Disabled workers will walk and run in a prestigious event to help charity.

The Pathway Workshop in Dunnock Way, Greater Leys, employs 18 people with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties.

The workers, who are aged from 16 to in their 60s, are taught how to make garden furniture and animal huts out of recycled timber.

Every worker is paid at least the minimum wage, and for many the workshop becomes a social outlet as well as a job.

On Saturday, May 9, at least 12 of the workers will take part in a 5km fun run at the University Parks.

Those not able to run will take part in a walk of about half the distance.

The Rotary Club-organised event acts as an annual fundraiser for the workshop.

Mike Kyle, managing director of the charity, urged more people to come forward to support the charity by taking part.

He said: “There is a general hubbub in the workshop.

“The workers are teasing each other about doing training. It has become quite a big thing.

“The workshop improves their confidence, their self esteem, independence and social life.”

Mr Kyle said the workshop had also started providing literacy, numeracy and social skills classes.

He said people had arrived at the workshop after leaving Government-funded schemes to support them into work.

“I suppose you would call us a last chance saloon,” Mr Kyle said.

“What we have is not only work for these people but it is also building a social support network for them as well.”

Tim Hughes, a Pathway worker from Starwort Path, Blackbird Leys, who will take part in the event, said: “I’m really looking forward to the run.

“It’s great fun to have a challenge when we’re all together outside work — especially the barbeque afterwards.”

In February last year, the Oxford Mail revealed that the workshop had been saved from extinction by the fundraising efforts of regulars at the Bullnose Morris.

Mr Kyle said he hoped the walk would raise up to £5,000 for the charity.

He said: “It is a big struggle to make ends meet, particularly in the current economic climate. It is a significant amount when you are running on the borderline.”

To find out more about the event, or Pathway Workshop, call 01865 714111 or email enquiries@ pathway-workshop.co.uk