Ray commenced his business career in the Cheshire Agricultural Industry where he was involved with the local community and village Youth Club.  He travelled worldwide in his employment to all parts of Africa and India assisting communities with control and eradication of health-threatening pests, protecting crops and distributing food to outlying areas. He later entered into the world of Tourism and the Airline business where he supported young people into work by way of apprenticeship. He became a Magistrate in 1986 sitting in Telford and South Shropshire Family and Adult Courts, where he served as Deputy Chair and later Chair of the Family Bench and also as a Magistrate Assessor through Worcester, Hereford and Shropshire. Ray became involved with YSS and joined the Board of Trustees, serving 11 years prior to retiring a short time ago. He feels remaining as a Friend offers further support and anyone who knows, or is close to YSS, will understand the dedication and tireless work the charity does in supporting the community through difficult times.