I want to take this opportunity to thank all of your readers who have continued to support the work of the NSPCC during the last 12 months.

Without the backing of local people we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver our vital services which are so often a lifeline to many children and young people whose lives have been affected by abuse – so a really huge thank you to everyone who has helped in some way.

With the New Year comes the time to make those all important New Year Resolutions and I’d like to appeal to your readers to help to make a fundamental difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

There are lots of ways to support the charity, and for those readers with a place in this year’s London Marathon on 13 April, you may want to consider using that place to raise vital funds for charity.

Money raised for the NSPCC through the marathon will help us to deliver the services which support the most vulnerable children and young people across the country.

Anyone wishing to find out how they can support us through the London Marathon or to find out about volunteering, should contact the NSPCC on 01908 328060 or log on to www.nspcc.org.uk.

Best wishes for 2014. 

Christian Morris, head of region for community fundraising