Volunteers make autism charity founder's day to recognise her devotion to families in Sunderland

As part of Northumbrian Water’s Make My Day campaign, a group of “day makers” dropped in to surprise the founder and volunteers of Include In Autism in Sunderland.

The charity’s founder, Marie Jevons, was nominated as part of the campaign in recognition of all the work she and her team do for more than 200 families in the area.

Marie was surprised with a gift of two sensory tents and a range of sensory lights and toys for use by the charity.

Alison Branton, who works at Northumbrian Water and made the nomination, said: “It was fantastic to be able to surprise Marie and the team as part of Northumbrian Water’s Make my day week.

“My granddaughter has autism and the support she and my daughter have received from Include In Autism is incredible.

"These gifts will really help the people the charity serves and I’m so pleased we have been able to make their day.”

It comes after Include In Autism was earlier this year nominated for a Community Group Award in the Echo's Best of Wearside awards by one parent who praised the way the service has helped her son with Asperger’s and ADHD.

The group offers support meetings, workshops, training and activities.

The water company also had 35 staff volunteering at Moor House Adventure Centre, off the A690 near West Rainton, to prepare the site, ready for the arrival of 1,200 Scouts for the Confido event.

Mark Ireland, from Northumbrian Water, said: “The guys are did loads of great work as part of our Make My Day campaign. They’ve been painting, preparing the ranges, sorting out the roundhouse and having a great day, getting the site ready for the arrival of 1,200 Scouts for Confido.”