By Mencap
Michael is the proud owner of Coalpit Welsh Cakes, his own baking business. He was the first man in Wales with
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
to run a marathon. And more recently, he achieved a Guinness World Records title for completing a sprint triathlon, after learning to swim and ride a bike especially for the challenge.
He’s passionate about helping other people turn their ideas into businesses. And he has a pretty good idea of what he likes when it comes to fashion.
Tweed jackets? Definitely.
Getting dirty? Not so much.
This October, Michael is bringing all of that personality, determination and style to Mencap shops as the face of Mencap menswear, launching our new campaign A campaign is when people work together to try to change something. Style has no stereotype during Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Meet Michael
Michael describes himself as loving, caring and very determined. Those qualities have helped him achieve some pretty impressive things.
He runs his own business, Coalpit Welsh Cakes, where he bakes and sells Welsh cakes and helps other people put their passion into their own businesses.
He’s also an athlete. Michael was the first man in Wales with Down syndrome to run a marathon, an achievement he says he is incredibly proud of. And he hasn’t stopped there.
In 2026, Michael achieved his fourth Guinness World Records title by completing a sprint triathlon in 2 hours, 29 minutes and 11 seconds. What makes the achievement even more impressive is that when Michael decided to take on the challenge, he couldn’t swim or ride a bike. He learned both, trained with Wrexham Tri Club and went on to complete the Outlaw Triathlon in Nottingham 15 minutes faster than the time he had been aiming for.
Michael took on the challenge to help show that people with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. can learn new skills and achieve things others might not expect.
For Michael, having Down syndrome hasn't stopped him from pursuing his ambitions.
In fact, he has a message for anyone who thinks people with a learning disability can't work for themselves:
Myth
A myth is an idea about something that is not true.
: 'People with a learning disability can’t work for themselves.'
Michael said: "I do! And I help others put passion into their business.”
And when he’s not baking or training, Michael has a few favourite things that make him, well, Michael.
He likes tweed jackets, Poirot and pasta. He doesn’t like getting dirty, mess or chips.
Because the things we like, the things we don’t, the things we're proud of and the things we want to achieve are what make us individuals.
Not a stereotype.
Why representation matters
Michael has heard plenty of assumptions about what people with a learning disability can and can’t do.
One of the biggest?
“People think I can’t do a lot of things without asking me.”
It’s an assumption he wants to challenge.
Michael knows what he's capable of. He knows what he enjoys. He knows what he wants to achieve.
And he wants other people to have the opportunity to show what they can do, too.
Down syndrome is a learning disability. But having a learning disability doesn't mean someone can't have a career, run a business, take on challenges, pursue their interests or achieve their ambitions.
Michael's story is a reminder that people should be given the opportunity to live their life to the full on their terms, rather than having assumptions made about them.
That’s why representation matters.
When we see people with a learning disability represented in different roles and different parts of everyday life, it helps challenge outdated stereotypes and encourages us to see the person, not just their disability.
Style has no stereotype
And now Michael is adding another role to his growing list: face of Mencap Menswear.
Our Style has no stereotype campaign celebrates the idea that fashion is for everyone.
There isn't one way to look stylish. There isn't one type of person who can be interested in fashion. And there certainly isn't one style that comes with having a learning disability.
Michael has his own taste, his own personality and his own way of expressing himself.
And yes, that includes a good tweed jacket.
For Michael, what we wear is an important way of expressing who we are.
Men should always care about what they wear; it’s a form of self-expression. We enjoy wearing clothes because we enjoy fashion, and we want to feel confident.
And his advice for anyone who wants their clothes to reflect their personality?
Wear what makes you feel like yourself. Clothes are a fun way to show your personality, interests, creativity or mood.
Style Has No Stereotype
Michael certainly brought that attitude to his Mencap Menswear photoshoot. His favourite part of the day was “trying all the clothes and getting my photo taken”, and when asked how having his photo taken made him feel, his answer was simple: “It made me feel special."
Through the campaign, Michael is helping challenge stereotypes while showing off some of the autumn menswear you can discover in our charity shops.
Because fashion should be about finding things you love, trying something different and expressing who you are.
Find your autumn style at Mencap
Autumn is a great time to refresh your wardrobe and Mencap shops are full of pre-loved pieces waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a smart jacket, a cosy knit, a new pair of trousers or something completely unexpected Unexpected means not knowing that something was going to happen. , you never know what you might find.
And because our stock comes from donations, every Mencap shop is different. That means every visit could uncover a new favourite.
Michael is a fan of charity shopping too. He says he likes buying clothes from charity shops because“they have stylish clothes at reasonable prices.”
He also likes the difference shopping second-hand can make: “They support local causes, and recycling is good for the environment.”
Best of all, when you shop with Mencap, every purchase helps support people with a learning disability to live their life to the full.
So why not pop into your local Mencap shop and see what catches your eye? You might find your next autumn favourite. You might even find a tweed jacket worthy of Michael.
And if you have clothes sitting in your wardrobe that you no longer wear, why not give them the chance to become someone else’s favourite? As Michael puts it, donating clothes is “good for the environment, and it helps other families and local good causes.”
Shop at Mencap
Every purchase helps Mencap support people with a learning disability.
So this October, come and discover your own style while supporting a cause that believes everyone should have the opportunity to live the life they choose.
Follow Michael's Mencap menswear journey
Throughout October, you can follow Michael as he shares his favourite autumn looks, takes us charity shopping and busts some of the myths surrounding learning disability.
Follow Mencap Retail on Instagram @mencapshops and Mencap Retail on TikTok @mencapshops for more from Michael, including behind-the-scenes moments from the campaign, fashion inspiration and plenty more myth busting.
And don't forget to visit your local Mencap shop. You never know what you'll find!
Style has no stereotype.