Plymouth’s very own Tom Daley was presented with the title of Honorary Freeman of the City at the end of his epic challenge for Red Nose Day earlier today.
Tom was presented with the award on the Hoe by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Terri Beer in front of his family and friends, who were all there to welcome him back to the city for one ‘Hell of a Homecoming’.
Tom had just finished a gruelling four-day endurance challenge that saw him row, cycle, swim and run more than 270 miles from London to Plymouth – all to raise money for life-changing projects supported by Comic Relief.
Tom was being recognised not only for his amazing achievements in diving but also as an ambassador for the city of Plymouth. He is Team GB’s most decorated diver of all time, with 11 World, Commonwealth and European Championship gold medals and four Olympic medals. He earned his first gold medal at Tokyo 2020 in the 10m synchro alongside his diving partner Matty Lee. He was also made an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours for his work as a human rights activist and an LGBTQ+ campaigner.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Beer said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to give Tom this richly deserved award in front of his friends and family at the end of this gruelling challenge in such an iconic location. The entire city is incredibly proud of Tom and we are all thrilled to be a part of his homecoming.”
Tom’s whole challenge, including the celebrations at the finish line on Plymouth Hoe, was being filmed for a special documentary by Plymouth based production company Twofour. Tom Daley’s Hell of a Homecoming will air on BBC One and iPlayer in March, ahead of Red Nose Day, which returns on Friday 18 March.
What does it mean to be a Freeman of the City?
The Honorary Freedom of the City is the highest honour the city can bestow and is awarded to ‘persons of distinction’ who have shown exceptional service or achievement.
It recognises those who have provided ‘eminent services’ to Plymouth and gone the extra mile to enhance the city’s reputation or improve the lives of people less able to help themselves.
Only 44 individuals and organisations have been awarded Honorary Freedom of the City of Plymouth since 1917 and Tom is the youngest to date.