Blackpool sporting hero Ryan Smith honoured by MP

The sporty good samaritan from South Shore has been honoured with a ‘Hero of Blackpool’ certificate from his local MP Scott Benton.

Ry has regularly appeared in these pages in recent years, staging star-studded sports events around Blackpool to raise funds for those in need.

Sport may have been off the agenda in recent months but Ry has been busier than ever during the pandemic, providing for the needy and delivering welcome treats for frontline workers.

And now the public have declared him a ‘Hero of Blackpool’ via an online scheme organised by Blackpool South MP Benton, who said: “It was an absolute pleasure to see Ryan Smith and to thank him for all of the brilliant work he does for people in the community.

“Eighty one people nominated him for my Community Hero award, which is incredible. Well done, Ryan, and thanks for everything you do.”

Ry was quick to share his award with his close friend and Blackpool businessman Spencer Brown, who helps to fund Ry’s many charitable activities.

Spencer said: “Ryan came to my office and wanted to show his appreciation but he fully deserves the honour. He’s a local legend and he should be getting a national award.”

Spencer’s Gold Star commercial agency has many sports-star clients who are well aware of Ry’s accomplishments. World boxing champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have both sent Ry personal messages applauding his efforts.

And Brown looks forward to bringing Fury to Blackpool once the current crisis is over. Spencer added: “He must be the most famous sports star in the world right now and he’s agreed to do an event in Blackpool.”