Do you like parades and if so what kind of parade do you like?

Over the last few years we have seen many parades of protest in the streets of Oxford. But more colourful ones have taken place – especially the ones staged on the Cowley Road.

Now you are going to have the opportunity to join and enjoy another one although I can’t guarantee it will be as colourful as Cowley Road.

On September 2, Oxfordshire Unlimited, the organisation monitoring issues that affect disabled people in Oxfordshire, is holding an event called Parade for Equality to raise awareness of disability and the effect it has on people’s lives.

We have been lucky in the support that we have been offered. Oxford University Sports Complex has let Unlimited have the Roger Bannister running track on the Iffley Road at no charge and a firm of caterers are supplying a discounted lunch.

Tickets are free and county and district councillors are joining the parade to help us make this event a success.

Now all we need is support from the general public.

We invite you to join us as we hobble, crawl, stumble and ride around the track to the sound of the Oxford City Silver Band. If you are able to, then feel free to run and if you are still full of energy, then go round twice before enjoying the lunch. And remember, don’t be late for the 11am start.

We want the public to see that disabled people are ordinary people but that we just need a little more patience and understanding.

We like to get into shops and buildings like everyone else and even one, small step to us is a barrier. Small ramps cost very little (about £100) and what a difference that makes.

One day when I was waiting for the driver to put down the ramp so I could get on the bus, a woman marched down the bus and shouted at me to get on with it as she was in a hurry.

I am not sure why I was the target as it was the driver who had caused the delay. Maybe she thought I would give up getting on the bus. But that’s not my style I’m afraid.

This sort of incident is experienced so often by disabled people who, through no fault of their own, find themselves unable to do what most other people do.

So, join us on September 2; you’ll be warmly welcomed. If you want to find out more, email lil.sherwood@live.co.uk or call 01865 790607.