Miss Isle in Queen's Birthday Honour's List

Natasha, in her element, photographed in 2012 © Team Tash

Natasha Lambert, the young sailor who's completed four major challenges in the last four years, has received the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honour's List. The award recognises her fundraising achievements.

Natasha is still a teenager but has sailed around the Isle of Wight, crossed the Channel, sailed over five hundred miles to Wales, climbed the highest peak in Southern Britain and, recently, sailed from Cowes to London and then completed a walk from St Katharine Docks to the Bank of England and back.

Natasha undertakes these challenges to test herself and to raise funds for charity. To date she has raised over fifty three thousand pounds.

These activities would be remarkable for any teenager but Natasha has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and has little control over her movements. Her sailing is by mouth in a specially adapted yacht and her walks are completed in a special walker which she propels herself.

Not only is Natasha a very special young person but her family and carers are also inspirational. Dad Gary has spent countless hours pioneering the system which allows Natasha to sail, Mum Amanda juggles Natasha's full time needs with planning and supporting her challenges and bringing up Natasha's young sister, Rachel. Natasha's loyal carers have all happily been a part of the challenges, sleeping in car parks in camper vans and spending hours on the water in support boats.

Whilst Natasha's speech is made difficult as a result of the cerebral palsy she has an extremely active mind and is very much in the driving seat when it comes to planning her challenges. The family know that the adventures develop Natasha's confidence and self-esteem, but they are also keen to let other families who have children and young people with similar needs know what can be achieved.

The past few weeks have been incredible for Natasha. She has completed her latest Capital Venture challenge, launched her own charity to let other young people learn to sail using her sip and puff method, been invited to start the prestigious JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, been included in the Independent on Sunday 2015 Happy List and now has received this honour in the Queen's Birthday list.

Natasha's comment on receiving the news "I can't believe I've been chosen for this amazing honour. I just enjoy doing what I do. It's great people get behind it, but really anyone could do it".

Mum Amanda commented "She loves her sailing, but the fundraising has become equally important and it's really given her a focus, being able to help other people."

Dad Gary said "She doesn't think she deserves it, however we might be a little biased but we think she does."