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 this year, I will be abseiling down Anfield’s Main stand (100ft), here’s the caveat though… I am absolutely petrified of heights! So this will be both fun and challenging for me.

I’ve set myself a target of £1000 to be able to purchase and create equipment that will make a huge difference in peoples lives.

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

One Special Day is SpecialEffect's flagship campaign with the focal point of Friday October 6th 2023 where funds and awareness are raised to help disabled gamers everywhere via our core work and projects

In aid of SpecialEffect's One Special Day, UK Games' Industry & friends will be abseiling 100ft off the iconic Anfield football stadium. One Special Day is an unmissable opportunity for companies and studios from all sectors of the games industry to raise vital income for SpecialEffect, the gamers’ charity.

Your support will make a direct and real difference to physically disabled people we support, helping to get the most out of life, bringing confidence and rehabilitation through the magic of gaming. Our team of Occupational Therapists and Gaming Specialists in the UK create bespoke technology ranging from modified controllers to eye-tracking sensors to physically disabled gamers right across the world.

To find out more about SpecialEffect, please go to: www.specialeffect.org.uk