A KENYAN fisherman who received a charity donation from a Barnsley firm has seen his business flourish - and the company say it’s the best money they’ve ever spent.

Back in 2022 Mark Harris, the commercial director of Dodworth-based firm Andel, visited African country Zanzibar - and he struck up an unlikely friendship.

During his visit he met fisherman Yahyay, who told Mark about his dream of running his own fishing business.

Mark said: “Yahyay told me about his life and family and we talked a lot when he had time.

“He told me of his dream to buy a small fishing boat so that he could go back to Kenya and provide for his family.

“He told me how he worked away from home in our hotel and sent money home and had only seen his family once in six months.

“He earned 100 dollars a month but over several years had saved 1,200 dollars towards the boat.

“He needed another 1,000 dollars.

“He said proudly and confidently that he would save the money over the next four years and he asked for nothing.”

But, after speaking with the firm’s managing director, Andel decided to send over £1,500 to Yahyay to help him achieve his dream.

Since then, Yahyay’s business has flourished in 2024.

With Andel’s support he purchased a new boat motor, has expanded his services to offer guided tours around Kenya, near Mombasa and has been able to fully support his family.

Andel receives regular updates from Yahyay and takes pride in the positive contribution he is now able to make to his own community.

Mark fondly recalled how overjoyed Yahyay was upon hearing the news, reflecting on the timeless adage ‘Give a man a fishing rod, and he can feed his family for life’.

He said: “This heartwarming story exemplifies the power of small, thoughtful gestures in making a lasting impact on someone’s life.

“Andel went beyond its usual business endeavours to help Yahyay, a Kenyan fisherman, achieve his dream of owning a boat to support his family.

“It was quite simply the best money I have ever been involved in spending.

“This direct and personal approach to charity, bypassing larger organisations, has had a truly transformative impact on Yahyay’s life, showcasing the significant difference businesses can make by directly supporting local communities.”

Andel, the UK’s leading developer of specialist leak detection, are often supporting charitable causes across the country and even further afield.

In 2022, eight employees drove to Poland to deliver £22,000 worth of aid they had collected.

They’ve also set up a base in Ukraine to support the recovery due to the ongoing war with Russia.

The firm are also working with Ukraine-based companies, investing where appropriate and supporting development and economic growth.