A LIFELINE for disabled people which was days from closure is turning its fortunes around.

The Disability Community, in Possilpark, north Glasgow, faced the axe in February after it ran out of money.

As the Evening Times revealed, staff issued an urgent appeal to raise tens of thousands of pounds - and the council stepped in with an advance in funding of nearly £35,000.

Local people also contributed to save the much-loved facility.

Since then the centre has gone from strength to strength after a massive restructuring.

The organisation, which unfortunately had to let some staff go as part of cost cutting measures, is now aiming to raise £15,000 by next March.

Staff and volunteers have managed to raise around £3000 since the start of April to ensure that disabled people are still given a high standard of support.

Among the services is Cook 'n' Care, our Community Champion last year in the Team category, as well clubs for different age groups, arts and crafts, literacy lessons and jewellery classes.

Each week the group supports up to 600 people across the city and it delivers 26,000 meals a year.

Madonna Maynes, adult and youth coordinator, said: "The council helping us out was a lifeline and we were grateful.

"But we know there is a long way to go so we have set up a fund-raising committee and we have been carrying out lots of coffee mornings and concerts."

The centre had a reshuffle at the end of the financial year.

Ms Maynes said: "We are much more aware of everything coming in and out - that has been priceless."

The centre was launched in 1984 by disabled people in north Glasgow.

In 2008 it featured on the Secret Millionaire TV series, when property tycoon Nick Leslau spent time with service users and staff.

He donated £225,000 which was used to upgrade the building.

The next big fund-raiser is the Walk 'n' Roll, which will see service users, carers, relatives and workers complete a lap at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

Anyone who wants to take part can turn up at 10.45am on the day.

Donations to the centre can be made by going to www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and searching for 'The Disability Community' under 'Find a charity'.

For further informa-tion or to get a sponsorship form, call 0141 336 3562 or visit the charity's Facebook page.

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk