HAVE YOU thought about volunteering, but don’t know where to start? Cancer Research UK can support you to volunteer in your community and help beat cancer. Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people, share or develop your skills and gain new experiences.
Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information. We’re the only charity fighting over 200 types of cancer, pioneering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, as well as finding ways to optimise treatment, so we can see 3 in 4 people surviving their cancer by 2034.
While many people support us through donations, others volunteer their time, skills, energy, voice or fundraise to help us beat cancer. Alfred (pictured above) is Cancer Research UK volunteer who started treatment for advanced prostate cancer eight years ago and currently his cancer is being managed extremely well. He told us how sharing his experience to help shape our work has helped him regain confidence, whilst allowing him to represent his community and other black men.
“When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer my self-esteem took a serious knock along with my self-confidence. Being involved in a panel of people affected by cancer and other opportunities helped to bring it back.”
Volunteer opportunities available include:
- Volunteering at a Cancer Research UK shop
- Joining a local fundraising group
- Volunteering at an event
- Campaigning for us
- Sharing your experience of being affected by cancer
- Sharing your story to raise awareness
- Volunteering through your workplace
Alfred added: “As a black man, I represent my community first and foremost. There clearly is a lack of participation and sense of disconnection from the black population with regards to healthcare matters. This needs to be addressed. Sometimes being the only person of colour in some of these groups has made me realise how little people of colour are represented but equally how invaluable our input is.
“Cancer does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, races, backgrounds and lifestyles. I personally feel that I have a responsibility and I would be remiss in what I know and what I have been through to not share this information with my community, as failing to do so will endanger them and their families.”
Like Alfred, you could help to make a difference. Sign up to join your community and volunteer with Cancer Research UK.
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