WERE any of your readers helped by ChildLine at any time during their childhood? If you are 18 or over and ChildLine made a real difference to your life when you were growing up, we would very much like to hear from you.

This year is very special for ChildLine as in October, 2004 the charity 'comes of age' and celebrates its 18th birthday. We are marking this milestone with a new campaign, 'Safely To 18,' and a host of special events throughout the year.

Since 1986 ChildLine's free, 24-hour helpline has provided a unique source of comfort and protection to well over one million children and young people with all kinds of problems. I have spoken to people who have told me that if it hadn't been for ChildLine they would not be alive today. I believe there may be many, many more for whom ChildLine has provided a vital source of comfort and hope when they needed it most.

If so, we would love to be able to tell your story, anonymously of course, if you prefer. We appreciate that many people may not have told anyone that they called ChildLine -- or the reason why.

By sharing your story about the way ChildLine changed your life we hope that you may encourage a child in need today to call ChildLine -- on 0800 1111 -- as well as helping to make more people aware of ChildLine's vital ongoing work. So, if ChildLine helped you safely to 18 and beyond, and you are interested in telling your story, you can contact us by completing the on-line form at www.childline.org.uk or writing to Adrian Brown at ChildLine, 45 Folgate Street, London E1 6GL.

ESTHER RANTZEN OBE, Founder and Chair of ChildLine.