1 August 2026
Young carer chosen for prestigious Cowes Week honour after finding confidence on the water
An inspiring young carer from Lymington with a passion for sailing has been selected to present one of Cowes Week’s most prestigious awards.
Sixteen-year-old Issy, who is supported by Community First’s New Forest Young Carers, was nominated by the service and chosen by Cowes Week and the Commodore of Royal Southampton Yacht Club to present the historic Queen’s Cup on Sunday, August 6.
Issy helps care for her dad, who has Functional Neurological Disorder. Like many young carers, she balances everyday family responsibilities with school, friendships and her own ambitions, but time on the water has given her a place to have fun and build her skills.
Through opportunities funded by the RSYC Trust and supported by New Forest Young Carers, Issy has completed her Level 3 RYA Sailing and won the Michael Harlick Award in 2023. She is also a Sea Scout Explorer and has completed a five-day expedition with Ocean Youth Trust South, travelling by yacht between Southampton, the Isle of Wight and Gosport.
Issy recently completed her RYA Start Yachting course and is working towards an RYA Competent Crew Award. She is also working towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh and King’s Scout awards, has gained her powerboat licence and hopes to progress to a safety boat qualification so she can spend more time helping others.
Issy’s mum Kyrsty said: “We are incredibly proud of Issy. Life at home can be complicated, and as a young carer she has had to grow up with responsibilities that many people her age simply do not have to think about. What has been so special about the support from New Forest Young Carers is that it has given her time to just be Issy, to laugh with other young people who understand and to try new things.
“The water is a space where Issy can be herself and Sailing has helped her confidence grow enormously. Being chosen to present the Queen’s Cup is such a wonderful recognition of the kind, capable and determined young person she is.”
Marie Shotbolt, New Forest Young Carers Manager, said: “Issy is a brilliant example of what young carers can achieve when they are given the right support, encouragement and opportunities. Young carers often do so much quietly in the background for the people they love, and it can be easy for their own needs, talents and ambitions to be overlooked.
“New Forest Young Carers is here to make sure children and young people like Issy know they are not alone. We work with families, schools and partner organisations to offer practical support, trusted relationships, respite, trips and activities that give young carers a chance to build confidence, make friends and enjoy time away from their caring responsibilities.
“We hope Issy’s story helps shine a light on young carers across our region and encourages more families to seek support.”
New Forest Young Carers is run by charity Community First and supports young people aged 7 to 18 who help look after someone in their family with a long-term illness, disability, mental health illness or other caring need. Issy joined the group in 2019 and regularly takes part in activities through the service, including water sports that provide much-needed respite and time with other young carers.