A COUPLE with cerebral palsy have launched a remarkable book promoting independent living for disabled people.

Jen and Ken Dykes' joint story, entitled Don't Give Up, has been helped to publication by their friend Mike Wise, co-founder of Julia's House children's hospice.

Both in their 30s, the couple from Ferndown have known each other since Jen was three and Ken was two. They both went to Victoria School and their intertwining life stories are a mix of humour and harrowing situations.

"The words amazing and wonderful are hardly enough to describe this couple," said Mike, who tells in the book of his first encounter with Ken.

"I met Ken Dykes one fine autumn afternoon in 2005 when his electric wheelchair crashed through the doorway of the creative writing class which I was running for adult learning in Poole. The class and my life would never be the same."

Unable to speak, Ken operates his wheelchair and a computer with his head, and wanted to improve his writing skills to write match reports for Portsmouth and Bournemouth football clubs, helped by his friend Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager.

The couple's uplifting story tells how they manage, with the help of an adapted apartment and 24-hour support workers, to live together and help others.

Ken writes using his talking computer, operated by a pad against his cheek while Jen edited and typed their two life stories into one book.

"We feel our fight to live in the community has been so worthwhile, because we do not have to share our flat, our van or our support workers with others," they say.

"This means that we are able to live as we choose with the assistance of support workers, who respect our choices. We hope this book will encourage everyone to never give up'."

Copies of the book at £5.99 can be obtained from Mike on 01202 488212, or wise151@btinternet.com.