Founder of Milton Keynes-based Ride High charity is made an MBE

She was awarded the honour by the Queen in her Birthday Honours List last year for services to young people.

Rachel was presented with her MBE by Prince Charles during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Since establishing Ride High in 2008 Rachel has raised more than £1 mllion and the charity has helped transform the lives of more than 700 of the most disadvantaged children in Milton Keynes.

Ride High teaches the children to ride and care for horses and her aim is to set up an equestrian and training centre where children can get apprenticeships and work experience.

Rachel Medill MBE said “I am honoured to have been given such recognition for my work at Ride High, none of which however would have been possible without the help of staff, volunteers and so many Milton Keynes companies which help us day in, day out.

“I am enormously proud of what we have achieved together over the years and I look forward to helping many more children in the future”.

Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2 presenter and Ride High patron said: “This honour shows what a vital role Ride High plays in the lives of disadvantaged youngsters – and although Rachel will be far too modest to claim the credit, it underlines the unstinting sacrifice and powerful sense of mission she has personally brought to the charity.

“Not many people change so many lives for the better, but my friend has. I’m so proud of the charity and so proud to know her.”