Hundreds of people take part in charity assault course at Herrington Country Park

Wearsiders got up to their eyes in mud as they tackled a family-friendly assault course for a North East charity.
Youngsters take part in the Sunderland Scramble event, organised by the North East Autism Society.Youngsters take part in the Sunderland Scramble event, organised by the North East Autism Society.
Youngsters take part in the Sunderland Scramble event, organised by the North East Autism Society.

The 10-obstacle Sunderland Scramble course in aid of the North East Autism Society (NEAS) saw those take part head to Herrington Country Park for the fun.

About 600 people in total are thought to have got involved.

Youngsters take part in the Sunderland Scramble event, organised by the North East Autism Society.Youngsters take part in the Sunderland Scramble event, organised by the North East Autism Society.
Youngsters take part in the Sunderland Scramble event, organised by the North East Autism Society.
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With the emphasis on finishing the course rather than securing a fast time, people of all abilities took part by walking, jogging, running and of course scrambling their way through the nets and obstacles.

Shekila Thompson, 38, from Sunderland, took part alongside her son 14-year-old Jovonn Donkin, who has autism.

"It's been great," said Shekila.

"I enjoyed it so much I'd do it again to be honest.

Shekila Thompson and her son Jovonn after they finished the course.Shekila Thompson and her son Jovonn after they finished the course.
Shekila Thompson and her son Jovonn after they finished the course.

"It's been a really good day even though it took us a while to get around the course."

Sophie Clarke, Sunderland Scramble organiser and fundraiser for NEAS, said: “More people taking part means more funds raised, and in this case it will mean extra help for toddler groups for children with autism and vital family support services across the North East.

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“Families dealing with autism have to navigate obstacles in everyday life all the time, this is our way of standing with them and showing support.”

Participants had no obligation to raise additional funds, so the event could be used a stand-alone family fun day, or a platform to help NEAS fundraise.