Teen with Down's syndrome granted his skydive wish

Teen and skydrive instructor mid skydive Image source, Ceri Hooper
Image caption,

Lloyd Martin completed a skydive after previously being rejected from a charity jump

  • Published

After Lloyd Martin's mum was told he couldn’t take part in a charity skydive "due to (his) Down’s syndrome" in June, she was concerned the day would never come.

But the teenager finally realised his wish after successfully completing a jump at Hinton skydiving centre near Silverstone on Wednesday.

His mum, Ceri Hooper, 54, from Cardiff, said people should take people for "who they are and not for their disability", and that skydiving staff "couldn't comprehend" why he was previously barred.

Lloyd, 19, already holds a Guinness World Record for being the youngest person with his specific disability to complete a marathon.

They faced rejection from a previous company for "fears" as to how someone with Down's syndrome may react to the jump.

Mrs Hooper said she was thrilled that Hinton skydiving staff helped turn her son's dream into a reality.

"The skydiving centre were incredible with him, he was absolutely beaming as he walked off with the crew," she said.

"I think he is still a little shell-shocked but he keeps watching the footage and reliving it."

Media caption,

Watch: Down's syndrome teen lands skydive dream

Mrs Hooper said the assessment day faced no difficulty for Lloyd, as he listened to instructions clearly.

"Within minutes the instructors were laughing and joking with him, they really took the time to get to know him and reassure him.

"I'm so proud of him and all he has achieved."

Image source, Ceri Hooper
Image caption,

Lloyd's mum says the team were "incredible" in assisting the skydive

There is no sign of stopping for Lloyd either, having just been approved for another Guinness World Record for the youngest person with intellectual impairment to run a half marathon.

Lloyd is expecting to complete the Great North Run in September as well as the Cardiff half marathon in October.