ISLE of Wight sailor Natasha Lambert has been presented with the British Empire medal at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes.

Natasha, who suffers from cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair to get around.

But. despite that, she 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, this year 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. Her sailing is by mouth in a specially adapted yacht and her walks are completed in a special walker which she propels herself.

The British Empire Medal is awarded in recognition of a sustained, local contribution or innovative, high-impact work of a relatively short duration.

Natasha received her award for her fundraising in the community.

Natasha attended the ceremony with parents Gary and Amanda, grandparents Kenneth and Margaret Lambert , and her sister Rachel.

Natasha said: “Can’t believe I have a medal. I feel lucky to be able to do things for other people. Now I want to get loads of people on the water through my sailing school."