In a heartwarming tribute to one of Britain’s youngest Paralympic stars, Brighton station has officially been renamed ‘Blyton’ to celebrate the incredible achievements of 14-year-old Bly Twomey. The temporary name change honors her outstanding performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games, where she secured two bronze medals in table tennis, alongside her teammate Fliss Pickard.
From today until October 7th, the day after World Cerebral Palsy (CP) Day, passengers arriving at Brighton’s station will be welcomed by new signage that reads, “Welcome to Blyton.” This gesture, organized by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Southern, highlights the pride and admiration felt by the local community for Twomey’s accomplishments on the international stage.
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern, praised Twomey’s achievements, stating: “At Southern, we understand the power of sport to unite local communities. That’s why we wanted to mark Bly’s incredible achievements by renaming Brighton station to Blyton, honoring 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!”
Bly Twomey, who has quickly risen to fame as one of Britain’s youngest Paralympians, expressed her excitement over the station renaming: “It is a privilege to see my name at my hometown station! I hope it inspires others to believe that anything is possible, no matter who you are. 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.”
Twomey’s success in Paris has placed her alongside other notable sporting heroes from Brighton, including fellow table tennis Paralympian Will Bayley and sprinters Amber Anning and Toby Harries. Her achievements further cement Brighton’s reputation as a hub for sporting talent, contributing to both Paralympic and Olympic success.
This tribute to Twomey is a celebration not only of her sporting talent but also of the strength and inspiration she provides to her local community. Brighton continues to shine on the global sporting stage, with Twomey as one of its brightest stars.
