What's involved

There are many ways you can help. You can use your story to help beat cancer by:

• Featuring in our publicity materials
• Talking to your local or national media (newspapers, radio, TV & magazines)
• Appearing in an advert or other national campaigns
• Speaking in person to our volunteers or potential supporters

We would like to hear from anyone who wants to share a personal experience of cancer.

Who can share their story?

• You may have been treated for cancer, or be living with cancer yourself.
• You may be the parent or guardian of a child with cancer
• You may have experienced a relative or loved one battling cancer

If you have a message you'd like to get across, especially if Cancer Research UK has had an impact on your life, we are really keen to hear from you. All kinds of stories from all kinds of people can help us to save lives by raising awareness and support for cancer research.

What do I need to do?

All you have to do is fill out our secure online form.

With your consent you will be added to the Patient Liaison volunteer database.  Please also see our online Privacy Statement.

Why become a volunteer?

Hearing about the experiences of others can motivate, educate and inspire people. It can also build compassion and understanding - as well as giving hope and support to people who may be going through a difficult time. You may have seen stories of people affected by cancer in your local newspaper or in our recent advertising campaigns.

Your stories help us to connect with the public and communicate the progress we're making in our cancer research. By sharing your story you can help us continue to save lives.

By sharing your story you can help us:

• Highlight the experiences of real people affected by cancer
• Help raise awareness of cancer symptoms, treatments and prevention
• Give inspiration and hope to other patients and their families
• Help raise awareness through the media.

What do we look for in a volunteer?

• Current or recent experience of cancer, either as a patient or a family member 
• Willingness and confidence to talk openly about your cancer experience 
• A desire to increase awareness of the work of Cancer Research UK.

Everyone’s journey is important and we are always on the look-out for those personal details that really bring your story alive. For example – How was your cancer diagnosed? Did you meet someone special during treatment? Did you take part in any medical trials? Did your diagnosis lead to a dramatic lifestyle change? Or has something else perhaps happened you would like to share?

What might I be asked to do?

Each request we receive is different and so you could be asked to share your story in a wide variety of ways. It’s always entirely up to you whether you choose to get involved. Opportunities may range from simply providing a short quote or a photo for a newsletter, to giving an interview in a local or national newspaper. We will get in touch if we receive a request you may be able to help with, but please don’t be disappointed if you don’t hear from us - it can be difficult to predict what will come up.

How much time will I need to give?

It’s completely up to you! You are in control at all times. We understand that you may work and have other commitments, but whatever help you're able to offer is really appreciated. We also understand that your circumstances may change over time and you might wish to become more or less involved – just let us know.

What information will I need to share?

In most cases you will need to share your name, town, age and story along with a recent photograph. We might also ask you to discuss your treatment plan too so we can link back to the science and research. It might be a good idea for you to talk to members of your family about this first to make sure that they are comfortable with it too. You will always have the option of saying no to any request.

Simply fill in our form and share your story.

If you have any questions, please email mystory@cancer.org.uk.