Here's your December Update

As we approach the end of the year, we want to say a huge thank you for everything you do to make our progress possible. Every shirt you steam, book you sell and shopper you serve makes a real impact for people affected by cancer.

And we’ve continued to open new superstores this year too, in Leigh, Darlington, Stafford, Basildon, Norwich, Southport and Glasgow. Thank you to all of you who have been involved in our store openings and our ongoing success.

Collectively, our shops raise millions of pounds each year to help us beat cancer. Volunteers like you, are the reason we can run our shops and raise this crucial income.

So, however you're spending this festive season, we're sending you our heartful thanks for all your support this year.

Warmest wishes from us all,
Julie Byard, Director of Trading
Cancer Research UK

We think it’s the little things that matter most – the significant moments we can easily take for granted. They are so precious, especially in the festive season and especially for people affected by cancer.

Every year, thousands of incredible volunteers give their time in our shops to help raise vital funds to support our life-saving research. And it’s thanks to research that people affected by cancer can have more time for more of the little things, this festive season and beyond.

To celebrate the festive season, Michelle Mitchell, our Chief Executive, has recorded a special video message to thank you for your incredible contributions this year.

Explore this year's incredible highlights and hear from our volunteer fundraisers joining comedian Rhod Gilbert on tour to fundraise through cash collections, to Campaigns Ambassadors visiting the Houses of Parliament to help keep cancer on top of the political agenda.

Read more about what our brilliant volunteer community have been getting up to this year.

We know that the festive period isn’t easy for everyone, but there are lots of resources available to support you in this period. As a shop volunteer, don’t forget that through CRUK you can access:

• The Retail Trust: free, tailored and confidential health and wellbeing support and discounts available through their website or by calling 0808 801 0808.
• Uniform: We have branded fleeces available to wear in the colder weather.
• Soup: We also have packets of soup available to help keep you warm.

For more information on the above, please speak to your volunteer manager.

And there are other resources that can support you nationwide:

• Hub of Hope: Search in your local area to see mental health support services and groups available on hubofhope.co.uk.
• The NHS: If you’re struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, you can speak to your GP or call 111.
• Samaritans: You can also find support by calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123.
   

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) matters to Cancer Research UK because it plays a vital role in achieving our vision of a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. We believe we can make the greatest progress for people affected by cancer by making sure that the impact of our research is felt equally by everyone, that our expert information is accessible to all, and that everyone who works or volunteers at CRUK feels that they belong.

Our first EDI strategy, published in 2021, was a good starting point, but we know we have more to do. That’s why we’ve published our refreshed EDI strategy, which sets out how we’ll keep making progress over the next five years.

Head to the Volunteer Hub to read more and hear how volunteers have been involved in refreshing the strategy.