Milton Keynes lady receives MBE in Queen's Birthday Honours list

Radion Two presenter Jeremy Vine with friend Rachel Medill of Ride High

Rachel Medill from Aspley Guise set up Milton Keynes-based charity Ride High after witnessing young people struggling in poverty in the town.

Rachel is also the Chief Operating Officer at the charity, backed by the MK Citizen, which she launched with a £1500 grant from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

She receives her award for services to young people.

Students are given a caring environment where they can grow and develop life skills at Ride High.

The impact of the programme is transformative; students thrive on the outdoor work and physical activity, gaining a sense of achievement and growth in confidence.

The initial Community Foundation grant allowed Rachel to buy equipment and build partnerships with a local riding school, commissioning them to provide lessons and supply the horses.

Now, 80 young people are supported by Ride High every week, and more than 500 benefitted since the Great Brickhill-based charity was launched.

Children aged between eight and 17 whose needs are a challenge to both state and society are supported.