If I was to begin by doing my Norman Tebbit impression and saying “on your bikes disabled people”, many of you disabled people out there might be both shocked and offended. But read on because I have recently discovered some great opportunities for disabled people to keep fit and get some great exercise.

I know that for disabled people one of the biggest problems is to stay physically fit and in particular to improve cardiovascular fitness because it’s difficult to get enough exercise.

People say that I am a typical Taurian (Taurus the bull). I can be impulsive, belligerent, pigheaded and above all determined. It often takes little more than somebody waving a red flag for me to charge. But this means that I am easily inspired to take action and I am not easily deterred.

Before my stroke left me with two semi-paralysed limbs and reduced vision, I used to love going skiing. That fresh crisp cold air, and the crunchy snow beneath my feet was an absolutely wondrous feeling, not to mention that feeling of speed and exhilaration coming down the slopes.

As disabled people, how can we not help but be inspired by the exploits of the Paralympians on the ski slopes as well as Prince Harry’s march to the South Pole with the military amputees that has been shown on Channel 4?

After one of the Paralympic programmes I heard somebody mention an organisation called ski 2 freedom: www.ski2 freedom.com which helps disabled people get going again with skiing. I was onto it like a terrier after the postman. And I’m just in the process of finding out whether this is possible for me. Go for it, give it a try, you could be the next gold medallist.

Cycling is another thing that I really miss and would love to be able to do again.

Talking of which I had a bit of a bonus on this front recently when I heard about a scheme being run in Oxford and Witney for disabled people to learn to cycle on specially adapted bikes.

The scheme is called Wheels for All. Check it out at: www.cycling.org.uk/oxford-wheels-all-taster-day They have a selection of adapted bicycles for disabled people and you can have a taster session and try different types of adapted bikes.

If it’s swimming you like, why not try Oxford Otters disabled swimming club based at Oxford Brookes University, Harcourt campus, Oxford. The telephone number is 01865 723420.

I go there myself and I can highly recommend it because they have a warm pool with easy steps to get in or a winch if you need it and people there to help you and tend to your every need.

So there really are great opportunities out there, so skis on, cozzie on and on your bikes and go for it. I hope to see you there.