Lonely widower finds companion after heartbreaking Gumtree advert for fishing friend goes viral

An elderly widower who posted an advert for a fishing buddy after his friend died has seen his heartbreaking listing go viral.

Ray Johnstone, 75, wrote on the classifieds site last week asking for someone to join him on regular days out.

“What I want is a fishing mate in a similar position to myself who also wants someone to go fishing with,” wrote the pensioner from Adelaide, Australia.

The post quickly went viral with thousands of people viewing it, and the nation’s media picking up on it.

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And the great news is that Johnstone has now found a potential friend to go fishing with him.

“I have found a fishing partner,” he confirmed to 9News. “Gumtree called me and said the ad went viral.”

In an emotional post on Facebook, his daughter Pamela Joy Edwards thanked everyone for their support.

She added that he has “been so lonely since mum passed away.”

In another post, she wrote: “Oh my just off the phone from channel 9 news and they are also coming down today oh boy they are in love with Ray Johnstone he has been called a sensational bloke.”

In the ad, the great-grandfather of nine said he usually went fishing from land, but was happy to head out on the water.

“I am willing to share all costs, eg petrol, bait, and should you happen to own a boat [I am] willing to pay all ramp fees, but happy if you are also a land-based fisherman,” he added.

The ad, which contains pictures of Mr Johnstone and his favourite fishing spots, has captured the hearts of millions across Australia.

Johnstone added that he is going on his first fishing outing with his new friend next week.

If that doesn’t work out, it appears he’ll have plenty of other offers.