A GROUP of determined Wee County woman rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty by taking part in the Girls Big Dirty Day Out in Falkirk recently.

The Wee County Wellness team came together to tackle the ridiculous obstacle course, raising more than £4,500 for Scottish Autism in the process.

The fitness club, based in Ludgate, Alloa, are regulars at the 4k event and were happy to back the cause as their chosen charity this time around.

All the money raised will now go towards Scottish Autism’s Founders House – a new residential service in Alloa that provides accommodation for up to nine autistic adults and includes six self-contained flats.

Celia Peat, who set up Wee County Wellness, said: "The Girls Big Dirty Day Out was an amazing day.

"We have so many fantastic clients at Wee County Wellness and we have built a wonderful community place where people not only get fitter and healthier but build relationships and become part of something with many changing their lives, confidence and having a focus and purpose.

"Forty-five people took part in the day, aged from 17 to 59, which was a brilliant show of community spirit.

"Everyone enjoyed getting sprayed with foam and rolling about in the mud – we’ll definitely do it again!”

She added: “Each year we choose a local charity to raise money for through events that we participate in or organise, and one of the ladies who comes to my classes works in Founders House.

"She told me all about the new facility and we decided to make that our chosen charity this year.

"We are also located near to Makers Cafe in Ludgate – the fantastic cafe that Scottish Autism runs which gives autistic adults the opportunity to learn new workplace skills – so we are very familiar with the great work the charity does.”

Of their overall total, £900 was raised by the Wee County Wellness group's annual dance show in May, and they also donated money from a Clubbercise class, helping to motivate the team prior to the Girls Big Dirty Day Out event.

Karen Wilson, fundraising manager with Scottish Autism, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that such a large group of local people came together through Wee County Wellness to raise this money for Founders House.

"They got wet and muddy on the obstacle course, but kept on laughing and encouraging each other throughout! £4,500 will really help Founders House support older autistic adults.

"There is increasing awareness of younger autistic people, but autism is a lifelong developmental condition, and as people age their needs change and often people can have additional health and mobility issues.

"Everyone who raises money helps us to focus on improving quality of life and personalise support for each individual.”

For more information about Scottish Autism visit, scottishautism.org or phone 01259 720044.