Internet giant Amazon's £1,000 boost to marathon man Ray's appeal

SUPER fund-raiser Ray Matthews’ bid to provide a £75,000 windfall to a Rotherham special school has been handed a four-figure boost by shopping giant Amazon.

Inspired by the story of how the Maltby granddad last Wednesday completed an amazing 75 marathons in 75 days at the age of 75, the online firm decided to chip in.

We told last week how Ray was still some way short of his target, with £20,000 collected so far to provide a specialist playground at Newman School in Whiston, and donations are still being accepted at http://www.rwrr.co.uk/donate.html.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now Amazon’s Doncaster office has helped to bump up the total with a £1,000 donation as part of Amazon's local community support programme.

Site Leader Stuart Morgan said: “We've got lots of keen runners at our sites in Doncaster, and everyone in the team who's learned about Ray’s marathons has been amazed at his efforts.

“He’s raising money for a great local school and we were keen to provide him with this donation in recognition of this incredible feat.”

Grateful Ray said: “It’s fantastic to get support from a local business like Amazon and I’d like to thank Stuart and the team for the donation.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Julie Mott, Newman School’s head teacher, said the money Ray had raised would go such a long way.

“The children and staff are honoured that he has gone to such lengths to help us provide an environment which suits the needs of our pupils who have a range of physical disabilities, medical needs and complex learning needs,” she said.

“The school’s outdoor facilities are satisfactory, but this money will provide us with an opportunity to give the children and young people a real chance to play like many other children do in a standard playground, with a variety of equipment that is appropriate for their needs.

“Hopefully with the funds we will be able to provide wheelchair swings and roundabouts, climbing frames and even a decorated path into our woodland at the front of the school which we can use to teach pupils about the environment and wildlife as part of their curriculum.”