Rugby star to launch SpecialEffect

A new charity will launch next week with the aim of offering specially adapted videogames and gaze-controlled computers to young people with disabilities.

SpecialEffect, set up by Dr Mick Donegan - an expert in the field of technology for disabled people - will loan out equipment to try to help those unable to enjoy the same sorts of social and entertainment pursuits that others take for granted.

The charity will be unveiled by Matt Hampson, the former Leicester Tigers and England rugby player, who was paralysed while training with the England under-21 team and for a time after the accident was only able to move his eyes.

He has been working with Dr Donegan for the past two years, and will become the patron for the charity, which will also be supported by the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club.

"Even if you can't have all the technology available immediately, it's when you're there in hospital that you need to know that this technology is out there and this project will help people in exactly this way," he said.

And Dr Donegan added: "We can't think of anyone who could be a more genuinely inspiring example to the many young people that we support.

"Matt has already been a huge help with providing contacts and advice and he is very keen to become ever more actively involved in the charity in the future."

Next week will also see the launch of the charity's StarGaze appeal, which hopes to raise GBP 160,000 to purchase equipment for young people struck down by sudden illness or injury and make it possible for them to play some computer games, as well as provide information to parents on adapting others.

The launch event will be held on January 22 from 7:30-9:30pm in the Europa Suite, at the Welford Road home of the Leicester Tigers.

More information is available from the charity's web site.