Both Reading and Leeds United fans have been encouraged to join in with a minute’s applause tonight on the 19th minute, in memory of Ryan Duval.
Supporters group Club 1871 tweeted yesterday evening, encouraging supporters to join together to pay tribute to Ryan Duval – who was the inspiration behind Ryans Royals in 2015 when aged just 14 he designed a special one-off shirt worn by players when they faced Blackburn Rovers.
On the 19th minute at the Leeds game, we encourage all #ReadingFC fans to join in with a minutes applause in honour of Ryan Duval who sadly passed away aged 19.
— Club 1871 (@Club1871) November 25, 2019
Please share and RT - thank you. https://t.co/rpCVRrtTIf
Ryan, a former pupil at the Avenue School in Tilehurst, had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative condition which meant he relied upon the use of an electric wheelchair in recent years to go about all his daily activities.
Following the news of his death, Reading FC released a tweet which said: "We are deeply saddened to learn that young Royals fan Ryan Duval has passed away.
"Ryan was the inspiration behind #RyansRoyals - a project that garnered the love and support of all connected to our club in 2015.
"Our thoughts are with Ryan’s family, friends and all @AvenueSchool."
Ryan was awarded with the Child of Courage trophy at the Pride of Reading awards almost three years ago.
The club described Ryan as a "Royals hero" and "a brave young man who inspired so many".
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