourse," he said. 

"We'd do it on the pitch in front of the main stand, which would be packed out. We also put on Easter egg hunts around the ground.

"They were great days. My time at Wrexham was so precious and I loved every minute of it."

Reverend Paul Brown, and wife, Claire (Image: Newsquest)

Paul said he is "thrilled" by what's happening at the club following the takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. 

"Ryan (Reynolds) sent me a personal message last week," he said. 

"It was so nice and gratefully received at a time when I really needed it."

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Paul, who is now pastor at a church near Bradford, was tragically diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in June. 

"I had covid, which I wasn't recovering from," he said. 

"I suffered a number of falls and was then diagnosed with MND. It was certainly a shock. But I'm not dying from MND, I'm living for Christ to my fullest."

Paul is hopeful that a new breakthrough treatment for MND could slow down the progression of the disease.

He is hopeful of taking part in a clinical trial by taking the Tofersen drug, which scientists have described as "remarkable". 

"If it slows down my MND, I'm hopeful I'll get to see Wrexham getting back to where they belong under Rob and Ryan," he said. 

Reverend Paul Brown was chaplin at The Racecourse for nearly 20 years. (Image: Newsquest)

In the meantime, Paul, who has been left wheelchair dependent, needs assistance as his health declines.

The fundraiser, set up by Paul's friend, Charles Byrne, has raised nearly £6,500 towards him getting the support he needs. 

The funds will cover adaptions to Paul's car, a recliner chair and other adaptions to his house to suit his needs.

Charles Byrne, who has come to know Paul through their church in Bradford, said: "Paul’s kindness has had a ripple effect far and wide. He's impacted so many lives, carrying us through good times and bad, and now we want to do the same for him.

"Whether you’re a supporter from afar or have been directly blessed by Paul and (wife) Claire, every bit of support will help us reach this target and make a huge difference to their lives."

To donate to it, please visit https://bit.ly/3fni5IO.