An elderly widower in South Australia is going viral for an unusual reason: he’s looking for a friend.
The man, named Ray Johnstone, is 75 years old, and he finds his days are becoming more and more lonely. While it’s unclear whether his fishing mate was his deceased wife or a friend, he is now turning to the Internet to find a companion. Like the veteran whose dying wish was go fishing, Ray doesn’t want his age to stop him from doing what he loves, but he can no longer fish by himself. He needs help and– more than that– he craves companionship.
It all started when Ray posted an ad to a site called Gumtree, an online classifieds website similar to Craigslist.
In the ad, Ray explained that he just wanted someone to fish with, offering to help with any costs his new buddy may have.
Gumtree
Pedestrian
The post went viral on social media almost instantly. People who live near Ray called and offered friendship; and people who live miles and even countries away shared the ad online along with their well-wishes.
I know nothing about fishing, but #IllFishWithRay https://t.co/7oNeZ2kArL
– John Dean (@JohnDean_) January 30, 2017
Oh beautiful Ray! Someone please take him fishing x https://t.co/rn916oPMTZ
– Megan Hustwaite (@MeganHustwaite) January 30, 2017
I love this. Let’s find Ray a fisher-friend. https://t.co/MirVhkjpe5
– Clair White (@clairwhite) January 30, 2017
I hate fishing, but I would go every weekend and pack sandwiches and tea if I lived in Adelaide. Let’s be friends. #illfishwithray
– Daisy St. Patience (@invaynity) January 30, 2017
Ray said he never expected for his ad to go viral, but he’s happy to report he now has a fishing mate! His daughter posted her thanks as well:
Pedestrian
Check out the video below to hear Ray’s heartwarming story.
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