Katie Piper, Richard Branson among most inspirational celebrities

Naturalist Sir David Attenborough, acid attack victim Katie Piper and comic Stephen Fry have been hailed on a list of inspirational Brits. Legendary 87-year-old broadcaster and naturalist Attenborough topped the pile followed by trainee beautician and model Katie, who won the hearts of the nation after an horrific acid attack in 2008.

Stephen Fry also continues to be a big source of pride and motivation for Brits, results from the study of 2,000 people showed.

JK Rowling, Margaret Thatcher and Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis also made the list, as did Sir Alan Sugar, Sir Richard Branson and Sir Paul McCartney.

A spokeswoman for Arbonne, which commissioned the study said: ”We’re lucky in this country to be blessed with many high profile people who are achieving great things and provide a steady source of inspiration to the public.

”It’s good to see a balance in the lists between those who inspire for their talent, be it music, sport, business. They have all shown an outstanding devotion to their work.

”But it also shows how much we recognise courage and Katie emerging as the most inspirational woman proves that bravery and determination moves us more than anything else.”

Musical influences were clear on the list – John Lennon, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Simon Cowell were among the top 20 most inspirational men.

Queen Elizabeth II was deemed the second most inspirational woman, while Dames Helen Mirren and Kelly Holmes also featured high.

Interestingly, father and daughter Paul and Stella McCartney both featured in the lists.

While The Apprentice’s Karren Brady rounded off the top 10 women leaving the biggest impression on the British public.

One third of the 2,000 people surveyed on their goals, drives and sources of inspiration described themselves as ambitious.

Despite holding key figures like David Attenborough and Jessica Ennis as sources of inspiration, Brits are more than six times more likely to take inspiration from someone they actually know.

But the biggest barrier to being able to achieve more in their day to day lives is not having the money to pursue goals, while a fifth said they need more flexibility.

And 45% of the study weren’t sure that balancing a family life alongside a successful working life was possible.

It also emerged 70% of working mums felt they had to sacrifice their own career prospects to some extent in order to devote enough time to their family.

Kelly Lloyd-Sanderson from Arbonne added: ”With so much ambition revealed in the results, having the flexibility to follow a particular path or the support of those around you to encourage you to achieve what you want out of life is key.”

Top 20 Most Inspirational Men

1. Sir David Attenborough
2. Sir Richard Branson
3. Stephen Fry
4. Andy Murray
5. Private Johnson Beharry (First Victoria Cross recipient since 1969)
6. Sir Alan Sugar
7. John Lennon
8. Sir Alex Ferguson
9. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber
10. Sir Paul McCartney
11. David Bowie
12. Lewis Hamilton
13. Sir Elton John
14. Simon Cowell
15. Sir Cliff Richard
16. Daniel Day Lewis
17. Gordon Ramsay
18. Russell Brand
19. Rod Stewart
20. Ricky Gervais

Top 20 Most Inspirational Women

1. Katie Piper
2. Queen Elizabeth
3. Jessica Ennis
4. JK Rowling
5. Margaret Thatcher
6. Dame Judi Dench
7. Diana Princess of Wales
8. Dame Helen Mirren
9. Dame Kelly Holmes
10. Karren Brady
11. Kate Middleton
12. Anita Roddick
13. Adele
14. Nigella Lawson
15. Germaine Greer
16. Michelle Mone
17. Stella McCartney
18. Katie Price
19. Sam Cameron
20. Coleen Rooney