# Cameron has SpecialEffect On New Charity

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/06/26/cameron-has-specialeffect-new-charity/
- Published: 2008-06-26T15:02:10+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

In an event attended by local MP, David Cameron, a new and very special charity 
in has held its official launch.

Hosted by Eynsham Hall, Witney, Cameron, as well as the charity’s patron Matt Hampson,
ex-England Under 21 and Leicester Tigers Rugby player, attended the event and helped
to celebrate the amazing work achieved by this worthwhile cause.

The charity is dedicated to enabling all young people with disabilities to use specially-
adapted technology to enable them to play computer games and express themselves 
creatively through art and music amongst other areas. Without such adaptations, 
games technology is often too difficult for people with disabilities to use and 
SpecialEffect’s aim is to find a way for everyone to enjoy it.

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During the course of the evening, the guests were treated to an opportunity to try
out a range of specially modified games and leisure technology. Even if a young 
person is completely paralysed this special technology will allow them to compete
and participate in the same way as everyone else by moving their eyes.

Dr Mick Donegan, who founded the charity, is working closely with the inspirational
Matt Hampson, who was tragically paralysed while training with the England under-
21’s rugby team. Two years on from Mick’s first support visit to Matt at Stoke Mandeville,
Matt is settled back at home and getting the most of what special technology has
to offer. Now, he feels he is in a position where he is ready, willing and able 
to help other people with disabilities by becoming the Patron of SpecialEffect.

As well providing an opportunity for David Cameron and other guests to try out a
range of specially adapted technology, the occasion also marked the launch of an
Oxfordshire-based appeal in partnership with Helen and Douglas House. The project,‘
A Game for Helen’, will see SpecialEffect establish the world’s fully accessible
computer gaming suite for disabled children at the East Oxford hospice. It will 
aim to enable all of the young people who stay at Helen and Douglas House to gain
full access to this technology.

Donegan says “No-one can underestimate the benefits of this kind of technology for
young people with disabilities. Not only does it increase motivation and self-esteem,
it also provides a perfect opportunity for social interaction – an enjoyable and
relaxed context within which young disabled and non-disabled people can compete 
and interact with each another on a level playing field. In addition, for those 
who have locked-in creative abilities in areas such as music and design, this technology
can provide a desperately needed release for their hidden talents.”

END.

Notes to editors

> [Home](https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/)

Spokesperson available on request

Photography available on request

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