BIO2020 Official Charity Partner – SpecialEffect

Well known to a growing community of Oxfordshire businesses, not least through its role as the official Twin Town charity, SpecialEffect put fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them to play video games. By using technology ranging from modified joypads to eye-control, they’re finding a way for people to play to the very best of their abilities.

SpecialEffect will be running an auction and raffle throughout BIO2020 with special prizes including a Lionel Messi signed Barcelona shirt, a Wallace & Gromit print signed by Nick Park, a signed Man City first team shirt and an overnight treatment at Champneys. If you would like to donate a raffle or auction prize, please contact Nick Streeter from SpecialEffect at nick.streeter@specialeffect.org.uk.

A link to buy a raffle prize or bid for the auction prizes will be circulated through the social media platforms of BIO2020 and SpecialEffect shortly.

As organiser of BIO2020, B4’s Richard Rosser commented, “It’s such a difficult time for many organisations at the moment but the third sector is finding the new world we live in particularly challenging. I did feel a huge amount of sympathy for everyone associated with the fantastic Twin Town event organised so superbly by Brendon Cross of STL Communications and his team when they had to postpone this year’s event. So much hard work goes into putting this really special event on and I felt using BIO2020 as a temporary ‘home’ for SpecialEffect before next year’s rearranged Twin Town would be a great opportunity for everyone to show their support for the wonderful work they all do. I was delighted that Nick reacted so quickly and positively to the opportunity and hopefully much needed funds will be raised over the three days.”

Dr Mick Donegan, SpecialEffect’s Founder and CEO, added, “I would like to say a big thank you to BIO2020 for the opportunity to raise funds and awareness during the event.  The passionate support of the local business community is a huge morale boost as SpecialEffect seek to keep helping people with disabilties to experience the fun and inclusuion of technology during Lockdown and beyond.”

Founder of Twin Town, Brendon Cross, also commented, “It was inevitable that the fourth and final Twin Town Challenge would need to be postponed as COVID-19 took its devastating hold on the world and we are delighted that the Town of Le Touquet, Blenheim Palace, Eurotunnel and Abbeville circuit all agreed to roll the event forward one year to the Bank Holiday weekend 30th April to the 3rd May 2021. These are particularly challenging times for everyone, including charities, and we are especially grateful to Richard and the team for their support through BIO2020 in these challenging times.  We will be present throughout the event to answer questions about SpecialEffect, The Twin Town Challenge and we may also have a few pleasant surprises.”

We will be joined by Brendon and Dr Mick Donegan on Tuesday 2nd June at 3pm and on each day of BIO2020 we’ll have updates from SpecialEffect about latest news and new auction items
available.

Read more about the fascinating Twin Town story in the latest edition of B4 Magazine here:
https://issuu.com/b4-business/docs/b4-issue-61

To find out more visit:

www.specialeffect.org.uk
www.businessinoxford.com