Inspirational pensioner Ray in line for Pride of Britain award

Calendar presenter Adam Fowler (left) and Newman School head teacher Paul Silvester congratulate Ray Matthews on his award. 171781-3

Ray, who the Advertiser believes should be given a gong after completing 75 marathons in 75 days to celebrate his 75th birthday, was crowned the Yorkshire Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year.

It means he is now in the running for a national Pride of Britain award at the glitzy awards ceremony in London on Monday night.

The granddad-of-three was told of his regional success by the awards ceremony’s media partner ITV at the woodland trail his sponsorship paid for.

Ray (76) said: “It was just totally amazing. I didn’t have a clue it was going to happen.

“The ITV reporter was asking me about what it felt like to be nominated and then as I was answering he put his hand in his bag and pulled out the award — I couldn’t believe it.”

Ray was nominated for the award by Maureen Fearn, who worked as a nurse at his local GP surgery, Queen’s Medical Centre.

The Advertiser continues to lobby the Cabinet Office for Ray to be given a knighthood as part of its Arise Sir Ray campaign.

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