Thursday, July 4, 2013

Freedom from disability: A teen with cerebral palsy sails the English Channel alone


Today, Independence Day, I'm celebrating the spirit of Natasha Lambert. She's a British 16-year-old who's an accomplished sailor, and who happens to have athetoid cerebral palsy that affects her limbs and speech. This week she made a solo crossing of the English Channel using only her mouth to control her yacht, Miss Isle Too.

Natasha finished the 25-mile trip from Boulogne, France to Dover, Kent in under five hours, conquering fog and swells up to six feet high—and arriving two hours ahead of schedule. She sipped and puffed through a straw lining a helmet to steer her ship; her father, an electrician, built the device.


Natasha's trip raised money for three different charities. Last year, her solo sail around the Isle of Wight, where she lives, brought in more than $12,000 for charity.

As her mother said, "When she is sailing Natasha is able to experience freedom and excitement and most importantly make decisions which she is unable to do in her everyday life.... For her it's all about leaving her wheelchair and feeling free."

Love that. Our kids may have disabilities that prevent them from moving freely and speaking freely, but their spirits are plenty free. And that drive, determination and inner strength can propel them to do amazing things.

I tweeted congrats to Natasha. Her words are ones for our kids to live by:


Images: Screen shots/Royal Yachting Association video

8 comments:

  1. WOW! That is absolutely incredible! Hadn't heard this story. thanks for sharing!!!

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  2. Oh My Gosh! What an amazing story!!!! I love it. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  3. Oh wow! Although I love all your posts and stories the ones about Athetoid Cp are very near to my heart, thanks for sharing Natasha's amazing spirit x

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  4. Natasha's awesome she is proving to the world that all of us have more abilities than "disabilities".

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  5. Natasha is a role model for EVERY young person!
    Will share this post far and wide.

    Natasha - thanks for being you!

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  6. You rock Natasha! My friends and family are so proud of you!! You are one tough cookie!

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Thanks for sharing!



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