Former Portsmouth inspector Kelvin Shipp saved a woman's life in 2016 by holding back an angry mob of 60 people when a vicious attack happened in war-torn South Sudan. He was working for the UN at the time.Former Portsmouth inspector Kelvin Shipp saved a woman's life in 2016 by holding back an angry mob of 60 people when a vicious attack happened in war-torn South Sudan. He was working for the UN at the time.
Former Portsmouth inspector Kelvin Shipp saved a woman's life in 2016 by holding back an angry mob of 60 people when a vicious attack happened in war-torn South Sudan. He was working for the UN at the time.

13 of Portsmouth's most inspirational people - who all push us to be better ourselves

David George
By David George
Published 25th Feb 2023, 00:48 BST
From emergency service heroes to great English writers – Portsmouth is a city with plenty of inspiration to draw from.

Countless people have come before us to set remarkable examples, with acts of selflessness, leadership and world-renowned creativity.

SEE ALSO: Tearjerking farewells at funeral of Portsmouth boy Ace Rewcastle

Some of these names will be instantly recognisable, whereas others are perhaps more unsung heroes.

Here are 13 of the most inspirational people to have come from Portsmouth.

From Old Portsmouth, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world - fighting rough seas, the French and even appendicitis.

1. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

From Old Portsmouth, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world - fighting rough seas, the French and even appendicitis. Photo: Habibur Rahman

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Esme Groves has spina bifida, but that didn't stop her from completing a charity walk from South Parade Pier to raise money for charity Shine.

2. Esma Groves

Esme Groves has spina bifida, but that didn't stop her from completing a charity walk from South Parade Pier to raise money for charity Shine. Photo: Matthew Clark

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Mason Mount's meteoric rise from Portsmouth schoolboy to Chelsea first XI mainstay has been nothing short of inspirational.

3. Mason Mount

Mason Mount's meteoric rise from Portsmouth schoolboy to Chelsea first XI mainstay has been nothing short of inspirational. Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images

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Born in Landport, the literature of writer Charles Dickens is both known and studied right across the world.

4. Charles Dickens

Born in Landport, the literature of writer Charles Dickens is both known and studied right across the world. Photo: Keith Woodland

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