Hello Everybody,

I will be running my first marathon this April in Manchester and to make sure all the blood and sweat is not wasted, I’ve decided to set up this page to raise some money for SpecialEffect.

SpecialEffect is an amazing organization which enables people with severe physical disabilities to use technology for communication and leisure - playing video games when they otherwise wouldn't be able to - using whichever part(s)of their body that work best - chin, foot, finger, toe, eyes, knee or head control; they’ll find a way.

Please continue reading if you want to find out more about SpecialEffect.

Thank you for your support in advance!

lenni

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SpecialEffect assess a person's needs and adapt technology to harness whatever controlled movement they have and create bespoke gaming setups to enable them to play to the best of their abilities. Being included hugely benefits mental wellbeing and quality of life – bringing much needed independence, fun and escapism. Their support is completely free of charge and is for life, particularly important for when things change and need to be adapted (such as a progressive condition like muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy where muscles/abilities weaken over time. Or when a new game or console comes out!).

They specialise in Eye Control Technology. Imagine: You wake up after an accident. You are paralysed and can’t move anything except your eyes. And you can’t speak. Through eye-movement alone, they help people operate a computer for vital communication and to regain a little independence - giving them a voice when they don’t have one of their own. Because they don’t charge a penny for their services, they rely on & are indebted to wonderful supporters and fundraising events.

Tom, a young gamer, wrote simply: ‘Thank you for giving me my life back.’

Some videos showing their work in action:

Mike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkqmTj2ykWU

Peter, MS: https://youtu.be/bcs9WTYboWo

Bethany: https://youtu.be/Ahx1i0MAIhw

Joe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUkiOE3E9z0

Rodney (Gaming - love this one): https://youtu.be/lmvTRH7dHYM

Tiago (Gaming / Games Course at College - short version): https://youtu.be/IUNclXvisEM

Ian’s Mum – Ian (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoVj7RXt8p4

Bex (Eye control - so moving – Mum & Dad speak): https://youtu.be/GA-Tkp6I0-Q

Nice short explainer of the therapists explaining what we do: https://youtu.be/0PEXx9gO0gw

Short explainer vids (HD):

100 secs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dvr2lfo8qqwd42l/SpecialEffect%20in%20100%20seconds%20HIGH%20RES.mp4?dl=0

90 sec montage of smiles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XEMvMh7VTM

60 secs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/j0ekhd43wkm6ars/SpecialEffect%20in%2060%20seconds%20HIGH%20RES.mp4?dl=0