Child with Down's syndrome finds success in modelling

In Bath, Somerset, a remarkable seven-year-old boy named Rio is making headlines as a child model with Down's syndrome. His family is incredibly proud of his achievements, believing that his success serves as a powerful reminder that children with this condition can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Rio has been selected to be one of the faces of Burberry's Children's Summer 2025 campaign, a significant milestone in his modeling career. He has also previously modeled for various brands, including Primark, Little Bird, and CBeebies, showcasing his talent and charm. His journey is supported by Zebedee, an inclusive modeling agency that aims to promote diversity in the fashion industry. Rio's mother, Kimberley, expressed her thoughts on her son's journey, stating, 'These kids can do amazing things, and it's not all doom and gloom; it's not scary; it's not something to be afraid of… they're just like everybody else and we just really want to tell and show everybody that. ' When Rio was diagnosed with Down's syndrome, it came as quite a shock to the family, as they were initially unaware of the condition and its implications. Kimberley recalled, 'Every piece of information we were given, or were researching online, was really negative. ' This experience motivated the family to work alongside Zebedee to advocate for inclusivity in the fashion world. Kimberley emphasized that while progress is being made, there is still much work to be done. She stated, 'It's definitely improving, but it is something that all companies need to consider. ' When Rio participates in modeling, he sometimes requires adjustments, such as additional time to acclimate to the camera or clearer instructions to help him understand what is expected. Kimberley passionately added, 'We just want to see more people with disabilities out there, whether it's Rio, or another model that has a disability or Down's syndrome, it's just really good to see that inclusivity. ' In the latest Burberry campaign, Rio is featured wearing a stylish beige trench coat and a matching beige tartan scarf. He is seen sitting on a yellow rocking horse toy, beaming at the camera with a joyful smile. Sue Moore, Rio's client manager from Zebedee, highlighted the importance of including individuals with disabilities in the modeling industry. She noted, 'We've got a lot of high street clients that are booking our talent quite regularly, but it is still quite hard to break into the luxury market. ' Sue believes that representation matters, especially for children with disabilities, as seeing themselves on screen can be life-changing. She remarked, 'They feel valued, they feel accepted and it's not only them themselves, but also their families.