A Good Samaritan sent a Sports Direct package 3,000 miles across the globe to an African teenager he has never met – after befriending him on Facebook.
Det Wyler, 36, began speaking to Omar Gassama, 17, on Facebook three months ago after receiving a message from the teen out of the blue – and the pair have been speaking ever since.
After chatting Det asked Omar how his football training was going, but he responded by sending a photo of his old worn boots which were destroyed.
Kind-hearted Det sent Omar, who lives in Brikama in Gambia, West Africa, a link to Sports Direct and told him to pick a new pair which he would have sent to him.
He also sent Omar a Barcelona strip and a Scotland flag, totaling £326, as well as £200 to help pay for his school fees and a new uniform so he could go back into education.
Det, from Glasgow, said he has become ‘a big brother’ to the teen who he hopes to help get into uni or college in a few years.
Mechanical engineer Det said: “I was sitting with my girlfriend about eight weeks ago and Omar randomly sent me a message.
“We ended up on Facetime and it just started from there.
“He’s a nice boy and I like him – you can tell he’s got a good nature.
“One day I asked how his football training’s going and he said his boots had burst.
“I sent him over a link to Sports Direct and asked him to pick a new pair.
“I asked him his favourite team but he didn’t know I was getting him the kit.
“I also got him a strip and a Scotland flag.
“He shared his location and I got the screenshot and posted it to a post office near him.
“He’s really happy.”
Det contacted the lad’s school and spoke to his teacher, who confirmed he was a pupil, before sending the kit.
And after receiving the gifts, Omar sent Det a photo of him kitted out in his new gear, while holding up the Saltire.
Det has also set up a fundraiser to help him with his schools fees, tuition fees, school books and lunch.
Det said: “He’s not been going to school because of coronavirus and his father died.
“His mum can’t afford his schooling – he’s clearly very poor.
“It’s important he’s still studying and focussing on his football.
“I spoke to his teacher and they said he’s in his final year.
“Depending on his performance he can go to college or university.
“He’s interested in accounts.
“I also sent him £200 for new school clothes and tuition fees.
“I’m more like a big brother to him and he wants to come to Scotland.
“He’s 18 in February and a potential plan, depending on funding, is for him to come for the next academic year and study over here.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/omar-from-brikama