Well, here we are... I've signed up to run this year at the Great North Run on behalf of the charity Special Effect. The usual distance I run is about 5k so this will be quite a challenge, however, the effort is for a wonderful cause and I can't wait to get stuck in and enjoy the occasion... hopefully raising a good amount along the way.

Have a look below for more info on Special Effect.

SpecialEffect put fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them to play video games. The Great North run is a half marathon, taking place in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, and is a great fundraising opportunity.

SpecialEffect enables severely disabled people to use technology in any way possible – using whichever part(s) of their body that work best – by adapting tech to their individual needs. It’s so important they can join in with family/ friends, to be included and not left out. This can hugely benefit mental well-being, self-esteem and quality of life -and much needed FUN! 

We specialise in Eye Control Technology. Imagine: You wake up after an accident. You can’t move anything except your eyes. You can’t speak. Through eye-movement alone, we help people operate a computer so they can communicate and regain a little independence – giving them a voice when they don’t have one of their own. 

Tom, a young man we helped, wrote simply: ‘Thank you for giving me my life back.’ Sadly Tom died a while ago, but he was kept happily gaming right up to the very night he passed away. His family are now good friends of SpecialEffect.