I AM inviting your readers to take part in a unique fundraising event that is taking place this year around World Asthma Day.

Asthma UK is launching Run the Country on World Asthma Day - Tuesday, May 3 - and the event will visit ten cities throughout the UK over ten days.

You can join us to put asthma on the map and raise vital funds to help the 5.2 million people in the UK with asthma.

Run the Country is coming to Manchester on Friday, May 6 and that's when your readers can take part.

You can walk, run or cycle a distance of 5km, 10km or 15km along an organised route in what promises to be a fun day out.

We aim to raise £100,000 in total - that's £10,000 in each city.

Participants can raise as much or as little as they are able to - every penny counts and will go towards funding vital asthma research looking at the causes of this condition which affects one person in one in five households in the UK. Ultimately, we would like to find a cure.

I have asthma myself so I know the effects it can have on a persons life. However, I am one of the lucky ones and my asthma can be effectively controlled. Some peoples asthma cant and thats why I am laying down the gauntlet.

For more information, please contact Asthma UK on 020 7704 5888 or log on to www.asthma.org.uk/runthecountry.

PAULA RADCLIFFE MBE

World Marathon Record Holder.