Volunteer at an EventVolunteer at an Event
Find your perfect activity
Our teams of event helpers and staff love what they do! No event day is the same and no matter which event or activity you choose, we're sure you'll have lots of fun meeting some fantastic people whilst supporting our cause.
To find an event volunteering role near you, just click 'search' below and enter your town or postcode.
Each year, thousands of people take part in our events so we can continue beating cancer. Join our team of incredible volunteers to help make this happen!
What should you expect?
Volunteering with us is exciting, uplifting and rewarding. Our events provide a unique opportunity for our supporters to come together, take on a challenge and raise money for life-saving research. Volunteers play an important part in this, creating a celebratory atmosphere for our participants.
Here are some of the tasks you may help with:
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Cheering on our participants around the course
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Handing out medals at the finish line
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Helping participants with any questions they have
What our event volunteering roles will offer you
There are lots of benefits to volunteering - here are just a few:
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Meet like-minded people and make new friends. Or bring your family and friends for a fun time in the fresh air.
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Volunteering is great to add to your CV. Gain new skills and experiences - our friendly team will be there to support you.
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Share your expertise and put your existing skills to good use - we'll be extremely grateful!
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Do as much or as little as you want. Every hour you give is a huge help in making our events run smoothly.
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And, most importantly, help change lives for people affected by cancer.
Events you can get involved with
We have a variety of events all over the country. Sign up to volunteer yourself or share the experience with friends and family by signing up as a group. Find what works for you!
Shine Night Walk
In 16 cities we host night-time walking events helping to raise money for life-saving research. Be a beacon in the dark for our participants and help them take on this challenge. From guiding our supporters around the cities to helping set up the course, there are many opportunities for you to get involved.
The Shine Night Walk event season has now ended. Dates coming soon for 2025.
Race for Life
Be a part of something special. Support participants at our biggest series of fundraising events, which has raised over £970 million since it first began. From helping us set up and support our participants around the course, to handing out medals at the finish line, we'll find the right activity for you.
The Race for Life event season has now ended. Dates coming soon for 2025.
Big Hike
Help our hikers have the best day possible by volunteering at one of our Big Hike events. From guiding our hikers on the route, to helping out at support points, there are many opportunities to get involved, whilst enjoying breathtaking views. Hours can vary, some roles have early starts or late finishes but we’ll always discuss your availability with you.
The Big Hike event season has now ended. Dates coming soon for 2025.
Challenges and Marathon
Go the extra mile! At events like the Cardiff Half Marathon and London Marathon help cheer on participants going the distance. Join us for a great day supporting our runners, walkers, and cyclists.
Pretty Muddy
Our Pretty Muddy events are great fun for volunteers. Cheer on and help our participants as they climb over, crawl under, and charge through a muddy obstacle course. You could help on the day by setting up the event, supporting our participants on the course or helping with enquiries.
The Pretty Muddy event season has now ended. Dates coming soon for 2025.
Other ways to support our event season
If you’re interested in being involved in the Cancer Research UK event delivery season as a paid member of staff, you can choose to join us as an event assistant or event merchandise coordinator instead.
The event season has now ended. Dates coming soon for 2025.
How to sign up to volunteer
Step 1
Browse our event volunteer roles to find the one that suits you.
Step 2
Fill in the application form and we will send you a confirmation email.
Step 3
The Event Manager will contact you near the time of the event. Time to volunteer!
What it's like to volunteer at an event
Mike Farley
Event volunteer
“In 2013 I went through the heartbreak of losing my beautiful wife and soulmate Cazi to breast cancer. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to supporting Cancer Research UK in its quest to bring forward the day when we can beat this disease.”
Mike was inspired to volunteer after completing several events including the Leicester Shine Walk, the London 2 Brighton Ultra Marathon and 5 London Shine Marathons. In 2019 he volunteered at Shine events across Birmingham, Leicester, York and London, where he took the opportunity to take on various roles including site-set up, zone management and lead walker.
“Events couldn’t take place without the support of such incredible volunteers. The encouragement they provide throughout the day motivates you to carry on!” “I’ve made some incredible new friends; we all have a shared passion and I know my Cazi would be so proud. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the different volunteer roles I’ve been lucky enough to fulfil, and I am so looking forward to this year’s Events season!”
Watch Mike's story:
Search our latest event volunteering opportunities
You need to be 16 or over to register to volunteer online
If you are under 16 you’ll need to fill in a paper application form and have it signed by a parent or guardian. You can do this on the day or request a form prior to the event by emailing volunteering@cancer.org.uk, letting us know your name, age and which event you want to volunteer at. You will also need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the day.