MORE than 3,000 lonely and vulnerable children from Oxfordshire call ChildLine every year.
A further 9,000 young people get in touch via their mobile phones or the Internet, feeling that they have nowhere else to turn.
But because of a lack of funding, roughly a third of calls go unanswered.
That is why 42-year-old Amanda Howard, from Lidstone, near Chipping Norton, has decided to help with a fundraising walk in West Oxfordshire towards a campaign by children’s charity the NSPCC to help fund ChildLine.
Hack – Hike Against Cruelty to Kids – is a 25-mile challenge in September that is being supported by the Oxford Mail.
Mrs Howard, a mother-of-two, said: “I know that all charities are worthwhile, but the NSPCC is so important.
“It’s awful to think of a child in the middle of the night needing help and not being able to get through.”
ChildLine answers calls from young people worried about bullying and abuse, or simply needing to chat to someone about their worries.
Volunteer counsellors provide 24-hour comfort, advice and support.
To raise money for ChildLine and a helpline for adults concerned about children, the NSPCC is urging people to join the sponsored walk.
Mrs Howard said: “I’ll be volunteering as a steward on the day and my husband William will be walking it.
“It’s given him a great excuse to do some exercise.”
Hack takes place at Cornbury Park, Charlbury, on Sunday, September 5. Registration closes on Monday, August 23, and places cost £15 .
Organiser Rebecca Steele said: “All money raised through sponsorship will go towards the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, and help make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children.
“Your support will enable us to expand the NSPCC’s helplines — ChildLine for children and young people, and the NSPCC Helpline for adults who are concerned about a child.”
Mrs Holden added: “It’ll be a fantastic day. It’s a stunning part of the country. It will be really enjoyable.”
For details or to register, call 01908 328060, email eastappeals@nspcc.org.uk or visit nspcc.org.uk/hack
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here