The Chilterns elected to support Matt Hampson's Stargaze project by investing in four mobile computer systems and a vehicle, to give children the chance to use the system and to evaluate the possibility of obtaining a dedicated unit for their own use.
These four units will be rotated around the country (not just Chilterns) to Neurological hospitals, special needs schools, and childrens homes.
Since its launch at Leicester Tigers in January 2008, The StarGaze Project has raised approximately two-thirds of the funding required to complete it.
The purpose of the project is to loan systems to people who have had a sudden, traumatic injury or illness that leaves them paralysed and only able to move their eyes.
With specialist support, the aim is to ensure that those involved are able to make the most of the loan period to enable them to decide whether or not to seek funding for a system that the ‘StarGazer’ will use in the long term.
The Wooden Spoon has been especially supportive to the project by providing £50,000 not only to enable StarGaze to purchase four eye control systems for loan but also to acquire a specialist vehicle in which to travel in order to provide the necessary support so that the systems are used effectively.
The official unveiling of the equipment was performed by Matt Dawson in the Woodlands Suite at Adams Park, the home of London Wasps. In attendance, in addition to Spoon Chiltern Committee members and Trustees were the Mayor of High Wycombe, Julie Pritchard and representatives of the local rugby clubs and local press.
Matt said: “It's incredibly sensitive. It looks really basic but it's so precise, and people can write emails, letters and surf the web just with their eyes.
I do not think a year ago anybody would have believed people who could not speak or communicate in any way would be able to express their emotions in this way."
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