Here's your September updateHere's your September update
As our summer events have now come to a close, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported at Race for Life this year - we hope you enjoyed the day!
September is packed with important moments including Blood cancer awareness and Gynaecological cancer awareness month. So we're sharing our about blood cancer and about gynaecological cancer webpages for you to read more.
In this update we're spotlighting the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) activity running across our network of shops and superstores, celebrating National Inclusion Week, welcoming MP's into our shops and highlighting how Gift Aid helps to beat cancer.
And with the sun still hanging around, we're sharing a podcast episode from That Cancer Conversation, where Sophie Brooks from our health information team talks about skin cancer.
Best wishes,
Julie Byard, Director of Trading
Cancer Research UK
Going gold this September
This September, we’re recognising Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) across our network of shops and superstores. CCAM is an internationally recognised campaign that raises awareness and support for children’s and young people’s cancers, and is a chance for us to show our commitment to improving outcomes for young cancer patients.
The gold ribbon is the international symbol for Childhood Cancer Awareness, which is why our windows across the country are shining bright with yellow and gold this September. Hopefully you've started turning yours gold already!
Head to the Volunteer Hub to read more about how you can get involved, from encouraging customers to pick up one of our gold pin badges, to reading the CCAM posters in your shop or superstore.
Your support will help us to drive even more progress for children and young people with cancer. We can’t wait to see your fabulous displays!
Beating cancer for everyone
At Cancer Research UK, we’re committed to building an inclusive culture where all our staff and volunteers feel like they belong and can contribute to our success, so that we can make the fastest progress for everyone affected by cancer.
National Inclusion Week (15 – 21 September 2025) is a chance to celebrate inclusion and reflect on how we can all help to create a welcoming and respectful culture. If you’ve got ten minutes to spare, take a look through our refreshed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) guide for volunteers, which highlights why EDI matters and how to speak up if you have questions or concerns.
Keep an eye on the Volunteer Hub this month to find out more.
MPs show support throughout the summer
This summer, Members of Parliament (MPs) have been visiting our shops, Cancer Awareness Roadshows and Race for Life events nationwide. Organised by our Westminster and Local Public Affairs team as part of their work to keep cancer high on the political agenda, these visits are a great opportunity to raise awareness of our work and showcase the incredible impact of our volunteers.
85 MPs have visited our stores over the last few months and many have also shared their support on social media or in local press, encouraging the community to support their Cancer Research UK shop.
Thank you for your support with this project; for many MPs, it has been their first chance to see CRUK in action, and your warm welcome leaves a lasting impression. It wouldn’t have been possible without you!
How Gift Aid is helping to beat cancer
In 2023/24, Gift Aid raised an incredible £7.6 million in our shops - thanks to volunteers like you asking customers to Gift Aid. Each Gift Aided donation is worth 25% more, at no extra cost to the donor. That’s 25p extra for every £1 earned. With over 203,000 sign-ups in 2024/25, your efforts raise money to save and improve lives.
Donors must be UK taxpayers paying enough income or capital gains tax in the same tax year. Accuracy matters and the donor details must be copied correctly from the Gift Aid Declaration into the till. If you’re unsure, you can ask your shop manager. Every correct entry drives us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Podcast spotlight: Are we looking after our skin?
Our That Cancer Conversation podcast focuses on important cancer-related topics, exploring stories from people affected by cancer and highlighting the cutting-edge research unravelling its mysteries.
In this episode, Sophie Brooks from our health information team shares some simple and effective tips for protecting your skin, alongside discussing some common skin cancer and sun safety myths. Tune in to find out more!
We're here to support you
Cancer Chat
A moderated discussion forum where you can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences and get support.
The Retail Trust
As one of our shop volunteers you have access to tailored, free and confidential health and wellbeing support.
Volunteer Hub
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.