As autumn settles in, it’s a moment to reflect on dedication, on community, and on the incredible impact volunteers like you make every day.
With Remembrance Day on 11 November, we’re reminded of the importance of honouring those who gave so much, and the difference people can make when they come together.
In this newsletter, I’m sharing a video message that I’ve recorded for you all following the announcement we made on the 1 October. We also feature Jean, sharing her powerful reasons for volunteering. Read more about how your support has helped raise an incredible amount for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign and find out how we're leading the way in lung cancer research.
Keep on reading to find out more.
Best wishes, Julie Byard, Director of Trading Cancer Research UK
Following the announcement made in our last newsletter, Julie, Director of Trading, has recorded a video message to all our shop volunteers to say thank you and provide reassurance regarding the support available.
''Volunteering has helped me to get my confidence back and realise that I have a purpose, and I’m also helping to make money for an amazing charity.''
“In October 2022 I had a mental health breakdown which made me very poorly. It was a lovely sunny day, and I decided to go for a walk. I was walking through Morecambe town, and I walked past the Cancer Research UK shop. I’ve known the Shop Manager, Amanda, for 19 years, and we started talking after not seeing her for a few years. She asked how I was, and I explained to her that I had not been well, and said my mental health was bad. She said ‘why don't you come and volunteer here’ which made me realise that would be a good idea, as I needed to get out and I was hiding looking at my four walls. So, I filled the paperwork in and started volunteering for Cancer Research UK.
“Volunteering has made me feel like I have a purpose, and I so look forward to going there every Tuesday and Saturday. Amanda has been absolutely amazing with me, I have learnt so much and met some lovely people. All the staff and volunteers are great, and we are like one little family.
“I enjoy volunteering as I feel I am supporting a charity that means so much to me after losing my sister to cancer.”
We’re nearing the end of this year’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which has been running in shops since October. We want to thank you, our amazing volunteers, for your enthusiasm, creativity and commitment throughout the campaign.
Your support and dedication has already helped us raise an incredible £848,162, with more still to be totalled.
We’ve loved seeing all your brilliant fundraising activity and the energy you’ve brought to your shops and stores.
One fantastic example came from our Horsham East shop, where two miniature donkeys from a local sanctuary joined the team for a day of fundraising fun. The visit was organised by volunteer Wendy, who also supports the sanctuary, and it certainly stole the show.
We’re truly grateful to every one of you for your generous support on this campaign. Your efforts play a vital role in helping to fund life-saving cancer research. Thank you for Standing Up To Cancer with us.
From going gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to getting creative for Stand Up To Cancer, we want to say a huge thank you for how passionately you get behind all our campaigns. Together, you’re helping to fund vital research that's making progress possible for people affected by cancer.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and with your help, we’re funding pioneering research like TRACERx EVO.
TRACERx EVO is a seven year programme that hopes to shed light on some of lung cancer’s most challenging mysteries. Led by Professor Charles Swanton in London, international experts are studying biological samples, such as tissue, blood and saliva, from people with lung cancer to understand the disease in more detail than ever before – which could transform how we prevent, diagnosis and treat the disease.
A moderated discussion forum where you can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences and get support.
As one of our shop volunteers you have access to tailored, free and confidential health and wellbeing support.
Find useful information and resources for volunteers and stay up to date with the latest news and updates.
If you received a link to this information by text message it is because you volunteer in one of our shops. If you’re no longer volunteering with us, please email us at volunteering@cancer.org.uk.
