Advancements in technology have opened up an exciting world of possibilities.
But despite this progress, there are many individuals with disabilities who still face barriers when it comes to fully participating. This is why I support SpecialEffect’s mission to break down these walls and level the playing field for everyone.
The charity transforms the lives of people with physical challenges through the innovative use of technology. At the core of their mission is their work to optimise inclusion, enjoyment and quality of life by helping individuals to control video games to the best of their abilities. This not only brings families and friends together but has a profoundly positive impact on confidence too.
The mission of inclusion extends far beyond gaming. The StarGaze service brings communication, independence and hope to people in intensive care units with a severe injury or illness; and telepresence robots help medically-isolated children with their education and friendships. SpecialEffect is committed to making life better for those who need it, as long as possible and free of charge.
As well as helping out at shows like WASD and participating in running events like the London 10K, Pete and I also take part in the annual GameBlast event every February to show our support. Hundreds of gamers all over the UK come together on Twitch to raise awareness and funds so the charity can continue helping people with physical disabilities. We’ve completed all kinds of challenges in the past – 24-hour and more streams, embarrassing dares, Pokémon costumes – and now it’s time to announce our plan for next year.
We’re thrilled to be participating in two different types of marathon in 2024, all in support of SpecialEffect’s aim to level the playing field for everyone.
We’ll be kicking things off with our annual participation in the GameBlast event. Despite joking about being too old for 24-hour streams nowadays, it feels entirely appropriate for GameBlast24! Get ready for a day filled with video games and Pete’s singing, along with the obligatory Kit Kats and coffee. We’re still working out the schedule details and will share more news about the games we’ll be playing soon.
While Pete enjoys some well-deserved chill time on the sofa, I’ll be lacing up my trainers to tackle the London Marathon. This event has been a long-standing item on my bucket list so having the chance to do it for a cause which holds a special place in my heart is amazing. For 26.2 miles, I’ll be pounding the city’s pavements and aiming to reflect the resilience and determination shown by the individuals supported by the charity.
Donations made via our JustGiving page will help the charity continue providing expertise, assessments, equipment and lifelong support that bring joy, self-confidence and independence into hundreds of lives. Your contribution means the world to us, and we kindly ask you to consider donating and sharing with your network.
Updates on my training are being regularly shared on our JustGiving page and Instagram, and I’ll continue writing a few posts about running here on the blog too. There’ll also be more news coming each month about the set-up and games scheduled for our GameBlast24 stream, with the next planned for the end of October. Both marathons are going to be full on with the amount of work involved but I’m really excited about the journey ahead. There’s nothing like an amazing cause to give you motivation to get through a challenge!
If GameBlast sounds like something you’d like to take part in yourself, keep an eye on the official website for registration. There’s also plenty of useful information on the SpecialEffect website including details about other events you can get involved in. It’s time to help everybody get back in the game.
Huge props for your continued support of SpecialEffect, it’s so cool and worthwhile. 🙂
I really appreciate the support. Hopefully we’ll be able to persuade Pete to get back into his Pikachu costume too! 😉