Hello everyone, my name is Will!  

I've been given the task to raise as much money as I can for the wonderful Charity that is Special Effect. For this event I will be aiming to raise over £1000 for them, however there's a catch! 

I am a massive Liverpool fan and if I reach £500 in donations, I will wear an Everton shirt (with photographic evidence) ALL DAY on Tuesday 4th October, if I raise £1000 or more I will do the ultimate forfeit and wear a Manchester United shirt ALL DAY on Thursday 6th October all in time for the One Special Day on the 7th! 

Both of these teams I despise, so inflicting as much pain on me to wear them should be enough for you to donate :) 

If you're unfamiliar with the work this charity do then read 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Special Day is SpecialEffect's flagship campaign with the focal point of Friday October 7th 2022 where funds and awareness are raised to help disabled gamers everywhere via our core work and projects