Matt Ratana is Unsung Hero of the Year
Matt Ratana has been announced winner of BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year 2020, ‘Unsung Hero’ Award.
Police Sergeant and Head Coach of East Grinstead Rugby Football Club, Matt was killed on duty in September.
He was named winner of the South East Regional Unsung Hero in November and chosen, from 14 other amazing finalists, to be honoured with the posthumous national trophy. Unsung Hero nominee for the Midlands was inspirational Silhillians chairman and IPF client Lee Jones.
The trophy was presented to Matt’s partner Su Bushby, with friend Lorraine Dray and Andy Poole, President of East Grinstead RFC by her side.
Bushby said: "Matt was my rock and had a heart of gold. I am so honoured to accept this incredible award on his behalf to celebrate his life and the people he helped. He has touched the hearts of so many.
"We are all so proud of him and he is and always will be my hero. I want to personally thank the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation for continuing to carry out Matt’s legacy.”
Andy Poole, President of East Grinstead RFC, said: “Matt represented the absolute best in our sport and in life.
"His dedication and devotion to community rugby and his tremendous support to players both on and off the pitch has been recognised at the highest level. He will be hugely missed by so many.
"This whole experience is bittersweet. To every single person who got behind the nomination - we thank you. There is a Matt in every club but our big man was incredibly special indeed.
“The club would like to thank the BBC for their sensitivity and care throughout this time, to our members for their strength and togetherness and to our friend and film maker Mike Rumsey, of Rumsey Films, who created such beautiful and lasting tribute memories for us all.
“We were so touched by the release of ‘World in Union (2020)’ as part of our nomination entry, sung by Joanna Forest, arranged by writer Joel Goodman and supported by their wonderful team. We believe the song has united the globe during the darkest of times.”
No 1 Classical Soprano singer, Joanna Forest said: “It is bittersweet, but so deserved. We are truly delighted to hear the news that Matt has been given this accolade. Joel and I could not have been more honoured to help support the nomination in Matt’s memory.
"Recording the song was a very emotional moment. We did it to support this nomination so to see him win is very heart warming. I never knew Matt, but I have heard such wonderful things about the legacy he has left behind.”
The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was set up to support projects that Matt cared passionately about with a focus on young people and rugby. Matt has earned the admiration of the world and his legacy will live on forever.
