Register your interest here, and we’ll be in touch.
Across the UK, participants are limbering up to join the fight against cancer. Whether that’s at Race for Life or Pretty Muddy, or a Shine Night Walk, these events raise vital funds for research into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. But our participants couldn’t cross the finish line without the passion and energy of an amazing team of volunteers like you. Whether you’re going solo, bringing a friend or are part of a larger group, your support powers our events and helps make progress possible.
This is a practical role helping our events team set up the site and course ready for the following day. A weekday role, this is the perfect option for corporates, groups or individuals who can't make the weekend event, but still want to help. The role could include putting up site branding, flags and marquees, laying out the start and finish lines and helping set up the course signage.
We’ll provide a full briefing when you arrive, so you feel confident and excited to get stuck in. No matter what you do, you’ll know you’re making a huge difference to those taking part in our amazing events.
We’re on the lookout for individuals and groups who are:
Engaging, friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day.
Flexible and willing to get stuck in and help.
Team players - you’ll be joining a lovely bunch of other volunteers!
But mainly those who can bring their energy, smiles and passion to help us beat cancer together!
Please note:
Most Event Volunteers need to be 16 years or over, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
You must be living in the UK in order to volunteer at one of our events.
We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.
Event season runs from May to October, all over the UK.
You can join us at one or more of our events at locations that work for you.
Event set-up opportunities take place on a weekday, usually on a Friday.
You can choose a time that suits you! For example, a Race for Life event set-up opportunity will usually run from 12pm – 4pm, but let us know what time you can give, and we can work around you.
And of course, if you enjoy yourself so much that you want to attend the event as well, we always welcome extra hands and would love to have you along!
We want you to have the best experience at our events and ensure you get the most out of your volunteering experience. We will:
Be in contact in the lead up to the day so you know what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have
Give you a full briefing on arrival
Support and guide you throughout the day
Provide meals and snacks as appropriate
Cover your travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager in advance of the event
As well as beating cancer, volunteering with us has a host of benefits for you too, including:
Gaining skills and experience in the events and charity sector.
Meeting like-minded people and having fun!
Making a difference in your community and helping drive progress for people affected by cancer.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. And so far, we’ve made incredible progress – in the last 50 years, we’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK. To make these advances possible, we rely on our community of brilliant volunteers, who give their time to help fund research that saves lives.
By volunteering, you’re helping to bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Register your interest here by completing the form, and we’ll be in touch.
Please note that when you arrive on the day, you’ll be required to complete a full volunteer registration form before you begin volunteering. The Event Manager will be on hand to support. This means that if you do not meet our volunteering eligibility requirements, you may be unable to volunteer with us. Please refer to our Volunteering FAQs for more information.
At Cancer Research UK we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition.
Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love for you to join us!
If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer, please email volunteering@cancer.org.uk. Or, you may find the answer listed in our FAQs.
