HAVE you entered the 1999 Flora London Marathon? Which charity are you going to run for?

The capital's race is the most successful fundraising event in the UK, and between them, 30,000 runners donated a total of £15.7million to charity last year.

The 26 mile 365 yard course is the ultimate test of human willpower and previous finishers will testify that the moment they crossed the line was the proudest of their lives. But the London Marathon is not about individuals - it is the perfect opportunity to help other people. The choice of charity to run for is a very difficult one but here are a few ideas.

Age Concern provides care and opportunities for the elderly, regardless of their circumstances. Services range from providing 1.5 million hot meals a day to befriending schemes and day centres and the provision of factsheets and books on ageing issues. Competitors running for the charity will receive a regular newsletter, fundraising tips and the chance to win exciting prizes. For more information call 0800 009966.

Or you could make all your hard work pay for The National Deaf Children's Society. The NDCS supports deaf children and their families, providing advice and information on welfare, education and technology issues as well as a helpline which caters for more than 600 parents per month. The NDCS has a limited number of guaranteed places available - so be quick and call 0171 490 8656.

Marathon runners are wanted to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in Hayes. Free running vests and a sponsorship pack will be provided. If you are interested call Geoff Welch 0181 462 5564.

"Think right, dress bright" is the winter message from the Leukaemia Research Fund. Kate Peters, the charity's marathon liaison officer wants runners to be extra careful during their winter training programmes. She suggests you wear bright clothes so you can be seen and tell somebody which route you will be taking. Watch out for ice patches at this time of year and, where possible, keep to well-lit streets.

Runners who join the Leukaemia Research Fund/TV Times team will receive sponsorship forms, fundraising tips, advice, invitations to training days and a running vest. In Britain, 18,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia or a blood-related disease each year. If you would like to help the LRF call Kate Peters on 0171 405 0101.

The British Heart Foundation hopes its Heart Runners team can beat their 1998 total of £260,000. Heart and circulatory disease are the biggest killers in the United Kingdom and your sponsorship money could fund research and education and provide life-saving equipment. Heart Runners receive a sponsor pack, T-shirt or running vest and an invitation to the post-race reception at the Commonwealth Club in Northumberland Avenue, London.

For information about the BHF and details about applying for one of their guaranteed race places, please call 0800 106019.

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