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Robin’s volunteer journey with Cancer Research UK started in 2012. “I was inspired to start volunteering after losing my father to prostate cancer. At the time I was also supporting a very good friend who was undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. Helping Cancer Research UK to beat cancer means I won’t have to witness more friends and family having their lives cut short.” 

Usually found promoting events and out on the course as a marshal during the Race for Life season, Robin has been busy volunteering to support the homeless in his hometown of Liverpool. “The homeless community don’t always have access to news or radio, so when the coronavirus outbreak began it was difficult for them to understand why shops were closing and why we were wearing gloves and face masks. As volunteers, we’re able to talk to them about what was going on.  We’ve been able to take donations of perishable foods from restaurants which have been forced to close and distribute them to homeless shelters across the city.” 

With his passion for event organisation and engaging with the public, Robin is looking forward to returning to his volunteer role soon. “Being a volunteer for Cancer Research UK is such a rewarding experience.  You meet some truly inspiring individuals and have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference.” 

Jayne is the chairperson of the Portsmouth Relay For Life Committee. She felt moved to volunteer for Cancer Research UK after her mum was diagnosed with stage IV uterine cancer 14 years ago. “Mum was given a 5% chance of surviving two years. She started chemotherapy and then surgery became an option, followed by more chemotherapy. 10 years later, she was told she was cancer free!”

Although Jayne can’t volunteer at the moment, she’s still working as a Laboratory Manager at Portsmouth Hospital NHS Trust. “It’s my job to ensure that the drugs manufactured within the NHS are fit for patient use, including medical gases such as Oxygen and Medical Air. Hospitals are making changes to ward areas to enable them to become COVID-19 areas, and so I’ve been travelling to various hospitals ensuring that they have enough supplies.

“Work is extremely busy, but I am making the time to ensure that both our elderly neighbours and my mum are OK and am shopping for them as and when they need.”

Jayne can’t wait to return to volunteering. “I love talking to people, raising awareness of the charity and all the fun we have along the way. For me, volunteering is an opportunity to give something back. I want to help people celebrate more birthdays and prevent other families going through what my family went through.”