SIR – I am writing on behalf of the Meningitis Trust to encourage energetic readers with a confirmed place in the Virgin London Marathon to choose to run for us. Volunteer runners will help raise funds for the charity –the UK’s primary provider of professional services and community-based support for people affected by meningitis – helping the thousands of people who have been, and continue to be, affected by the disease.

The Trust will offer one of the best Virgin London Marathon support packages available, including a free personalised running vest or T-shirt, race pack (with training and dietary advice) and fundraising support, information and encouragement from our dedicated team.

On the day there will be encouragement from our supporters at our own cheering point on the route, transport to the Trust’s post-race celebration for a well-deserved massage, shower and a buffet, where runners can meet up with friends and family. More than 20,000 people are helped by the Meningitis Trust each year. With as many as 500,000 people in the UK today who have had either viral or bacterial meningitis, its work is much-needed.

For more information on becoming a volunteer runner, contact (01453) 769081, or e-mail sarahl@meningitis-trust.org.

Sarah Langton, event organiser, Meningitis Trust