ANYONE who thinks being disabled means you can't do certain things is in for a surprise when they see the calendar put together by Preston's Disability Information Services Centre (Disc).
The calendar which marks the end of the European Year of Disabled People 2003, features disabled people abseiling, ten-pin bowling, and even sky-diving.
It is being launched alongside a giant billboard to be pasted up on Corporation Street, Preston which shouts 'we can'.
Members of Disc, based in Church Street, have had a rollercoaster of a year and the calendar chronicles some of the events they have taken part in.
Mavis Porter, 70, of Bridge Road, Ashton, lost both her legs through diabetes. She is a member of the women's group and the amputee support group which meets regularly at Disc.
The mother-of-two joined other members for a trip to Clitheroe where she abseiled down a wall for the first time ever. "Before I joined Disc I wasn't sure what was out there in terms of help and support," she said. "I've done a lot this year that I thought I would never be able to do. When I went ten pin bowling, I thought I'd lose my balance and follow the ball, but I managed it."
John Coxhead, 60, of Bristol Avenue, Leyland, has also been making the most of the centre's activities. The former landscape gardener is a wheelchair user. He lost his left leg due to circulation problems as a result of smoking.
"I still can't mow the lawn, but I've helped put the calendar together and have taken part in organising the launch at the Minster," John said.
Manager of Preston Disc, Melanie Close, said: "We've worked closely with artists and also have work displayed in the Harris. We're very proud."
The launch will be held today (Thursday) at the city's Minster, Church Street from noon, as part of the Disability and Carers Festivals.
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