Paralympic sailing champion Helena Lucas talks of her MBE honour

Redhill's Paralympic sailing gold medallist Helena Lucas has said she was “humbled and honoured” on receiving her MBE recently at Buckingham Palace. Helena was crowned London 2012 champion in the 2.4mR class at Weymouth and Portland last September. She claimed an emphatic victory to become Britain’s first medallist since sailing joined the full Paralympic Games programme in 2000. Speaking after the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, she said: “It really was the icing on the cake after such an amazing year.” She said: “I’m so honoured to have received this award for doing the sport that I love. “There were so many other amazing people in the room with me from all walks of life, who were so driven, have made great sacrifices and have worked so hard for their country. “It was really quite humbling.” Helena, 37, was awarded her MBE by The Princess Royal, who is also President of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and who attended alongside other key figures from London 2012. The Skandia Team GBR member was accompanied to the investiture by her husband Steve Thomas, and her parents Val and Geoff. She said: “It was so nice to have been able to share the day with them, as they’ve all been so brilliant and supportive throughout my career. “All the tradition and ceremony around the day made it really special for all of us.” She continued: “There’s still so much excitement around London 2012. People are still so excited about wanting to see my gold medal.