CAMPAIGN: Arise, Sir Ray!

Rotherham grandad-of-three Ray Matthews undertook the challenge to raise money for specialist playground facilities at Newman School, and he has brought in an impressive £20,000 so far.

Just an hour after crossing the finish line, he received a call to say he had been nominated for a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain award.

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But the Advertiser believes Ray’s achievements warrant more than that — much more. That’s why we are calling for the inspirational pensioner to be given the greatest honour of all — a knighthood.

We will be writing to the Cabinet Office calling for Ray to arise as Sir Ray, and our campaign has been backed by councillors, the Mayor of Rotherham Lyndsay Pitchley, council leader Chris Read and the head of the school Ray hopes to raise £75,000 for.

RAY AT THE FINISH LINE LAST WEEK

Ray himself said: “I really appreciate being put forward for the knighthood and thank the Advertiser for it. Even just being put forward will help create a lot of attention and that will help with the fund-raising.”

Rotherham Advertiser editor Andrew Mosley said: “Honours lists normally consist of a lot of people who have been extraordinarily well-paid for what they do. So, surely it’s time for Ray Matthews to arise.

“The Advertiser has very rarely, if ever, reported on such an act of dedication as that carried out by Ray.

“His selflessness is why we are writing to the Cabinet Office calling for Ray to arise as Sir Ray. We hope the attention his achievements have now gained enable him to reach his fundraising target and hopefully be awarded a knighthood too.”

For more information on Ray’s challenge or to donate visit www.goldengiving.com/fundraising/rwrr.