SIR - Some readers will have places in this year's BUPA Great North Run on September 30.

I would like to ask those who have not yet decided which charity they wish to run for to consider running for Diabetes UK.

Around 2.2 million people in the UK are diagnosed with diabetes, and another 750,000 have the condition but do not know it. This figure could double by the year 2010.

Diabetes is serious. It can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, stroke and lower limb amputation. It is also the largest cause of blindness in people of working age.

Diabetes UK is the leading diabetes charity in the UK, supporting all people with diabetes, their families, friends and carers.

We also fund research, spending around £6 million annually on approximately 150 research projects which we hope will eventually lead to a cure.

Anyone who has a place for the Great North Run can still join the Diabetes UK record breaking team. Contact Jeff Breen, on (01325) 488606 or e-mail jeff.breen@diabetes.org.uk for further information and to gain an exclusive running vest, sponsorship forms and an invitation to our post-event hospitality.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive, Diabetes UK, Parkway, London