Artist’s dedication to disability campaign

Ms Lapper, who has significant limb deficiencies (phocomelia), is best known for the statue depicting her nude and pregnant that was unveiled on the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square.

A full member of the British Partnership of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, Ms Lapper published her autobiography My Life in My Hands in 2005.

Earlier this year, EDRIC (European Dysmelia Reference Information Centre) launched its online arm, DysNet, aimed at building an accessible knowledge-base of information, resources and experts’ network specifically for people with limb differences, whether acquired or congenital.

Ms Lapper, who lives in Shoreham, said: “I’m really pleased to become a patron of EDRIC.

“I wholeheartedly back the EDRIC aim to share the knowledge and expertise that people with limb disabilities have gained as they live independent lives.

“Bringing together people and resources in this way can only strengthen our voices.”

Ms Lapper, who lives on Shoreham Beach, was awarded the MBE in 2003 for her services to art.