An eight-year-old LFC fan with cerebral palsy was able to experience how it feels to abseil down the side of Anfield’s Main Stand, thanks to the power of pioneering technology.
Reds’ fanatic, Bethany Ganfield, got to see the Anfield Abseil as if she was doing the 100ft drop herself, but all from the comfort of her own home, with the help of Bobby the BubbleBusters robot. Bobby joined a group of thrill-seekers at Anfield recently not only to help Bethany to experience something she would not normally be able to do because of her condition but also to raise vital funds for charity.
The event was organised by SpecialEffect, a charity that helps people with disabilities access gaming, and was part of their One Special Day campaign. This was supported by LFC and club partner EA.
SpecialEffect aims to make gaming accessible for all, by supporting gamers with physical disabilities from across the world. Some of the solutions they offer include bespoke technologies, ranging from modified controllers to eye-tracking sensors, and their BubbleBusters robots.
Thanks to Bobby the BubbleBusters robot, Bethany was able to take in the spectacular views from the roof of Anfield, and control the robot as it scaled down the Main Stand, without leaving her house.
Once she had completed the abseil, Bethany had the surprise of her life when Leanne Kiernan, first-team number 9 for LFC Women, popped along to say hello via Bobby and present her with a signed shirt.
Speaking after the experience, Bethany said:
“I really enjoyed going around Anfield as Bobby the BubbleBusters robot. It was so nice seeing the view from the top of the stadium during the abseil. And it was extra special to meet Leanne, she was so kind and asked me about my football team and my goals. She even invited me to hopefully meet the rest of the team!”
At the time of writing, £15,000 has been raised for Special Effect from the Anfield Abseil. You can find out more about the fundraiser here.
If you would like to take on the Anfield Abseil, the experience can be booked now via its website here.
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