Clothing and home furnishings collection designed by artist with MND using Eyegaze raises €8,500 for MND in first month

A clothing and home furnishings collection, FraEye, could have that special gift you’ve been looking for this Christmas. Launched a month ago, the collection has been designed by an artist with Motor Neurone Disease entirely through eye tracking technology called ‘Eyegaze’. Half of proceeds go towards the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association to help families with MND, with over €8.5K raised in the first month.

53-year-old artist and former architect Fraser Holden from Rathfarnham in Dublin is now completely locked in his body. He was diagnosed with MND in May 2022, with a two to five year lifespan.

With a keen creative streak and with the aid of eye-tracking technology, Eyegaze, Fraser decided to produce artwork and products with his eyes and sell these items to help his family, while also donating 50% of profits to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) to help others with MND access essential services.

The FraEye collection is growing and includes unique statement pieces such as stylish trainers, totes, joggers, track tops, hats and accessories for men, women and children as well as home furnishings including throws and artwork, making them ideal Christmas gifts. The Christmas jumper collection is not to be missed, complete with very cute versions for the family pets.

Fraser’s wife Orlagh commented, “We are thrilled with the positive reaction to our new collection, Fraser and I could not have asked for a better start and the feedback has been amazing. We’re so happy to have raised over €8,500 for the MND community already in Ireland and we’re seeing plenty of orders come in ahead of Christmas. Fraser has created every single piece with his mind, eyes and the latest tech – when you buy something from FraEye, you’re not only giving a wonderful unique gift, but you’re supporting people living with an unimaginable illness and their families. It’s a win-win.”

Fraser had already been using Eyegaze and Adobe to create different forms of graphic art and had succeeded in selling his art across all seven continents, with that money going directly to MND research at Trinity College Dublin. With this gaining momentum, he was then inspired to transfer his graphic art skills to something with everyday function; and given his passion for fashion, the idea soon became a reality.

Lillian McGovern, CEO of the IMNDA added, “What Fraser has achieved is nothing short of incredible and we are so thankful to Fraser and Orlagh for having chosen us – these funds will help us to continue to maintain and improve our supports and services we provide for people living with MND in Ireland and their families as they try and adjust to living with this challenging disease.”

For the full collection, check out https://fraeye.org/.

For information on MND and available supports, visit www.imnda.ie.

See more stories here.