FRIENDS and fellow teaching assistants Lyn Hill and Alison Duckworth are preparing to go the extra mile for children in crisis by taking part in the second NSPCC Cotswolds Hack.

Mrs Hill and Mrs Duckworth, who both live in Witney, will join about 250 walkers in the Hack (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids) on Saturday, September 24.

And they want more people to sign up now as the deadline for applicants is tomorrow.

The Cotswolds Hack is a 12-mile or 22-mile sponsored hike through the beautiful Cornbury Estate and surrounding West Oxfordshire countryside where participants get the chance to walk in the footprints of Winston Churchill at Ditchley Park and see how richer Romans used to live at North Leigh villa.

Mrs Hill and Mrs Duckworth, who have both worked as teaching assistants at Blake CE Primary School in Witney, will be tacking the 12-mile route.

Mrs Hill said: “This is the first time I’ve taken part in an NSPCC Hack and I’m looking forward to getting involved and completing the hike through the countryside to raise money for such a great cause.”

She added: “Having worked with children for 11 years now I see how much a disruptive and abusive home life can affect a child. I think the Cotswolds Hack is a wonderful way to raise awareness of the fantastic work of the NSPCC.”

Mrs Duckworth said: “I’ve never done anything quite like this before but I’m really looking forward to walking the Hack with Lyn and doing our bit to help the NSPCC.

“It’s a great charity and it will be lovely to give something back to children after they have made my job so enjoyable.”

This is the second time the Cotswolds Hack has been staged and funds raised will help the NSPCC continue its vital work, including running services like ChildLine, the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children – more than 3,000 Oxfordshire children called ChildLine last year for help and advice.

Amanda Howard, NSPCC fundraising manager for Oxfordshire, said: “It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced walker or if you’re new to the pastime as there will be tea rooms along the way to take a short break.

“We are confident that, with the support of people like Lyn and Alison, we will be able to top the £21,340 we raised last year.”

The registration fee to participate in the Cotswolds Hack is £10 per person for the 12-mile route and £20 per person for the 22-mile route.

  • For further details and online registrations, go to nspcc.org.uk/hack or call the NSPCC East appeals office on 01908 328 060