Is 7ft 1in Lydon the tallest person in Blackpool?

Coming in at 7ft1in, could this be Blackpool’s newest tallest resident?
By James Graves
Published 20th Feb 2020, 17:00 BST
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Lydon Sutcliffe, 32 , of Raikes Parade, is originally from Halifax, West Yorkshire, but has lived in the resort for four years and thinks he might be the tallest person across Blackpool.

Lydon, who weighs 22 stone and wears a size 15 shoe, only thought about his claim as the resort’s tallest person after a chance meeting whilst shopping inside the Houndshill Shopping Centre.

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He said: “I was in Primark and met a man by the name of Mark Bennett, who I believe is currently Blackpool’s tallest man.

Despite his 7ft1in size, the 32-year-old drives a tiny Smart carDespite his 7ft1in size, the 32-year-old drives a tiny Smart car
Despite his 7ft1in size, the 32-year-old drives a tiny Smart car

“He was very shocked to see me and stand next to me, as I am 7ft1in and hes only a mere 6ft11ins!

“I noticed a Gazette article on him some time ago and I think its now time for a new person to be crowned Blackpool’s tallest man.”

Lydon is a full time support worker and also a full time student studying counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.

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He spent six years working at Wimbledon tennis club, looking after the grass courts. and decided to re-train so he can help others.

Lydon wearing his Chewbacca outfit, standing with his mumLydon wearing his Chewbacca outfit, standing with his mum
Lydon wearing his Chewbacca outfit, standing with his mum

He said: “As mental health is becoming less of a taboo, I would really like to tell my story of why I want to become a counsellor. Being 7ft1in, it has had its challenges in my life, such as when I started secondary school at 11-years-old – I was 6ft 3.

“I want to help other people that suffer with mental health issues and be a kind of mascot for the other tall-ies out there struggling.”

Lydon also has a Chewbacca costume which he wears to entertain shoppers and passers-by in Blackpool town centre. And he says being tall has its benefits as well as some disadvantages.

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He said: “Driving can be an issue, but I have an automatic Smart so I find it fine and there is actually loads of room.

Lydon used to work at Wimbledon, looking after the grass courtsLydon used to work at Wimbledon, looking after the grass courts
Lydon used to work at Wimbledon, looking after the grass courts

“Getting clothes to fit is obviously an issue. I tend to buy them online from specialist sites called Too Tall and High and Mighty. But I would say around 90 per cent of the time I wear shorts as it’s easier.

“The best things are I never have to worry about reaching the top shelves in the supermarket and everyone calls me the BFG.”

Are you taller than Lydon and think you maybe the resort’s tallest? Get in touch with The Gazette by emailing [email protected]

Related topics:BlackpoolDrivingHalifaxWest YorkshirePrimark