One of the region’s leading companies is helping to sponsor this year’s Active Sunderland BIG Walk on 30 June.

The annual council run event, now in its seventh year, begins and ends at Herrington Country Park with three different routes to suit all ages and abilities.

Main sponsor of this year’s event which attracts people from across the city and the region to take part, is Oculus HR.

Based at Sunderland’s Software Centre, Oculus HR has clients across the UK providing human resources support, recruitment and employment law advice to companies of varying sizes across a number of industrial and business sectors.

Set up in 2013 by managing director Louise Kennedy after a career in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, Oculus HR has established an international business reputation for providing bespoke HR services and business solutions to leading employers.

Louise Kennedy said: “Helping to sponsor this year’s Active Sunderland BIG Walk is a great opportunity to be involved with a fantastic community event.

“At Oculus HR, we know that health and wellbeing are central to performance in every aspect of life not just in the work place, so we knew this was a project we could believe in and endorse.

“We are a company that knows how to look after people and the  importance of promoting well-being, and encouraging more people to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”

Louise added: “We are all looking forward to enjoying the views and admiring our city on the BIG Walk, and hope to get as many people involved as we can, whether that be our clients joining us or friends and family.”

Sunderland City Council Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Fiona Brown said: “It is great to have business support for this hugely popular event in our city.

“It’s fun and a wonderful, healthy activity giving everyone the opportunity to explore some of our lesser-known countryside and havens for wildlife.

“I would encourage everyone to come along and join us, with routes designed to suit all ages and abilities.”

The three-mile route is ideal for beginners, families or those with mobility issues and involves an optional ‘scavenger hunt’ trail around Green Flag award-winning Herrington Country Park.

Both the seven and eleven mile routes take in the beautiful Wear Valley behind Penshaw Monument.

The longest route crosses the river at Cox Green before heading beneath the spectacular Victoria Viaduct before once again crossing the river using the historic Penshaw-Fatfield Bridge.

The Active Sunderland BIG Walk begins at 10am on Sunday 30 June at Herrington Country Park.

Entries are now open online and the £11 entry fee includes a technical t-shirt, Active Sunderland medal and a goody bag.

To enter or for more information please visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/bigwalk2019