AS a mother and a patron of CLIC Sargent, I am writing to you to encourage people to support children with cancer.

In the next 48 hours, 10 children will be diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia, CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading children's cancer charity, works tirelessly to support these children and their families helping to make life a little more bearable during such a difficult and challenging time.

CLIC Sargent is entirely funded by voluntary donations and relies on a series of fundraising initiatives to help fund vital and necessary services -- I would like to appeal to readers to help CLIC Sargent this year by encouraging them to take on their very own challenge in life.

In 2005, CLIC Sargent are setting two tough challenges.

There will be an amazing and challenged trek or cycle through Peru.

Choose to either cycle from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca or trek along the Inca Trail to Manchu Picchu.

Alternatively, why not choose to trek or cycle Cuba -- starting on Christmas Day you will either cycle 440km through picturesque villages separated by colourful fruit orchards, sugar plantations and tree-lined avenues, or trek in the tropical scenery of he Escambray Mountains, finishing on New Year's Eve.

Please think of the 155 children who have been diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia this month, they are struggling facing their own challenge, please help them by trekking or cycling for CLIC Sargent.

KIRSTY YOUNG, CLIC Sargent Patron and Five News Presenter, Abbey Wood Business Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7JU. (www.clicsargent.org.uk)