I WANT to ask runners allocated places in this year's London Marathon who have not yet decided which charity to support to consider running for the British Diabetic Association.

Diabetes affects around three per cent of the UK's adult population. It can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, lower limb amputation and blindness. Diabetes is the largest cause of blindness in people of working age. It also affects children.

The British Diabetic Association organises holidays and family weekends for children with diabetes and our careline - 0171 636 6112 - offers confidential information on all aspects of diabetes.

We also fund diabetes research, spending around £4.5 million each year on nearly 200 projects which we hope will lead to a cure.

Runners who would like to support the BDA, should contact Kathryn Aldridge on 0171 462 2649.

PAUL STREETS, Chief Executive, British Diabetic Association, Queen Anne Street, London W1.

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