From Pete, Martin, Emily & Linda

After having conquered the Brecon Beacons in 2016, and the South Downs Way in 2019, a moment of bravado/stupidity has seen us enter another challenge to raise money for charity.

The four of us from Plaion UK have entered as a team to compete in Endure24 on the weekend of 10^th/11^th June.  

Endure24 is a 24 hour trail running ultra relay race.  It’s a 5 mile (8k) course and you have to complete as many laps as possible in 24 hours.  Starting at midday on the Saturday, the first person will head off and run the 5 miles course.  As soon as they get back, the next person heads out to do their lap.  And so on, and so on.  For 24 hours. Through the night.  Finishing at midday on the Sunday. 

Our plan is that we can do 1 lap every hour, for the 24 hours.  So that would be 120 miles in total, or 30 miles each.  Our alternative plan is for Pete, Martin & Emily to complete their 1^st lap and then retire to the beer tent to wave at Linda each time she completes/starts a new lap. 

We’re raising money for Special Effect who do great work putting fun & inclusion back into the lives of physically disabled people across the world. 

If anyone would like to donate any money or sponsor us it would be really appreciated (no matter how small an amount) and it would go a long way to helping change the lives of people. 

More details on Special Effect below…

SpecialEffect enable 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; we’ll find a way. It’s so important that everyone can join in with family & friends, to be included and not left out. All too often disability leaves a person isolated.

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. So I want to try to do my bit, & with your help we
might be able to make a difference.

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

Some videos showing their work in action:

Bex’s parents – incredibly moving - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA-Tkp6I0-Q [youtube.com]

Stewart – eye gaze, showing our support through lockdown - https://youtu.be/u8cEctKKFi4 [youtu.be]

1 min SpecialEffect Overview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZgV1GPlpE4 [youtube.com]

Aaron – 13 year old, explains it so well - https://www.dropbox.com/s/lfeiipwg4zrkmku/OSD%20version%20Aaron%20case%20study%20hires.mp4?dl=1
[dropbox.com]

Compilation: https://www.dropbox.com/s/72yhj1qouauqvwz/The%20SpecialEffect%20Difference.mp4?dl=0
[dropbox.com]

Steve, wonderful man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU2GFN2vNV0 [youtube.com]

Discover more at http://www.specialeffect.org.uk [specialeffect.org.uk]