Four extraordinary individuals have received the Spirit of the London Marathon Award as the countdown begins for the 2025 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 27 April.
This year’s recipients, Lloyd Martin, Anthony Bryan, Milly Pickles, and Nathaniel Dye , embody the essence of the event far beyond athletic performance.
From defying medical odds to turning personal tragedy into triumph, these runners have captured hearts and left indelible marks on marathon history.
At just 20 years old, Lloyd Martin from Cardiff became the youngest person with Down’s syndrome to complete a marathon in the intellectual impairment category. Lloyd trained under the guidance of his mother, Ceri Hooper—a former Welsh cross-country runner.
“To see Lloyd’s name among past winners is a huge honor,” said Ceri.
“This started as a personal goal and became something much bigger. Lloyd’s story is proof that with determination and support, anything is possible.”
Lloyd’s achievement not only earned him a Guinness World Record but also inspired thousands around the world.
His story continues as he lines up for the 2025 marathon, joined by his cousin Ciaran Lewis, who is competing in the Championship race.
Anthony Bryan, from London, faced a life-altering stroke at just six years old while undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. Left with hemiplegia, paralyBut he proved his doctors wrong.
He clawed his way back through physiotherapy, later earning gold medals at the CPISRA World Games and completing the 2024 London Marathon with a record-breaking time of 5:49:04—the fastest marathon by a male with hemiplegia.
“Being named a Spirit of the London Marathon winner is beyond words,” said Anthony.
“My aim was to finish and raise awareness for the Stroke Association. Breaking a world record and receiving this award? That’s a dream come true. I hope others in recovery see this and know they’re not alone.”
At 20 years old Milly Pickles’ life took a tragic turn when she was electrocuted during a work placement. The accident left her with severe burns and resulted in the amputation of her right leg below the knee. Her recovery was long and painful, but her resolve never wavered.
Now 28, the TV presenter and para-athlete completed her first-ever marathon in 2024,on a prosthetic leg and despite severe bleeding.
Milly described the marathon as a symbol of her rebirth.
“This award means the world,” she said. “Crossing that finish line wasn’t just about endurance, it was a statement. A reminder that trauma doesn’t define us. I want others to know: you are not what you’ve lost. You are how you choose to rise.”
Diagnosed with terminal stage four bowel cancer in 2022, Nathaniel Dye could have chosen to step back.
Instead, the 38-year-old music teacher chose to push forward, raising over £37,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through grueling endurance events, including the 171km Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc.
At the 2024 London Marathon, he ran while playing a green trombone and completed the race in 5 hours and 49 minutes, just months after finishing chemotherapy.
Nathaniel wants others to see that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis.
“I hope this award inspires people to just keep going,” he said.
“Even with a broken body, I crossed that finish line. That’s the power of human spirit. If I can keep going, so can you.”
Since its inception in 2018, the Spirit of the London Marathon Award has honored those whose stories move the world far beyond the race route.
Past recipients include boxing legend Michael Watson and inspirational radio presenter Adele Roberts. This year’s class continues that proud legacy—fueling the belief that limits exist only to be broken.
These honorees will be available for interviews at The Running Show on Wednesday, April 23, where their incredible stories will no doubt continue to inspire and motivate runners and supporters alike.
