With the Flora London Marathon only three months away, I would like to thank all those who are running for the Starlight Children's Foundation and invite other runners, who are not yet running for a charity, to join them.

I really am impressed that so many people manage to fit a demanding training schedule around their careers and family commitments. Even as a professional runner, I can find it difficult to motivate myself on a cold morning, yet the people who run for Starlight manage to do this, and make time to raise money as well for some very special children.

Motivation for Starlight Runners is easy as every step they take on April 16th is a step towards making a seriously ill child smile.

The money they raise will help to brighten the lives of critically and terminally ill children and their families by funding projects in hospitals, and granting the wishes of a lifetime for children around the UK.

Children like 15 year old Chris, who has a heart defect.

When the hospital where Chris is treated referred him to Starlight, he told them he'd love to go on a boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads. So in August, Starlight arranged for him to spend a week on the boat Bahama Major with his whole family.

They all had a marvellous time, which they will remember for years to come thanks to money raised by the 1999 Starlight Marathon Team.

I wish all of Starlight's Runners the best of luck in their fundraising and training, and would encourage anyone who is not yet in a team to join by calling them on 020 7430 1642.

I know that Running for Starlight will make your marathon experience even more rewarding: when you know you are part of a team that is making a difference, you can achieve goals you hadn't thought possible.

LIZ McCOLGAN

Winner of the 1996 Flora London Marathon

Starlight Children's Foundation.