Stepping Stones DS Ambassador
Lloyd Martin: Breaking Barriers, Making History
Lloyd has been part of the Stepping Stones DS family since childhood, and as our first ambassador, he inspires other children and young people with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.
Growing, Succeeding, Inspiring.
Lloyd has been part of the Stepping Stones DS family since early childhood, growing through our education programmes, physical activities, and social events.
Today, as our charity ambassador, Lloyd is an inspiring role model for other children and young people with Down syndrome, showing what can be achieved with the right support. His journey reflects everything we stand for: support, inclusion, belief, and success.
Early Challenges, Unstoppable Spirit
In his early years, Lloyd faced significant challenges: hearing difficulties, operations on his legs, and even a hole in his heart that made something as simple as walking exhausting.
His Mum, Ceri, reflects:
“When Lloyd was born, we had no idea he had Down syndrome. Over the years, many people have made assumptions about what he would never do.
Stepping Stones has been there from day one, encouraging him to try everything. Every club, every challenge, they’ve believed in him and that’s made all the difference. With the right support, he’s done more than we ever imagined.”
These early experiences of determination and resilience laid the foundation for the incredible challenges Lloyd would go on to conquer, including feats that would capture national attention and raise thousands for charity. In Lloyd’s words: “If you believe in your dreams and work hard, they really can come true”.
If you believe in your dreams and work hard, they really can come true.
Lloyd Martin
Breaking Records, Raising Thousands For Charity
In April 2024, aged just 19, Lloyd became the youngest person with Down syndrome to complete the TCS London Marathon
Lloyd proudly ran with bib number 321. This number is significant as it is a nod to the triplication (3) of the twenty-first (21) chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Lloyd turned it into a symbol of strength and pride, even using #Lloyd321 as his personal hashtag.
Lloyd’s marathon achievement earned him a Guinness World Record, widespread media coverage, and an outpouring of public support.
What began as a personal goal became a global inspiration.
Lloyd has now raised over £22,000 for causes close to his heart including Stepping Stones DS, Special Olympics GB, and Variety GB Children’s Charity.
Lloyd’s achievement was beautifully captured by Lucy Claire Illustrations.
”Showing the world what’s possible, one step at a time”.
Inspiring Every Step of the Way
Lloyd has continued to inspire. He secured a second Guinness World Record at the Great North Run, becoming the youngest athlete with an intellectual impairment to complete a half marathon. In true Lloyd style, he made the race memorable with his energy, cartwheels, dancing, and high-fives.
Lloyd also completed the New York Marathon in 2024, gaining even more fans and fame!
Honours And Accolades
Lloyd’s determination and positivity have not gone unnoticed.
He was nominated for the GoCardless JustGiving Award for Inspiration, won the UK Variety Disability Sports Award in the Dreams category, and was honoured locally as Sports Person of the Year.
These accolades not only celebrate his personal achievements but also shine a spotlight on what is possible when barriers are broken and potential is embraced.
A Sporting All-Rounder
Lloyd’s passion for sport extends well beyond running. He plays football for the Special Olympics team, Ascot United Warriors, a completely inclusive club where he has made great friends and enjoys the chance to play in tournaments.
Lloyd is also thriving in gymnastics with our partner, Prime Acrobatics. He has already won gold on vault and silver on floor at the British Disability Gymnastics Championships and now has his sights set on representing Team GB at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile in 2027. He trains at Prime’s gyms in Woking and Camberley under the guidance of the hugely talented Josie Rice. Josie also supported Lloyd as his running partner at the 2025 London Marathon.
From Gymnast To Coach
Alongside pursuing his own achievements, Lloyd is now sharing his skills and passion with others, inspiring the next generation as a coach.
Lloyd coaches younger Stepping Stones DS children at our Prime Acrobatics classes on a Saturday morning – helping them be the best they can be.
Lighting The Way
Lloyd and his family continue to inspire everyone around them, creating a legacy full of hope and possibility. His simple message to “follow your dreams” reaches anyone trying to overcome challenges. From running marathons and winning gymnastics medals to playing football and even taking the leap with a sky dive, Lloyd shows what is possible with determination, courage, and the right support.
Lloyd is a brilliant role model, showing how every child and young person with Down syndrome can reach their potential. Lloyd’s journey reminds us why Stepping Stones DS exists: to support, encourage, and celebrate every step our children take, and we are so proud to stand beside him as he lights the way for others.
Every step matters
Help us create brighter futures for children and young people with Down syndrome
Whether you’re here to learn, give, or grow — there’s a place for you at Stepping Stones DS.