I'M Steve Rider, sports presenter at the BBC, and I would like to appeal to any of your readers competing in this year's Great North Run, Newcastle, to join me in supporting Sargent Cancer Care for Children.

For the third year running I'm backing the leading national children's cancer charity by getting sponsors to help raise vital funds for sick children.

And, I'm calling on my fellow runners to pledge their support too.

Every year more than 2,000 youngsters in the UK get cancer. Sargent helps from the moment of diagnosis with financial help, practical care and advice.

Sargent Cancer Care for Children will provide you with a full sponsorship pack including fitness and fundraising tips and a T-shirt. Please call our friendly team at Sargent on 0208752 2886 and find out how your 13 mile run can help children with cancer.

STEVE RIDER

Sargent Cancer Care for Children