About the race:

Carsington 7+ is a 7.76 mile (12.5km) race around the stunning Carsington Reservoir.
Runners complete a full clockwise circuit of the reservoir, taking in spectacular views across the water and the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Mainly on cycle track, the course is flat in places but includes some moderate to steep inclines.
Sounds lovely - and it is, but considering I've basically sat on my backside for over 6 months this is going to hurt. A lot.

About the Charity:

Special Effect are a charity who put fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them to play video games, by using technology from modified joypads to eye-control. They visit people to find out what they want to play, and exactly what they need to play it, then get them a tailored solution for what they need, whether that's existing kit, modified controllers or a complete bespoke solution. There is no charge for their service and they don't sell anything, they are totally reliant on donations.
Their work isn't limited to gaming, however, their StarGaze project brings the loan and support of eye control technology to people who suffer a sudden injury or illness that leaves them completely paralysed except for their eyes. It’s technology that can initially provide emergency communication, but can also lead to independence in education, work and leisure.

Please visit https://www.specialeffect.org.uk for more information.

Why I'm supporting them:

For starters, I'm a nerd. What Special Effect can create with a soldering iron and a couple of oversized buttons amazes me! The StarGaze technology which can bring complete control of a computer using just your eyes can literally transform lives. The simple option of playing games can put disabled people on a level playing  field with their friends in an arena where their disability is no barrier, and can inspire them to go on to create and achieve goals they previously thought impossible.
The Special Effect team are passionate, dedicated and professional, and are changing people's lives - check out the videos on their website and most of you will find at least one that makes you tear up a little.
Finally, as a teenager I had a friend who, like me, was massively into his computer, and who, like me, had a BBC and like to play games and write his own programs. Unlike me, he had cerebral palsy. He could only type with one finger, but that was on the arm that he couldn't control, so he had to use the other hand to place his finger on each key, one press at a time, using a metal sheet with holes in bolted over the keyboard so he could slide his bad hand with his good one and not press every key on the way. If Special Effect had been around back then he would have been able to enjoy his hobby on a whole new level.

So, please pop a couple of quid in if you can, and I'll start my training. I can currently make a couple of miles without stopping, I need all the motivation I can get ...

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.