Ray's "incredible" day as he receives national honour

Ray (75) received his British Citizen Award at a glitzy ceremony at the Palace of Westminster last Thursday after completing an amazing 75 marathons in as many days.

The grandad-of-three, of Maltby, received the national honour from TV presenter Bradley Walsh.

Ray said: “The whole day will just be an incredible memory for me.

“You never know how these things are going to pan out but it was just a magical day in my life that I’ll never forget.”

Ray travelled to London with proud wife Maureen and grandson Adam Dukes.

He received the award for services to the community - after raising more than £30,000 for Newman School by completing the mammoth challenge.

“I want to share the award with everyone,” Ray said.

“To be able to come back to Rotherham with this award means so much to me. I want everybody in the town to share in it. 

“There’s a lot of people put a lot of effort into getting me this and I would like to share it with everyone.

“From those who ran a couple of hundred yards with me to those who sponsored me - this award is for them.”

Ray was nominated for the award by David Greenfield, former manager of the gym where he trained for the gruelling challenge.

Mr Greenfield said: “I am delighted as his contribution to the local community is a valuable and amazing achievement which deserves recognition.”

Ray has also been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s Yorkshire Choices Award in the local fundraiser of the year and sporting achievement of the year categories.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Leeds in April.

Ray proudly displayed his medal during a talk at Wellgate Court adult day centre on Tuesday.