Celebrating Volunteers’ Week

“Hopefully over the last few years my volunteering has made a difference to people’s lives.” 

Phil, a keen Health Awareness Roadshow volunteer and Campaigns Ambassador, has a personal mission to improve cancer treatment outcomes for others in his community.   

“I was inspired to volunteer after my own diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer in 2014. I was 65 years old and looking for something useful to do in retirement.” 

Phil first joined us as a Health Awareness volunteer. His role includes promoting the Roadshow in his local area, communicating key health messages to the public and signposting them to our Roadshow nurses. 

“On the Roadshow, I am part of a great team consisting of two nurses and a logistics manager and I am one of a small team of volunteers. We travel to locations within 35 miles of Manchester and focus on those areas where we are needed most. I attempt to volunteer once or twice a month.” 

Phil also volunteered to become a Campaigns Ambassador in 2019 and has since developed a very strong relationship with his local MP as a respected voice on cancer-related issues. 

“The role of Campaigns Ambassador involves me seeking meetings or phone calls with my MP to discuss campaigns that Cancer Research UK are involved in and asking for his support in Parliament. I was recently invited to London to help deliver a petition relating to the Smokefree UK campaign to 10 Downing Street and this year I met my new MP for Macclesfield, Tom Roca, to discuss our Cancer Manifesto and present him with a copy."

Phil has been volunteering for an incredible 11 years, recently taking part in our Turning Point for Cancer Campaign. 

“I found the campaign very meaningful, and the supporting Manifesto is an excellent document with its five mission statements.  It provides a clear focus on what to engage politicians, and the public with. Both of my volunteering roles are an important part of my retirement, enabling me to do something useful, and I am proud to belong to such an incredible charity as Cancer Research UK.” 

Volunteer Angie first started volunteering at our Race for Life events in 2014. 

“I have supported Cancer Research UK for most of my life as I’ve experienced losing family members and loved ones myself. I have always believed in Cancer Research UK and the overall cause. Working as an Auxiliary Nurse, I have witnessed first-hand the amazing teams that fight to beat cancer and in St Luke's witnessing end of life care - it just made me want to do more.” 

Angie has been volunteering with us for over 10 years, and enjoys the atmosphere of our events, meeting people, and supporting our cause. 

“There's an amazing atmosphere at the events. I have met so many amazing people, heard their stories and photographed them. The Plymouth volunteer team are so supportive and really welcoming to all new volunteers.” 

In 2023 Angie was awarded Event Volunteer of the Year by Cancer Research UK. 

“One of my main highlights is having amazing people support me in my volunteering, and to top this it was such a privileged to win Volunteer of the Year. Thank you to everyone from the Events crew to the people on social media - it has been and continues to be a great adventure.” 

"It's all about the company, mixing with people, and having that focus." 

Volunteer Steph started volunteering at her local store, just over three years ago shortly after retiring.  

"It was just after Covid.  I'd retired the year before Covid, and I didn't take kindly to retiring. When you retire it can be difficult, after working all my life I was used to going out every day. I thought, this will give me something to come out for." 

After considering her options, Steph decided to start volunteering at the Catterick Garrison Superstore. 

"I looked at other charity shops, but they were very small. This one's nice and big and there is lots to do. I enjoy coming in and having a focus twice a week, I tend to mainly do stock processing, and I enjoy organising the window too." 

Steph recently received her 3-year volunteering certificate.  

"I'd forgotten – and it was a nice surprise! It makes you feel like they're grateful, the staff do go above and beyond. Overall, I just like the joining in with everybody, and I enjoy having a good laugh with good company. I'm helping, but volunteering's also helping me. 

“Volunteering with Cancer Research UK gives me a real sense of purpose and hope. I enjoy being part of a community that is passionate about making a difference, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that even small actions can contribute to something as vital as cancer research.” 

Anna was invited to be part of the Cancer Research UK Commitee in 2009, following her retirement as a Global Logistics Strategy Director. In 2010 she took part in organising the 2010 Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Cathedral. 

“The Concert was a great success, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support our strategy to beat Cancer so that we can all look forward to a better future. Volunteering gave me a way to channel my emotions into something positive and meaningful, and to contribute, however I can, to a future where cancer is more treatable and less feared and that’s something I’m proud of."

In 2012 Anna went through a breast cancer operation herself.  

“As someone who has had cancer, supporting Cancer Research UK feels deeply personal. Cancer has touched the lives of so many people, including my own, and this has made me appreciate how vital research is not just for finding cures, but for improving treatments which give people more time with those they love. I was inspired to support Cancer Research UK because I wanted to be part of something that brings hope, and their work is not only advancing science but also saving lives every day. 

"Volunteering gives me a way to turn a difficult experience into something positive, and I find strength in sharing my story, raising awareness, and helping others feel less alone. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to research that could one day prevent other people from going through what I did. Being part of Cancer Research UK makes me feel like I’m helping to drive real change and to be part of a wonderful organisation working towards a future where cancer is no longer a threat.”

“I started volunteering for Cancer Research UK in 2015, after being invited to join by a friend who was the Treasurer of the Kenilworth Local Committee. I accepted and have not looked back since!” 

The Kenilworth Local Committee has been fundraising for over 60 years; volunteer Roger has been volunteering as part of the team since 2015. 

“We have a lot of fun alongside working to raise funds. The camaraderie of a group who all have a common purpose is marvellous. Some events are very labour intensive, whereas others are less demanding which brings good balance. Fortunately, they all bear fruit in a different way, and all contribute to our overall goal.” 

In 2024 Kenilworth Committee celebrated their 60th year, holding a Diamond Concert to celebrate.   

“Helped by local sponsors, who were very generous, we filled a local church and organised a themed musical evening. The event was a financial success and enjoyed by all! The sense of achievement when we realise how well supported our events are, is uplifting, and this event was a big achievement.”  

Roger is an integral part of the group and continues to enjoy volunteering and being part of the team.   

“We are extremely grateful for our supporters who donate, attend events and support us in so many ways, enabling the Kenilworth branch to raise an incredible amount of £900,000. The thousands of supporters and volunteers merit a huge thank you for all their efforts in the past, now and in the future towards raising money for Cancer Research UK, and with their continued support will enable us to keep raising vital funds in the future.” 

Ryan has been Roger’s Volunteer Manager at Cancer Research UK and helps support the committee in their fundraising efforts.  

“Kenilworth Local Committee is a wonderful and long-standing fundraising group for Cancer Research UK. The committee has established an excellent network of supporters who consistently attend events such as big breakfast gatherings, quiz nights, and summer lunches. On behalf of everyone in the committee, both past and present, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. With your continued contributions, we can make a significant impact on the work and research our team is able to undertake. Together we are beating cancer.”