Congratulations to the team of 14 runners who completed yesterday’s Sunderland City 10K in support of the North East Autism Society, despite the grey, wet weather.

Thousands of runners participated in the event, which took runners on a route around Sunderland city centre, before crossing the Wearmouth Bridge and making their way down to Roker.

And there were plenty of gold Autism Acceptance vests to be seen on the day, with NEAS even getting a few shout outs over the loud speaker as our runners crossed the start and finish line.

The team, made up of staff, autistic adults and supporters, have spent weeks training in preparation for the race which marks our first mass participation fundraising event since the start of the pandemic. And so far their efforts have raised more than £800.

The Society’s marketing team, made up of Lisa Taylor, Abby Patterson and Jess Galley, completed the run, with Lisa running alongside Adam Gluck, who accesses our adult day services at New Warlands Farm and lives in one of our supported living homes.

"I am so proud of Adam," Lisa said after the race.

It was brilliant to run alongside him and we both absolutely loved doing the run.

Fundraising Officer Jon Appleton also took part in the 10K event, while Head of Care Brian Stoker took on the half marathon with his daughter.

“It was brilliant to get back to mass fundraising events – and to do it with my colleagues, as well as Adam, made it all the more meaningful,” Jon said.

It’s been a tough year, but it’s great to see people donating to support the work we do and the 10K race has warmed us up for our annual cycling sportive, which is taking place in August.

Now that the run is over - although there is still time to donate and help us smash that £1,000 barrier - the Society's fundraising team are turning their attention to August's 170-mile Tyne Confluence Sportive cycling challenge. If you'd like to take part, you can sign up online or email [email protected].

Or, if you're looking for something more family friendly, we still have spaces available for Clarty Bairns, which takes place at Hedley West Farm on July 24th. The muddy, 3km obstacle course is suitable for ages six and over and is a fun challenge for the entire family to take on together. Prices are TBC and spaces will be released soon.

NEAS also still has a limited number of places available for the Great North Run, taking place on Sunday 12 September. With places rolled over from last year, this is your only opportunity to enter the world's greatest half marathon in 2021 and join Team NEAS as we take to the streets of Tyneside and raise vital funds to support autistic people and their families across the North-east.

If you want to take part in an event to fundraise for the Society, or if you’d love to organise an event of your own, please feel free to email Jon at [email protected] or call 0191 492 4386 for a chat. 

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