Kevin Gray MM FIoL appointed as Chairperson of Fares4Free

"Having witnessed first hand the incredible transformation that Marie Crombie, the current Fares4Free CEO has made over the last 2 years, and being excited and enthused with Marie's 5 year strategic vision, I am absolutely delighted to welcome Kevin Gray as Chairperson of our Board of Trustees and as part of our executive management team.  Kevin's knowledge, experience and military prowess is testament to his passion for giving back to the Armed Forces community, and with Marie and Kevin now at the helm, I very much look forward to seeing what the future holds."

Leon Fisher, Fares4Free Operations Manager

Can you please introduce yourself and explain a little bit of your professional background?

Hello, everyone. My name is Kevin Gray, and I am honoured to introduce myself as the newly appointed chairperson of Fares4Free, a charity based in Scotland dedicated to supporting our Armed Forces community. I am delighted to be writing my first blog, no doubt my first blog of many, but I’m also slightly embarrassed that in this one I am writing about me and not what matters most - what the charity is about, the fabulous work its small team does, the awesome and exciting plans they have for the future and most importantly the positive impact their work has on so many veterans that sadly need their support. 

My professional journey started in 1986 when I joined the Scots Guards with a commitment to protecting and serving our nation. I was lucky to have served all over the world and met some truly amazing people in some pretty awesome places during my two and a half decades in the military. During this time, I learned the values of discipline, resilience, and leadership. These experiences shaped me, instilling a profound sense of duty, responsibility and care for others. I am deeply passionate about continuing to serve those who have served our country.

After retiring from the military in 2010, I transitioned into the charity sector. Over the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of working as a trustee, volunteer caseworker, and CEO for two national charities. These roles allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by veterans and their families and the ways in which charitable organisations can make a meaningful impact. My work involved everything from hands-on support to strategic leadership, always with a focus on improving the lives of those who have served in our armed forces. 

Why did you want to join the Fares4Free board of trustees and what do you see yourself bringing to the charity?

I have witnessed from a distance the journey that Fares4Free has taken since 2021 and have been amazed with the progress they have made in such a short time. The charity has a determined, committed and utterly focused team led by an inspirational leader and CEO. When I learned about the opportunity to join the board of trustees, I felt an immediate connection to the valuable services they provide - essential transportation services to veterans, helping them access vital appointments, social connections, and reduce isolation and loneliness for vulnerable veterans. But it’s much more than a journey. The journey is the platform that provides the solution to additional issues faced by those most in need and without which would have remained hidden, unknown and unresolved. The team at Fares4Free know our veterans deserve so much more.

Sorry we’re back talking about me. So when I was asked why I wanted to join the board of trustees, in simple terms it was a no brainer, I just hope I can help make a difference. I believe I bring a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to Fares4Free. My military background gives me an insider’s understanding of the Armed Forces community, while my extensive charity work has equipped me with the skills necessary to guide and support the charity effectively. I am committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and innovation within the charity, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our veterans.

Why is it important to you to help The Armed Forces Community.

The importance of supporting the Armed Forces community cannot be overstated. These men and women, along with their families, have made significant sacrifices to protect our freedoms and way of life. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be fraught with challenges, including mental health issues, physical injuries, and social isolation. It is our duty to ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve.

Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the difference that dedicated support can make in the lives of veterans. From providing critical services and resources to creating opportunities for social connection and personal growth, every effort counts. Helping the Armed Forces community is not just a professional commitment for me—it is a personal mission grounded in gratitude and respect for those who have served.

As the new chairperson of Fares4Free, I am excited to work alongside our dedicated team, partners, and supporters. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation already in place, expanding our reach and enhancing our services to better serve our veterans and their families. I look forward to the journey ahead and to making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those who have given so much. Remember we provide much more than a journey.