Disabled teenage sailor, Natasha Lambert, is en route to London for her latest daring charity challenge.
In her specially-adapted boat Miss Isle Too, Natasha is sailing 231 miles to the centre of London.
Natasha, aged 17 from the Isle of Wight, set sail on Saturday, 23 May, from her berth at Cowes Yacht Haven, heading east towards the mouth of the river Thames.
After passing through Tower Bridge to St. Katherine’s Docks, Natasha will then swap her boat for her special walking aid and walk the square mile of the City of London.
Her latest challenge aims to raise funds and awareness for the Miss Isle School of Sip-Puff Sailing charity, recently launched by Natasha.
Natasha Lambert with Ben Ferris, marina development manager of Cowes Yacht Haven
Ben Ferris, marina development manager of Cowes Yacht Haven, said: ‘It is our honour to support Natasha and her incredible journeys. We are very proud to help give Miss Isle Too a home here at Cowes Yacht Haven.
‘She is a true inspiration to us all here and to all the people who berth with us. We do all we can to help her and the very worthy charity she has founded.’
Natasha was born with athetoid cerebral palsy that affects her limbs and confines her to a wheelchair. She had always enjoyed sailing as a passenger but was desperate to helm a boat alone.
In 2010, her father Gary built a system that would allow Natasha to control her Artemis 20, Miss Isle, and Mini Transat, Miss Isle Too, with a single straw. She now wants to allow other youngsters to take to the water using her “sip and puff” method through her charity, The Miss Isle School of Sip-Puff Sailing.
Natasha has since carried out three extraordinary challenges, including last year’s Sea and Summit challenge, which saw her sail 500 miles to Wales to climb the highest peak in Southern Britain, Pen Y Fan.
Natasha’s mother Amanda, said: ‘We have to give our tremendous thanks to Cowes Yacht Haven for the support they have shown Natasha over the years. This challenge would not be possible without everybody’s help, it takes a whole team of passionate people.’
Follow Miss Isle on Facebook, sponsor Natasha at www.gofundme.com/t2frf8/donate