Cancer Research UK couldn’t exist without the generosity of our supporters, who contribute to our progress in a range of ways. While many people support us through donations, others volunteer their time, skills, energy, voice or fundraise to help us beat cancer.
We have over 40,000 volunteers supporting our work at Cancer Research UK – over 8 times more than the number of paid employees.
In addition to our fundraisers, volunteers support our high street Shops, they are integral to the delivery of our events portfolio, in raising vital awareness through regional and national media stories, and as ambassadors for our policy work by establishing connections with local MPs.
While many people support us through donations, others volunteer their time, skills, energy, voice or fundraise to help us beat cancer.
“It can be hard to quantify the huge impact of our volunteers. They support almost every aspect of our life-saving work, and their personal motivations for joining us are as unique and varied as the roles they perform.
Every hour given by our volunteers is a vital contribution towards achieving our vision to bring forward the day when all cancers can be cured. In return, we hope that the experience offers enormous enjoyment and satisfaction, whatever their role and motivation.”
Laura Parisson, Head of Volunteer at Cancer Research UK
Hear what our volunteers say about why they volunteer at Cancer Research UK
“I simply love giving something back to a charity that has helped so many people. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I am part of a charity that creates ground-breaking research so other people won’t have to lose their loved ones like I did, or at the very least they’ll get longer to spend with them.”
We have over 40,000 volunteers supporting our work at Cancer Research UK – over 8 times more than the number of paid employees.
“What I get out of volunteering is a sense of satisfaction that hopefully I am doing something useful. I hope that what I do may help prevent people from suffering in the future, and it makes me feel that I am part of something that really can make a massive difference to people’s lives.”
Volunteering for Cancer Research UK gives me the satisfaction of knowing I’m making a positive contribution”
“I get a lot out of volunteering with CRUK. The team in our shop are fantastic and I have met real life-long friends. The store is like a little community, we get to know the regulars and they often share their stories with us. It is interesting working with people from different backgrounds and skills.”
It can be hard to quantify the huge impact of our volunteers. They support almost every aspect of our life-saving work, and their personal motivations for joining us are as unique and varied as the roles they perform.
“I get great satisfaction from selling and helping customers in choosing items. Also, in knowing that I am doing my bit to increase the money coming in to beat cancer.”
“Volunteering for Cancer Research UK gives me the satisfaction of knowing I’m making a positive contribution to a great organisation which is making a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer now and in the future.”
The Big Choir
The Big Choir was formed in February 2016 by Sharon Czapnik Down, who started singing to help her through her own cancer journey. A firm believer in the therapeutic effects of music, she threw herself into creating her own choir as a way of giving back.
Sharon’s dream is to grow The Big Choir into a national fundraising group for CRUK and with her drive and the incredible popularity of each one of her choirs, the sky is the limit!
The Big Choir was formed in February 2016 by Sharon Czapnik Down, who started singing to help her through her own cancer journey.
Sharon says “Everyone should get involved! It doesn’t matter what we do, but we should all do something positive to contribute towards a cure. Cancer affects nearly everyone. So many people live in fear, either of getting cancer, of it returning or taking someone they love.
“Doing something fun and positive to raise money for research and awareness is the one thing we can all do.”
She continued to add “Start small and make it fun. The feeling you get by doing something positive is so rewarding. My life has changed for the better in so many ways I can’t describe it! You meet new people, make new friends, learn so much about people.
“Gives new purpose, although my life was already very full with work, friends & family. This is just such a different feeling. It’s a bit like a drug, once you start it’s hard to stop!”
To find out more about how you can help Cancer Research UK, come to Volunteer Expo at the NEC 1st-3rd May and talk to their team! Sign up for your free tickets here.
