Nanango local Ray McNamara’s selfless act to raise money for Lifeflight, Mark Hughes Foundation

What started out as a good deed for his beloved community has grown into lifesaving work, as 81-year-old Ray McNamara gets down and dirty to raise thousands of dollars annually for charity.

What started out as a good deed for his beloved community has grown into lifesaving work, as local legend Ray McNamara turns rubbish dumped alongside Nanango roads into thousands of dollars annually for charity.

The 81-year-old Nanango local dedicates more than three hours a day to collecting rubbish from around the town, trading the recyclables he finds for cash he donates to LifeFlight.

“I think we’ve hit about $5000 dollars this year, and last year we raised about $7000,” he said.

“It’s a worthy cause and who knows when you’re going to need these services.”

Nanango local Ray McNamara has been described as a local legend.

Mr McNamara said he knew several people whose lives have depended on the care provided by the LifeFlight rescue helicopter.

The next $1000 raised will go to the Mark Hughes Foundation for brain cancer, a decision inspired by the death of someone very close to Mr McNamara three years ago.

“I enjoy what I do and I consider it relaxation,” he said.

“I walk out as far out as the Runnymede turn-off from Goomeri, I go up one side and back down the other which is about a three hour walk.

“It’s amazing the amount of stuff you do get along the road and it just helps us keep the place tidy.”

Nanango resident Ray McNamara collects cans and bottles to exchange for donations.

Mr McNamara retired in 2010 after working at a supermarket for 55 years, and has since dedicated his life to helping the Nanango community.

Along with picking up the rubbish, the octogenarian also picks up the paper for the elderly at the Karinya aged care home, while his wife Lola helps out with shopping and reading to residents.

“There are a few people around town who don’t have the ability to go and get the paper,” he said.

“So I’ll pick it up at 6am and bring it to them. I just like to help out where I can.”

Originally published as Nanango local Ray McNamara’s selfless act to raise money for Lifeflight, Mark Hughes Foundation