An inspirational wheelchair boxer from Pembrokeshire has shown how it’s possible to skip without jumping. 

Harry Lloyd is a nine-year-old who suffers from a progressive neuromuscular condition.

Despite his disability, Harry has been attending inclusive boxing sessions at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club for over six weeks.

@gbdisabilityboxing Harry is 9 years old he has muscular dystrophy. We have adapted skipping ropes that are weighted and you don't have to jump over. Harry wanted to show me he could use a leather a skipping rope. Best thing about being a coach is being taught by your student. Free inclusion Boxing sessions every Thursday at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC 19-21 water street SA72 6DN. Sessions delivered by Great Britain Disability Boxing and our official partner @BoxWise. #amateurboxing #wheelchair #inclusion ♬ original sound - GreatBritain Disability Boxing

Harry has been attending inclusive boxing sessions at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC.Harry has been attending inclusive boxing sessions at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC. (Image: Cathy Lloyd)

The nine year old has a progressive neuromuscular condition.The nine year old has a progressive neuromuscular condition. (Image: Cathy Lloyd) Harry’s mum, Cathy Lloyd said: “He’s new to a wheelchair. His disability will make it harder for him to mobilise over time, so we are constantly looking for new sports that suit a wheelchair.

“It’s a really good club. Harry absolutely loves it and enjoys meeting new people. Chris [McEwen] is amazing.

 “He wanted to try the skipping on a wheelchair because he used to love skipping before. He’s gone from running around, playing football and rugby and doing karate to not being able to because of numbness.

“It is horrible as he’s also starting to lose a bit of grip in his hands. The shape of his feet are now different too. However, he’s a positive lad. He’s not angry that he can’t do what he used to do. He wants to do lots of sports, including some disabled swimming.”

Harry, who lives with his family in Freshwater East, is determined to compete at the Paralympics in the future and has a JustGiving page to raise money for a specialist bike.

The bike has a square chair with a motor, which would allow Harry to easily move around when he gets tired.

Harry makes key rings from sea glass found on the beach.Harry makes key rings from sea glass found on the beach. (Image: Cathy Lloyd)

Some of the key rings are designed with the message 'Not all disabilities are visible.'Some of the key rings are designed with the message 'Not all disabilities are visible.' (Image: Cathy Lloyd)

Freshwater East is Harry's local beach. Freshwater East is Harry's local beach. (Image: Cathy Lloyd)

Harry is determined to stay physically active. Harry is determined to stay physically active. (Image: Cathy Lloyd) When Harry is not playing sport, he is making key rings from the sea glass he finds on the beach.

Cathy added: “He’s so inspirational. He puts the message ‘Not all disabilities are visible’ on some key rings. He’s a little Alan Sugar.

“He’s very determined to be as active as possible. He wants to inspire others and he’s also coming out with different quotes every day like ‘Don’t overdo it.’

Pembroke ABC is renowned for offering inclusive boxing sessions every Thursday from 5pm to 8:30pm.

The club is run by Christopher McEwen, the chairman of Great Disability Boxing who was recognised for his contribution to the Welsh Fitness Industry and Society at the 2024 Welsh Veterans Awards.

Chris posted on TikTok: “We have adapted skipping ropes that are weighted, and you don't have to jump over. Harry wanted to show me he could use a leather a skipping rope. The best thing about being a coach is being taught by your student.”

To help Harry stay mobile, donate to his JustGiving page.