People around the country have gone out of their way to show a 14-year-old boy that strangers can be kind after he was taunted and beaten following the death of his mother.
Just a few days ago WalesOnline told the story of Zander Nelms, from Pencoed, who was walking locally with a friend on Thursday, March 25, when two boys were said to have followed him, taunted him about his mother's recent death, and broken his new glasses.
The day before the incident Zander had attended the funeral of his mother, 32-year-old Leah Flewers, who died earlier in March after battling an illness for a number of 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 and said it was "disgusting" to know what he'd been through.
But since his story was shared with thousands of people Sophie said many strangers have reached out to Zander offering comforting words and making incredible donations with the fundraising page that was set up to raise money to replace his broken glasses raising more than £7,700.
As well as this he has also received some special donations thanks to the goodwill of people in Wales. Prize giveaway business Pure Competitions has arranged for a brand new Xbox and vouchers to be sent to Zander. As well as this a local business gave him free doughnuts this week and Dexter's, in Pencoed, offered the family a free takeaway.
The family said although it's not about the receiving of gifts it's been lovely to see so many people reach out to Zander to show that lots of people are willing to be kind.
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 had 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.
The loving aunt said a positive that has come out of sharing the story is that the family has drawn attention to the issue of bullying and the devastation it can cause
Following the alleged incident Zander was left with marks to his face and his new glasses were broken. Sophie said Zander was more upset about what the boys had said about his mum following the incident.
The fundraiser was initially set up to help Zander be able 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."
When asked about the incident a spokesman for South Wales Police said: "Police in Bridgend are investigating an assault upon a 14-year-old boy which happened at around midday on 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."
