MORE than 3,000 Oxfordshire children called the confidential phone service ChildLine for help last year.

And now a mum-of-two from Boars Hill is calling on others to join her in hiking to protect the ‘lifeline’.

Samantha Addington, 38, has signed up to take part in the NSPCC’s Cotswolds Hack (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids), on Saturday, September 24.

The Cotswolds Hack was staged for the first time last year and raised £21,340 for the NSPCC.

This year it is hoped it will be bigger and better, and raise more for the charity’s work with children and families, including funding ChildLine.

Mrs Addington, who is married to Neil, 44, and is mum to William, six, and Joseph, four, said: “Since I have had children, I have become much more aware there are many who do not have the support, or the voice they deserve. The NSPCC offers it, so raising money for this charity is really worthwhile.”

There are two routes to choose from on the Hack, 12 miles or 22 miles.

The 22-mile Hack takes in the Cornbury Estate, and Ditchley Park.

The 12-mile walk is still steeped in history, but is a little easier on the feet.

Mrs Addington, who works part time at Wootton and Dry Sandford Pre-school, will be trudging the 12-mile route .

She said: “I used to do a lot of walking before I had children.

“Training-wise, I walk a couple of miles with the children every day to pre-school, so that will help.

NSPCC fundraising manager Amanda Howard said: “Be prepared for breathtaking views and a challenging hike. This is a great way to raise money for the NSPCC and to help support vulnerable and abused children.”

Money raised by the Hack will help the NSPCC continue its vital work, including running services like ChildLine the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children.

During the period April 2010 to March 2011 ChildLine received 2,898 landline calls from Oxfordshire – although this figure could be much higher as landline calls represent just 24 per cent of all calls received by ChildLine – 76 per cent are made from mobiles.

The registration fee is £10 per person for the 12-mile route and £20 for the 22-mile route. The walk is for over-18s only. The registration deadline is Friday, September 9.

Are you taking part in the Hack? Call the Oxford Mail on 01865 425444 or email dwaite@nqo.com