It is often said that travellers can never honestly claim to know a destination until they get to know its people. The good news is that anyone visiting Coppergate Serviced Accommodation’s properties in Grimsby or Cleethorpes might already know some of the town and resort’s most famous sons and daughters.
This is particularly true in the sporting arena, a fact highlighted by a new exhibition at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Center.
Hometown Heros: A Celebration of Sport
The Hometown Heros: A Celebration of Sport exhibition, which runs from July 20th until December 31st, 2024, celebrates the achievements of Grimsby and Cleethorpes’ incredible sportsmen and women.
Some of the people featured in the exhibition will be household names, while others are perhaps more obscure. However, every one of them has put Grimsby and Cleethorpes on the map when it comes to sporting excellence.
This free exhibition features some genuinely remarkable sporting memorabilia on loan from our region’s sporting heroes, including:
Guy Martin
Guy Martin is a British motorcycle racer and television presenter who is celebrated for his charismatic personality and enthusiasm for engineering and speed. Renowned for his career in motorcycle road racing, particularly at the Isle of Man TT, where he achieved multiple podium finishes, Martin has also become a popular television figure. He has hosted various engineering and adventure shows such as “Speed with Guy Martin,” “Our Guy in India,” and “Guy Martin’s Spitfire.” In addition to his racing and TV career, he is a skilled mechanic and engineer, often undertaking ambitious engineering projects. Martin has authored several books, including autobiographies and works detailing his various adventures. Known for his down-to-earth and candid personality, his unique blend of speed, engineering expertise, and engaging presentation style has made him a beloved figure in the UK and beyond.
Hollie Arnold
Hollie Arnold is a British para-sport athlete from Grimsby, specialising in the javelin throw and renowned for her remarkable sports achievements. She has competed in multiple Paralympic Games, securing gold at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Arnold has set numerous world records in the F46 category for athletes with upper limb deficiencies, establishing herself as a leading competitor. Her success extends to the Commonwealth Games, where she won gold in 2018, making her the first javelin thrower to simultaneously hold the Paralympic, World, European, and Commonwealth titles. Beyond her athletic career, Arnold has appeared on media platforms, notably participating in “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” in 2020, which increased her public visibility. Her contributions to sports have been recognised with various honours, including an MBE for services to field athletics. Hollie Arnold’s outstanding achievements and engaging personality have made her a prominent figure in British parasports and an inspirational role model.
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Brenda Fisher
Brenda Fisher was an esteemed English long-distance swimmer who achieved renown in 1951 by breaking the women’s world record for swimming the English Channel. Born and raised in Scartho, North East Lincolnshire, she learned to swim at nine and initially pursued speed swimming. On August 17th 1951, Fisher became the 23rd person to successfully swim from France to England, setting a new women’s record with a time of 12 hours and 42 minutes. She maintained a steady pace of 25 strokes per minute, increasing to 30 as she approached the English shore, and was surprised to learn her record-breaking time upon landing. Her accomplishment surpassed the previous record of 13 hours and 20 minutes, held by Florence Chadwick. Fisher’s achievement catapulted her to celebrity status, earning her the British Sportswoman of the Year Award and a triumphant welcome from a crowd of 60,000 upon her return to Grimsby.
Marc Woods
Marc Woods is a British former Paralympic swimmer renowned for his remarkable sports career. He has competed in multiple Paralympic Games, securing 12 medals, including four golds, over five Paralympics from 1988 to 2004. Woods has also achieved significant success at the World and European Championships, earning a further 21 medals. Beyond his competitive career, he is an accomplished motivational speaker and author, sharing his experiences and inspiring others. Woods’ contributions to sports and his community have been recognised with various honours, including an MBE for services to swimming. His outstanding achievements and inspiring story have made him a prominent figure in British Paralympic sports and a role model for athletes and non-athletes alike.
Zac Shaw
Zac Shaw, a British para-athlete specialising in sprinting events, has made significant strides in the T12 classification for visually impaired athletes. Hailing from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Shaw discovered his passion for para-athletics following a diagnosis of Stargardt disease, which impacts his central vision. He has represented Great Britain at prestigious international competitions like the World Para Athletics Championships and the European Championships, where he has earned multiple medals. Beyond his athletic achievements, Shaw is admired for his advocacy within the parasports community, serving as an inspirational figure encouraging others with disabilities to pursue their athletic dreams. His determination and success have solidified his place as a notable figure in British sports, exemplifying resilience and achievement in the face of challenges.
Kevin and Joanne Clifton
Don’t think dancing is a sport? Some sport stars wear sequins – get over it. Kevin and Joanne Clifton are British professional dancers and siblings, who have risen to fame through their impressive careers in television dance competitions, notably on the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” Kevin joined the show in 2013 and quickly became a fan favourite, culminating in his 2018 victory with celebrity partner Stacey Dooley. After departing “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2019 to pursue other projects, Kevin remains active in the dance world. Joanne Clifton, also a skilled dancer and choreographer, made her mark on “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2014, winning the competition in 2016 with celebrity partner Ore Oduba. Transitioning to theatre roles after leaving the show in 2017, Joanne has since showcased her talents in various musicals and dance productions. Raised in a family deeply rooted in dance, their parents, Keith and Judy Clifton were competitive dancers, influencing Kevin and Joanne’s careers. Together, they have significantly contributed to the popularity and appreciation of ballroom and Latin dance styles in the UK through their performances, teaching, and media engagements.
The Mighty Mariners: Grimsby Town Football Club
Of course, an exhibition about Grimsby’s sporting heroes would only be complete with a mention of the Mighty Mariners – Grimsby Town Football Club.
Grimsby Town Football Club, founded in 1878, boasts a rich history and notable achievements in English football. Based in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, the club has had periods of success in various leagues, including several stints in the second tier of English football during the mid-20th century. One of their most memorable achievements came in 1939 when they won the old Second Division (now the Championship), securing promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history. Grimsby Town has also enjoyed success in cup competitions, notably winning the Football League Trophy in 1998 at Wembley Stadium. The club’s passionate fan base, known as the “Mariners,” continues to support them through thick and thin, maintaining a strong presence both at their home ground, Blundell Park, and away matches. Grimsby Town Football Club remains an integral part of the local community, embodying a proud tradition of football excellence in Lincolnshire.
Get to know the Coppergate SA team
Guests at Coppergate SA might arrive in Grimsby or Cleethorpes knowing little or nothing about the town and resort. We hope that experience will be a short-lived one. The team at Coppergate is committed to helping our guests settle in, get comfortable, and feel at home in their new home away from home. Whether you need a restaurant recommendation, help finding a shop for a specific item, or just want some good local advice, we’ve got your back.
To learn more about Coppergate Serviced Accommodation in Grimsby and Cleethorpes and speak with our winning team, contact us today.
