Hi Friends! Thanks for checking out my fundraiser! Some of you know me as James (IT Guy, Yoga teacher, Runner), those of you from the gaming community will know me as Deor!

I became aware of SpecialEffect through the fundraising some of my friends, especially in the "Elite: Dangerous" community, have done. Gaming is a huge part of my life, If i could play games, life would be a lot less fun and i'd be a lot less connected to with my friends!

So, i'm putting on my trainers to do what i can for this fantastic cause.

Current Goals:

10kYourWay - This SpecialEffect event runs through July. I'll be completing 2 10k Runs, one IRL and one virtually on my treadmill using Zwift.

Cheltenham Half Marathon - Sunday 21st of September I take to the streets of Cheltenham to run 13.1 miles

Thanks for taking the time, any cash you can spare really makes a difference and i appreciate each and every donation.

Please read on to learn more about how SpecialEffect have changed people lives.

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, mouth, head...; they’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 join in & play to the best of their abilities. Being included hugely benefits mental wellbeing and quality of life – bringing much needed independence, fun, connection 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 progressive conditions 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, fundraisers 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): https://youtu.be/IUNclXvisEM

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

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