Brighton Station renamed in honour of Paralympian Bly Twomey

Table tennis star Bly Twomey, from Brighton, made history last month when she became one of the UK’s youngest Paralympic medallists at the age of 14.

The teenager, who goes to Cardinal Newman School, Hove, with her twin sister Ellis, secured two bronze medals, one alongside teammate Fliss Pickard in the WD14 doubles and one in the WS7 singles.

Bly, who has cerebral palsy, and Fliss secured the first Paralympic doubles medal in table tennis since 1976, with men’s, women’s and mixed doubles replacing team formats in Paris.

Bly Twomey in action (Image: Paralympics/ PA)

Now Brighton Station has been retitled “Blyton” in recognition of Bly’s achievements.

From today until the day after World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 7, passengers arriving at the station will be greeted by the new "Welcome to Blyton" sign, celebrating Twomey’s historic achievement.

Twomey's wins now place her among other sporting heroes from Brighton, with her success following on from fellow table tennis Paralympian Will Bayley, who Bly regularly trains with, and sprinters Amber Anning and Toby Harries.

Bly only took up the sport three years ago after attending a multi-sports event for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) children.

Fliss Pickard and Bly Twomey after their doubles win (Image: David Pearce)

Having declined a try-out with GB Para swimming she began to focus on table tennis. Within six months, she was competing in the National Club League and within a year she had been selected for the British Para Table Tennis development squad.

Bly said it was a “privilege” to see her name at the station.

“I hope it inspires others to believe that anything is possible, no matter who you are,” she said.

“Sport, particularly table tennis, is great for getting people together and making them feel that they belong to a community. I’m very proud to be part of that journey."

Jenny Saunders, customer services director at Govia Thameslink Railway which operates Southern, said: “At Southern, we understand the power of sport can have in uniting local communities. That's why we wanted to mark Bly's incredible achievements by renaming Brighton Station to Blyton, honouring a local hero who has inspired so many in the city. Congratulations to Bly on her medals, and here's to the continued sporting success of Brighton.”