Gaming charity appoints new VPs

SpecialEffect, the charity dedicated to helping young people with disabilities play video games, has recruited journalist Johnny Minkley and PR Kirsty Payne as its new vice presidents.

The charity previously developed eye-control gaming technology, online service gamebase.info and supports hospitals, specialist schools and hospices to find the right equipment for youngsters with serious injuries or illnesses.

It has plans to launch the National Accessible Games Centre – a leisure facility with the latest technology designed to make games more accessible.

Minkley is Eurogamer TV’s editor while Payne is marketing and PR manager at games publisher Mastertronic.

Kirsty Payne said: I am absolutely delighted and honoured to become vice president of SpecialEffect – it really makes a difference to young people with disabilities.”

Johnny Minkley added: The work SpecialEffect does to improve lives is inspiring and vitally important, so it’s a huge honour for me to take on the role of vice president.”

Director of SpecialEffect Dr Mick Donegan commented: As many as one person in every ten misses out on the joys and therapeutic benefits of gaming because of their disability.

Kirsty has been involved in the charity since its launch and, in turn, kindly introduced us to Johnny soon after. Both of them have already been an immense help and support to us.”