AS a mother and a patron of CLIC I am writing to you to encourage your readers to support children with cancer.

Every day in the UK five children are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia. CLIC, one of the UK's leading children's cancer charities, works to support these children and their families helping to make life a little more bearable during such a difficult and challenging time.

CLIC is entirely funded by voluntary donations and relies on a series of fundraising initiatives to help fund vital and necessary services I would like to appeal to your readers to help CLIC this year by encouraging them to take on their very own challenge.

On 2004, CLIC is setting three tough challenges, the first a 60km trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania as you ascend Kilimanjaro, you will rise up through every ecosystem known to man; from rainforest, heath, moorland to highland desert and finally at 19,344ft the ice fields of the summit a serious challenge. There will also be an amazing cycle in Rajasthan a 490km cycle will pass through nomadic settlements, temples and the Rathamore National Park in search of the tiger.

Finally, why not chose to trek or cycle Cuba. Starting on Christmas Day you will cover 440km, through picturesque villages, finishing on New Year's Eve in the colourful town of Trinidad for a celebration on the beach.

Please think of the 155 children who have been diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia this month. They are facing their own challenge. Visiting www.clic.org.uk or call 0845 301 0031 to find out more.

KIRSTY YOUNG

Bristol