Schoolboy, 9, Uses His Savings To Buy Friend A New Pair Of Football Boots In Wonderful Gesture

It's a story that has captured the hearts of a nation. Xavier Bonney is only nine-years-old but his kindness, generosity and regard for others is a great example for people of all ages.

Inspired by his hero Marcus Rashford, the football-mad youngster, from Bolton, took action after he noticed that school friend Eric was playing in trainers after his football boots had ripped during a PE lesson.

Xavier let his dad, Jason, know about Eric's situation and what happened next was nothing short of inspiring.

"Eric's boots were getting more and more damaged and tatty each week until they finally ripped altogether and the following week he came wearing his school PE pumps." dad Jason told M.E.N's Manchester Family.

"He got a few comments from other kids asking why he's wearing them and not football trainers."

Jason continued, saying: "When we got home Xavier asked me why he was wearing them for the park so I explained to him that his boots must have ripped and he might not be able to afford new ones straight away.

"Xavier then asked me if he could buy some new boots for Eric with the money he has been saving up at his Grandma's over the past few weeks, because he didn't think it was fair that Eric didn't have any boots when all the other kids did - and he knew that he would make him happy by buying him some."

That's right. Bonney asked his dad if he could use his savings to buy Eric a new pair of boots and, after going out to purchase a pair worth £16.99, the pair met at the park, where they often play football together.

Eric soon arrived on his bike and was clearly surprised when Xavier handed over the gift.

Image: ITV

Image: Jason Bonney/Facebook

Jason posted a picture of the moment on social media and it quickly picked up shares, with thousands of people touched by Xavier's wonderful gesture.

He captioned the post: "Xavier surprising one of his best mates with a new pair of boots that he saved up and bought for him after his others ripped and he had to wear his PE pumps to the park."

One Facebook user said: "What an amazing young man, what a lovely thing to do.", while another wrote: "Parents must be so proud to have raised such a caring, kind lad. Amazing."

So how did Xavier react after giving his friend the boots?

"He was so excited to make his friend happy with this gift it was really nice to see." Jason told M.E.N.

"On the way back from dropping them off to Eric he said to me 'helping other people makes you feel really good doesn't it dad'".

Topics: News, Football, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_