MOST of us complain about having to get up in the mornings to go to work. But what if we had nothing to get up for? Hundreds of people across the county are desperate to start a regular job, but cannot do so because of injury or illness.

2003 is the European Year of People with Disabilities and Rachel Pegg spoke to Stroud charity Scout Enterprises, which offers people a way out of the frustrating cycle of being signed off work with a disability

GARY Andrews is a 37-year-old MOT tester who loves his job. After three years of unemployment following an accident at work, he credits his new boss for giving him back his pride and sense of self-worth.

Gary, from Avening, started at Middle Street Garage on a part-time placement last summer. Since then he has qualified as an MOT tester and now works full time.

He said: "It was soul destroying to be at home all the time, especially for someone who had never been out of work since leaving school.

"It was very demoralising.

"My new job has given me my life back. Now I can walk anywhere with my head held high."

Gary had to leave his last job as a lorry driver three and a half years ago because he injured his back while unloading goods. He still suffers from sciatica but over the last couple of months has been nearly free from pain.

"I was off-loading the lorry and I turned the wrong way," Gary said.

"I had an operation a year after the accident, but that didn't work.

"Two years later I was still off work and I'd had enough.

"My wife couldn't work either because she had to look after me. "I was like a 6ft 4 baby.

"We had another dismal Christmas then in January or February last year I went to the job centre."

Gary was told about the New Deal for disabled people and put in touch with Scout Enterprises, based on London Road, Stroud. The road back to work was difficult, but he was determined to reach the end.

"I didn't realise how many problems I would have," he said. "I thought about driving lorries again, but I couldn't sit in the cab because I couldn't walk or sit for very long. "But I was stubborn.

"I just wanted to get back to work." Gary talked to co-ordinators Christine Gascoygne and Barbara Sellens, who helped him to find the right job.

He had worked for Middle Street garage owner Brian Wheatley six years earlier and decided to ask his old boss to take him on. Brian agreed to try him as an MOT tester but the charity's role did not end there.

Christine and Barbara helped Gary find hours and conditions to suit him, which meant starting on an eight-week placement and working part time.

Gary explained: "I had to build up my stamina again after being out of work for three years.

"I started working just from 8.30am to 1pm. "After that I would be dead to the world."

The role suited Gary because he was able to stand up and walk around if he was in pain.

He had to qualify as a tester, but was helped through his exams by Christine and Barbara.

They found out what course he had to take and even managed to get the exam board to let him resit a paper straight away instead of having to wait months.

Christine and Barbara also talked to Brian to make sure he knew exactly what he was taking on. Christine said: "Brian was marvellous.

"We sat him down to talk to him and took it nice and slow. "We make sure employers know exactly what to expect. "It can take time, but we get there in the end.

"Gary had been told he couldn't work but he didn't see his disability as a reason not to.

"He couldn't be a car mechanic again because getting on the floor was difficult, so we helped him find another job he liked."

Barbara said: "You could see the sweat and pain on his face when he first started. "But he was so determined."

Brian was already familiar with Scout Enterprises because he took on another employee through the scheme about ten years ago.

He said: "I thought it was a good idea. "I'm disabled myself because I only have one eye.

"I know that disabled people really want to work, which makes them good employees."

Scout Enterprises was formed 20 years ago when it was connected to the Scouts. It is now independent two bases, in Stroud and Bristol.

The Stroud branch helps disabled people all over Gloucestershire and has worked with local firms Peacocks and Pertemps. It aims to break down barriers and help people build confidence and self esteem.

Gary said: "My advice to others thinking about getting in touch with Scout Enterprises would be, just do it.

"I used to think of myself as disabled but I don't any more. "These people helped me, they can help you too."

To find out more about Scout Enterprises contact Vanessa or Barbara on 01453 751049.