Can you ‘HACK’ it this summer in the Malvern Hills?

Stride out and help stop child cruelty with the NSPCC.Do you enjoy getting out in the countryside? Perhaps looking to get fitter this spring/summer but bored of the gym? The NSPCC is calling on members of the public in the Midlands to dust off their walking boots and sign up for the NSPCC’s HACK, ‘Hike Against Cruelty to Kids’, a 21 mile hiking challenge through stunning countryside across the Malvern Hills, Worcestershire.The NSPCC’s Malvern Hills HACK takes place on 26th June and it’s the second year a HACK is taking place in this area. The circular route starts from The Pheasant pub in Welland and passes through an area of outstanding natural beauty, taking in views of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, Severn Valley and Welsh Hills.The HACK is a great way to start a keep fit campaign, and is an amazing challenge and experience. The HACK will be a fabulous day out in the great outdoors and a valuable opportunity to support the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal. The Child’s Voice Appeal will help to expand the NSPCC’s vital helpline services, ChildLine the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and the NSPCC Helpline for adults concerned about a child. As usual there are limited places available for each walk. The registration fee is £15 and is for over 18s only. For further details and online registrations and payments, please log on to www.nspcc.org.uk/hack or contact  the NSPCC Midlands Appeals office on Tel: 0844 892 0217 or e-mail: midlandhack@nspcc.org.uk. The HACK originated in the North of England in 2005, and has proved so popular with walkers from around the UK that the NSPCC has increased the number of hikes to eight this year.Go on and challenge yourself, your friends, family and work colleagues! Why not enter as a group for a team challenge. Vicki Rowles, NSPCC fundraising coordinator for the Midlands, said: “We are very pleased that our region is now running its second HACK. It’s a fantastic hiking challenge and offers people not only a great opportunity to get into training, but a rewarding physical challenge. Walkers will have some fun along the way, whilst helping to raise money for the invaluable work the NSPCC does to help vulnerable children and young people.” The HACK challenge can be great fun, but is hard work. A 21 mile walk is a demanding physical challenge, and the NSPCC recommends people who register, undertake some training before hand. Average walkers should complete the walk comfortably within 12 hours with more experienced faster walkers aiming to complete the walk within eight hours. There will be checkpoints and marshals on route, with radio contact between all checkpoints and the control centre.The terrain is very varied and suitable walking boots and clothing are recommended.  The HACK is open to people aged 18 years and over.  No pets are permitted on the walk. Once the registration is complete, entrants will receive a walker’s pack outlining their start time and giving further details of the route. Participants can then begin collecting sponsorship pledges from friends, family and colleagues. If you don’t fancy taking part in the walk, why not help out and volunteer to be a marshal on the day or help promote the walk in your region? Please contact Vicki Rowles, NSPCC fundraising coordinator for the Midlands, for further details on Tel: 0844 892 0217 or e-mail: midlandhack@nspcc.org.uk.