WALKERS are being challenged to take on a marathon distance to help raise cash for East Oxford hospice Helen and Douglas House.

It is the third time the charity has staged the Daybreaker challenge, which has so far brought in about £25,000 for the cause.

And organiser Poppy Hanbury is hoping this year’s hike on Saturday, May 19, will raise a record £30,000.

She said: “We are hoping a lot more teams will take part and because it is the hospice’s 30th anniversary this year, we want to hit £30,000.

“It’s very much an endurance event, something that really tests your teamwork.”

Already 16 teams have signed up to take part but it is hoped double that number will line up at the start in Christ Church Meadow.

Walkers must form teams of three to five people, pay a £12 entry fee and commit to raising £500 between them.

They have the choice of a 26-mile or a 13-mile walk.

The route, which is still being finalised, is kept secret, with walkers told the next 10 or 12 checkpoints as they go along. This year, they are also being challenged to spot a series of photographs taken along the route. Miss Hanbury said: “It is almost like a treasure hunt, and there are chocolates and things for them at the different points.

“We don’t try to see it as a competition but we know a lot of the teams have times in their minds and a lot of people want to be the first team in.”

The new photo challenge aims to stop people who know the Oxfordshire countryside well taking shortcuts in a sneaky attempt to be first back – to spot where the photographs were taken, people will have to take the full-length route.

The 26-mile walkers will set off at staggered intervals from 7am, with the first expected to reach the finish at Sandford Lock at about 3pm.

They then get a boat ride back to Oxford.

Miss Hanbury said: “From past experience, some have turned up at 8pm or 9pm at night.

“There is a lot of determination and map-reading needed and it is a great way to bond.”

Walkers must be 14 or over, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. To find out more visit helenanddouglas.org.uk