ASTHMA is a serious and growing problem in the UK. There are over 3.4 million people in the UK with asthma, and regrettably it is the only treatable long-term medical condition in the western world which is still on the increase. That's why I encourage your readers to run and fundraise for the National Asthma Campaign in next year's Flora London Marathon.

I am the National Asthma Campaign's Team Captain for the marathon and support the campaign's important work. It is the only independent UK charity dedicated to conquering asthma and improving the quality of life for people with asthma, investing over £16 million directly into funding asthma research.

I haven't let asthma stop me in my career as an athlete. I have exercise-induced asthma, but luckily it is well controlled -- I know what triggers my symptoms and my asthma is checked regularly to make sure I'm getting the right level of medication.

Exercise is good for everyone, including people with asthma. The marathon takes place on April 22, 2001, so there's still plenty of time to get into shape, whether you're an experienced or occasional runner. It's a great opportunity to get fit and raise money for such an important cause, and really make a difference to the lives of people with asthma in the UK. We hope you will join our team of 700 runners and help us achieve our fundraising target of £400,000. And if you haven't managed to secure a place, don't worry, we've got over 300 gold bond places available for Campaign runners.

To find out how you can join our team, or to make a donation, call Vicki Cullingworth at the National Asthma Campaign on 020 7704 5860.

Paula Radcliffe

World Half Marathon Champion and World 10,000 Metre Silver Medallist