A charity that modifies and creates equipment for gamers with physical disabilities are hosting their annual London 10K run fundraiser virtually.
SpecialEffect specially personalise equipment for every individual’s needs, from eye-control systems to chin joysticks. They currently have 500 people on their system in the UK receiving ongoing support.
The London 10K has been the charity’s main challenge event for the past ten years, with over 190 supporters raising almost £25,000 last year. This year, the charity is encouraging participants to run on the same day and time, but in their local area in accordance with government guidelines.
Tom Donegan, team leader of Fundraising and Communications for SpecialEffect, said: “The money raised has always been hugely important, as well as the event’s role as a fantastic way to make friends and contacts who then go on to become long-term supporters of SpecialEffect.
“Its role is crucial not only for the donations it generates, but for the relationships we have built through everyone coming together to run and celebrate together as well.”
There are plans for online meet-ups before and after the race to try and recreate the usual experience as closely as possible.
Mr Donegan added: “Right now, our primary aim is to get as many people signed up as possible and trying to recreate something of the magic we usually experience on race day, with so many people coming together to support SpecialEffect.
“We’re even hoping to have some runners joining in from overseas – the USA, Ireland, Finland… even Australia – something we could never do in normal circumstances!”
Runners can sign up for free here (https://www.realbuzz.com/virtual-events/226/), and will receive a medal on completion. They are also being encouraged to dress up as their favourite video game characters for the run, as has been tradition in previous years.
To see why the cause is so important, here’s one example of how SpecialEffect helped 15-year-old Aaron, who has muscular dystrophy, get his favourite hobby back. https://youtu.be/i1sE0FzAEO8
