Kindness of strangers as £7,000 raised for Zander
KIND-HEARTED people have rallied to the aid of a South Wales 14-year-old, after it was reported that he was taunted and beaten following the death of his mother.
Now strangers have reacted with generosity to help Zander Nelms.
On Tuesday we reported that the Pencoed teenager was walking locally with a friend on March 25 when two boys followed him, taunted him about his mum’s recent death, and broke his glasses.
The day before the incident Zander had attended the funeral of his mother, 32-year-old Leah Flewers, who died earlier this month after battling an illness for several years.
Zander’s aunt, Sophie Evans, 29, said the teen had spent the few years leading up to the tragedy as his mum’s main carer.
She added that it was “disgusting” that he’d been put through a new ordeal, and so soon after his mum’s funeral.
But since his story was shared, Sophie said, many strangers have reached out to Zander offering comforting words and making incredible donations – while the fundraising page that was set up to raise money to replace his broken glasses has now raised more than £7,000.
In addition, prize giveaway business Pure Competitions has arranged for a brand-new Xbox and Xbox vouchers to be sent to Zander. A local business gave him free doughnuts this week, and Dexter’s, in Pencoed, offered the family a free takeaway.
The family said it’s been lovely to see so many people reaching out to Zander with kindness.
Sophie said: “It’s not about the gifts, but I think it’s shown that people care.
“He knows that people care now, which is lovely. I think it means a lot to him.
“Zander said he didn’t think people would really care that much. He didn’t think people would be supportive.
“He’s a very humble little boy. He just isn’t used to getting that much attention.
“He was really happy about it, but he’s not one of many words.”
Sophie also said the outpouring of love and supportive comments has been amazing. She said she read some messages where people said they had also experienced bullying in the past, and she thinks it’s “sad” that other people have also had to go through similar experiences.
Following the incident Zander was left with marks to his face, and his new glasses also broke. But Sophie said
Zander was more upset about what the boys had said about his mum folwlowing the incident.
The fundraiser was initially set up to help Zander to buy a new pair of glasses, but after surpassing the target Sophie said some of the money will be used to help Zander have driving lessons and buy a car when he’s older.
“I think that’s the major thing,” Sophie added.
“We want him to have driving lessons, and to buy a car, to give him more options with jobs.”
South Wales Police said: “Police in Bridgend are investigating an assault upon a 14-year-old boy which happened at around midday, Thursday, March 25, on Erw Hir.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have any information which will help officers in their investigation is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 and quote reference 2100104106.”