THE guest of honour when the disability group Our Independence celebrated its 15th anniversary recently was the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Jonathan Coupe.

Cllr Coupe stayed to enjoy member, John Paul, singing Imagine and to play bingo.

He presented Certificates of Recognition to 12 volunteers.

One of them was 38-year-old Colin Parker, who, despite being wheel-chair bound, raised £1350 for the group.

With the help of pupils from Ashton-on-Mersey School, who pushed him, he travelled five miles around Wythenshawe Park, followed by five miles around Dunham Park in his electric wheelchair.

His carer, Alan Lord stood in front of him holding his hands while in five separate lots of three hundred steps, he walked 1500 steps for the cause.

He said: “I wanted to give something back to the community.”

Councillor Coupe said it was inspiring to see the number of activities going on and people helping one another.

Our Independence was started by Renu Duggal, followed by John Parker, Colin Parker and Julie Stockton.

Barbara Bleeker, from Trafford Council for Voluntary Service, approached Martin Duffy from the Millennium Award Scheme which provided the initial funding.

The group meets on Wednesdays from 1 – 3.30 at the Salvation Army, Brunswick Street, Stretford where the anniversary party was held.

On the first Wednesday of the month at the same times, it meets at Ashton-upon-Mersey School.

Renu Duggal, founder member and chairman, said: “I am proud to celebrate 15 years without boundaries for disabilities."

On October 31, the group is organising a trip to Blackpool. For more information, telephone 07737 881 613.