I AM writing to ask readers to consider entering the annual BAPS Swaminaryan Sanstha UK family walk to raise money for Diabetes UK.

The 10km event takes place on Sunday, April 6 at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at 8 Avenham Place, Preston.

This will be the 15th walk organised by the UN-affiliated Hindu charity and is part of 13 walks taking place around the country.

Last year it raised £25,000 and this year 10 per cent of all proceeds will go to charity.

It is a great chance to have some family fun and a gentle workout at the same time.

Walkers can enter by going to www.bapswalk.org or emailing info@bapswalk.org or contacting 020 8965 2651.

There are 2.3 million people in the UK with diabetes and 192,000 are from South Asian communities.

There are also up to 750,000 million people in the UK who have Type 2 diabetes but do not know it. Diabetes is serious and can lead to complications such as heart disease, strokes, kidney damage, blindness and lower limb amputation.

Diabetes UK supports people with diabetes, their families, friends and carers. It has been appointed charity of the year by BAPS for 2008.

The Diabetes UK Careline 0845 120 2960 offers callers confidential information on all aspects of diabetes and is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

We also fund over £7million in research projects, which we hope will eventually lead to a cure.

DOUGLAS SMALLWOOD, chief executive, Diabetes UK.