AFTER a year of postponed events due to Covid-19, our staff and the young people and adults we support are getting back out into the community – and with that comes the return of fundraising events.

Our first team event to raise money for the North East Autism Society will be the Sunderland 10K on Sunday 20^th June, which will see 14 runners pull on their trainers and fly the flag for Team NEAS.

Lisa Taylor, Marketing Manager at the Society, will be running alongside Adam Gluck who accesses NEAS’s adult day services at New Warlands Farm and lives in one of our supported living homes in Chester-le-Street.

“It will be really meaningful for me to run alongside Adam,” Lisa said. “He’s a brilliant runner and, having done some training together, I think he’ll be the one motivating me on the day.

“The amazing children, young people and adults we support are what makes NEAS such a special place to work and I’m really pleased to have been given the opportunity to support one of our adults at an event like this.”

Keen runner Adam takes part in his local Park Run every week and has previously competed in mass participation events alongside Operations Manager Grainger Simpson. 

Speaking ahead of Sunday's race, Adam said: "I'm looking forward to the run and wearing my vest."

Joining Lisa and Adam on the day will be Brian Stoker, Abby Patterson, Jess Galley and Jon Appleton from Head Office, along with friends and family.

Fundraising Manager Kevin Meikle said it’s great to see staff, along with those we support, getting back into the fundraising spirit after what has been a difficult year. 

“Much of the work we do would not be possible without fundraising and donations, and it’s always great to see staff getting involved with events,” Kevin added.

“I’d like to say well done to the team taking part and encourage anyone else within the Society to get in touch if they’d like to take part in any of our upcoming events, or would like some help organising a fundraiser of their own.”

If you want to sign up to run as part of Team NEAS, there’s still time! You can sign up by visiting sunderlandcity10k.com.

Once you’ve registered, email Fundraising Officer Jon Appleton at [email protected] - he'll send you an Autism Acceptance running vest to wear on the day and provide you with training tips and advice in the lead-up to the event.  

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