A CHILDREN’S charity is asking the people of Oxfordshire to step out and help end child cruelty.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is holding a sponsored hike, starting and finishing at Cornbury Park, near Charlbury.

Hack – the Cotswold’s Hike Against Cruelty to Kids – is a 25-mile walk in aid of the charity’s Child’s Voice Appeal.

Rebecca Steele, NSPCC community fundraising manager for the Thames Valley, said: “This is the first Hack to be held in the Cotswolds and we’re confident that locals will get behind it.

“It’s a fantastic hiking challenge which offers the chance to have fun, work on your fitness, and meet new people, all while supporting the NSPCC.”

A scenic route will take walkers through the Cotswolds, including the Blenheim estate, Forest of Wychwood, a Roman villa and the River Evenlode.

Television presenter Julia Bradbury is backing the event, one of eight being staged across the country.

She said: “It’s a great honour to help the NSPCC launch its hiking challenges this year. It’s well known that I love the outdoors and hiking in the beautiful countryside.

“Walking is a great way to keep fit and can have an uplifting effect on your mood. We’re lucky that the UK has such stunning countryside, and these walks take full advantage of that.

“So, whether you are an experienced walker, or if this new to you, get your walking boots on, start training and get yourself registered for the Cotswolds Hack. It’s a great way to raise money for the NSPCC and to help support vulnerable and abused children.”

The event will take place on Sunday, September 5. The registration deadline is Monday, August 23.

Walkers are expected to take between eight and 12 hours to complete the route, with marshalls and checkpoints along the way.

The terrain will be varied, so sensible footwork and clothing must be worn. No dogs are allowed. The registration fee is £15 per person and the walk is for over 18s only.

The first Hack started in Yorkshire, where it has been running for four years.

Last year it became a national event with five walks being introduced.

This year, because of its increasing success, eight Hacks will take place across the country, including the one in West Oxfordshire.

The NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal aims to raise £50m, so that more children’s cries for help are answered.

The charity already runs ChildLine, a free confidential 24-hour helpline for children, and another helpline for adults concerned about a child.

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk For details or to register, visit nspcc.org.uk/hack or call the NSPCC east appeals office on 01908 328060 or email eastappeals@nspcc.org.uk