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A DISABLED schoolgirl is to sail across the Channel – controlling the yacht with her tongue.

Wheelchair-bound Natasha Lambert was born with athetoid cerebral palsy, which affects her limbs and speech.

But the determined 16-year-old will leave her chair behind to sail her 21ft adapted yacht from Boulogne to Dover.

Her father Gary developed a device, using a straw inside a mountain bike helmet, to help Natasha sail using just her mouth to steer.

She operates a tiny pneumatic switch with her tongue to switch between the helm and sails.

Electrician Gary said: “From the moment she first experienced sailing, Natasha fell in love with the water. She was determined to find a way to sail herself. I am so immensely proud of her.”

The French Connection challenge will see Natasha, from Cowes, Isle of Wight, raise money for the RNLI, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Wetwheels Solent. She hopes to complete the 25-mile trip on Monday in seven hours.

(Image: Solent News & Photo Agency)

Last year, she sailed solo around the Isle of Wight and raised £17,000.

Mum Amanda said: “Natasha can’t walk across the room yet she will be sailing one country to the other.”