May I take this opportunity to send season's greetings to all readers, and special thanks to all those people who supported Scope during this past year.

As the New Year gets under way, Scope enters an exciting era in its development as it approaches its 50th anniversary.

Over the last 50 years, Scope has achieved much to improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy, but recognises that there is still a long way to go in achieving equality: a society in which disabled people are as valued, and have the same human and civil rights, as everyone else.

This year has been a challenging one for Scope, with more and more charities chasing fewer and fewer funds.

And with the events of September 11 still in everyone's minds, we hope that this won't impact on your generosity this year.

The needs of disabled people are still at the forefront of our work, and we have set ourselves ambitious targets regarding our support to people with cerebral palsy, their families and carers.

Over the next five years we aim to reach 100 per cent of children with cerebral palsy, help hundreds of disabled people find work, ensure that the parents of disabled children have access to support and information when they need it most, and enable more disabled people to live independently.

And so the New Year will see Scope carrying on its work to create a fairer society.

To join us in that aim, donations, no matter how small, will help to make a difference to a disabled child or adult's life. Anyone wishing to give a donation can call Chris Bowles on 020 7619 7298,

Anyone wanting to learn more of our work can visit www.scope.org.uk.

Best wishes for the New Year ahead.

GERALD McCARTHY

Chairman

Scope