Patron: Andy Gray

Andy Gray may be best remembered for his dodgy dealings as Chancer in the 1987 sitcom ‘City Lights’, but the entertainer has enjoyed a varied and successful career and is just about to add yet another string to his bow.

In his mid-fifties, Gray is one of the stalwarts of Scottish acting having worked in every aspect of theatre, film, television and radio and is now turning his hand to helping under privileged children across Scotland.

Gray, who was brought up in Perth and studied at Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh, has just been named the first ever Patron of the Cash for Kids charity in Scotland.

Cash for Kids is the charity arm of media giant Bauer. In Scotland, Bauer owns 13 well-known commercial radio stations including market leaders Forth One in Edinburgh and Clyde One in Glasgow.

For Gray, it is a new chapter in his life but then that’s nothing new for a man who has wanted to constantly change and adapt his career and seek new challenges.

Just last year he was part of the Fringe First 2013 award-winning play ‘Kiss Me Honey Honey’ with panto pal and Forth One mid-morning presenter Grant Stott.

And it’s through Stott that Gray has teamed-up with Cash for Kids. ‘Grant’s often talked to me about the good work the charity does, and that all of the money raised by the radio stations stays in the local community,’ Andy said.

‘For me that’s the key - local people putting their hands in their pocket to help, and the money going straight back to the youngsters who need it the most in that local area.

‘Because Cash for Kids is attached to so many radio stations it means we can genuinely help children the length and breadth of Scotland,’ added Andy who will be starring in “Aladdin” at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh later this month.

‘It’s an exciting time to come on board at Cash for Kids. The national Coats for Kids campaign is going well, and our Mission Christmas campaign just launched last week. ‘We’re trying to buy at least three gifts for every child living in difficult circumstances due to poverty. Without this they wake up to nothing on Christmas morning,’ said Andy.

Cash for Kids Regional Charity Manager Ann Marie Miller is naturally delighted to have Andy on board as Patron.

‘He’s a well-known and well-loved face in Scotland. Having spoken to him on numerous occasions I know he’s passionate about the cause,’ she said.

‘The timing is perfect. Mission Christmas is our biggest and most emotive appeal of the year. Having Andy’s input and support will be invaluable going forward,’ added Ann Marie.