Terras fan's last wish
By Ian McDonald

Saturday 27th February 2010

A devoted dad who was told he had just six weeks to live has vowed to proudly watch his young daughter walk out as Weymouth Football Club mascot.

Welshman Paul Reynolds, 47, regularly makes the 230-mile round trip with daughter Chelsea, six, to watch their beloved Terras.

The youngster has been picked to be the Wessex Stadium side’s mascot for their clash with Newport County – Paul’s hometown – on March 6.

Paul was diagnosed with facial cancer a year ago and has already undergone two gruelling operations in his fight for survival.

Last month doctors warned him he could have just six weeks to live if planned radiotherapy does not work – but he insists he and wife Pauline will not miss Chelsea’s big day.

He said: “I’m extremely weak, but Chelsea is very proud to be mascot and we won’t miss it.

“I know I shouldn’t be here, but I’m trying my best to fight. Nothing will stop me from seeing my little girl at the Wessex Stadium, even if it’s for the last time.”

Paul has been travelling from Crindau, Newport, to watch the Terras since 1984, attending 300 home games and 99 away matches.

Daughter Chelsea was born in September 2003 – the same night Weymouth travelled to play Newport County.

Paul said: “Chelsea is a very proud Weymouth Football Club fan.

“I’ve been taking her to games since she was two and she’s adored by staff, past and present.

“This day is about her and the club – that’s why I want to be there.”

True fan Paul was among supporters who ploughed money into the Terras when they ran into financial difficulties.

Tragically, he was diagnosed with cancer last February after developing a growth on his face.

“Within months it grew to the size of a golf ball,” he said. “The cancer is malignant and it’s got steadily worse.

“I’ve undergone two operations to remove it – the second of which lasted nine hours.”

Paul, who has already outlived doctors’ predictions, is set to undergo intensive radiotherapy days after the game – but is determined to attend. He said: “I’m in a fight for my life but I’ve managed to stave it off this long.

“If the intensive radiotherapy doesn’t work, that’s it, my time is up.

“I know I’m already living on borrowed time, but I’m still here.

“I’m not going without a fight. That’s exactly what Weymouth have to do – fight.”

Weymouth Football Club secretary Gary Calder said Paul has been an ‘ardent fan’ for years.

“He’s well known by many people here and it’s up to us to look after him,” he said.

“We organised for Chelsea to be mascot and we’ll be doing everything we can to make the day extra special.

“Paul’s having some health problems, so hopefully we can make it a great occasion for him and his family.”

Ex supporters’ club director Liz Bell added: “Paul’s a very loyal Weymouth fan having a really rough time.

“It’ll be so nice for him and his family to have a great day out with Chelsea as mascot.