I WOULD like to ask readers to be part of something amazing by joining Team Diabetes UK and running at this year’s Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon, taking place on Sunday, October 11.

In the Vale of York there are 15,070 people living with diabetes, as well as a further 4,462 who have Type 2 diabetes but don’t yet know it. Diabetes is a serious condition that, if not properly managed, can lead to complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and amputation.

By joining Team Diabetes UK, runners will be raising money to provide vital information and support to local people with diabetes as well as increasing awareness for those who are as yet undiagnosed. We campaign for better treatment and care for people with diabetes, as well as funding pioneering, life-changing research into care, treatment and prevention.

This popular and picturesque run, flatter and faster than London, Paris, Chicago and Berlin, is an attractive prospect for runners of all abilities.

All runners who join the Diabetes UK team receive a branded vest, crazy hair, a fundraising toolkit, online support, training tips and up until the end of April it is only £1 to sign up.

For more information, phone 07990 003441, email katie.hall@diabetes.org.uk or visit diabetes.org.uk/Get_involved/Fundraising-events/Yorkshire-Marathon

Katie Hall, Regional fundraiser, Diabetes UK Yorkshire.