Event volunteer

Across the UK, Shine supporters are getting ready to walk a marathon, half marathon or 10K through the night to raise vital funds for research into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. But our participants couldn’t cross the finish line without the passion and energy of an amazing team of volunteers like you. Whether you’re going solo, bringing a friend or are part of a larger group, your support powers our events and helps make progress possible.

We have many volunteering roles on offer at our events. Let us know in the ‘Comments’ section of your application if you’d prefer a particular role, or our Events team can place you wherever you’re needed most on the day. We’ll provide a full briefing when you arrive, so you feel confident and excited to get stuck in. No matter what role you do, you’ll know you’re making a huge difference to those taking part in our amazing events.

Happy to help wherever is needed!

You’ll be located at a strategic point along the course, ready to cheer and motivate the walkers as they make their way across the city. You’ll be supported by a Zone Manager and be paired up with another volunteer. You can also bring a friend to buddy up with!

You’ll be guiding, supporting and motivating participants by cycling parts of the route. This role requires you to have your own bike suitable to the terrain of the course.

You’ll be part of the team at one of our pit-stops, helping to motivate the walkers and handing out refreshments.

You’ll be part of a team assisting in tasks at Start/Finish venues, such as set-up or handing out medals and water.

We’re on the lookout for individuals and groups who are:

Engaging, friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day.

Flexible and willing to get stuck in and help.

Team players - you’ll be joining a lovely bunch of other volunteers!

But mainly those who can bring their energy, smiles and passion to help us beat cancer together!

Please note:

Volunteers need to be aged 13 years old or above to volunteer at a Shine Night Walk. Any volunteers under the age of 18 will need permission from a parent or legal guardian and will need to be accompanied by this responsible adult at the event.

You must be living in the UK in order to volunteer at one of our events.

We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.

Our Shine Night Walk events take place throughout the autumn, all over the UK.

You can join us at one or more of our events, at locations that work for you.

Most events take place at weekends, although we do have some weekday evening events in selected locations, as well as event set up options.

Our Shine Night Walk events take place during the evening, and the average shift time is around 4-5 hours. Shifts are usually available from 6pm, although this is dependent on venue and event start time.

We want you to have the best experience at our events and ensure you get the most out of your volunteering experience. We will:

Be in contact in the lead up to the day so you know what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have

Give you a full briefing on arrival

Support and guide you throughout the evening

Provide a volunteer hi-vis and any other kit required to carry out your role

Provide hot drinks, meals and snacks as appropriate

Cover your travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager

As well as beating cancer, volunteering with us has a host of benefits for you too, including:

Gaining skills and experience in the events and charity sector.

Meeting like-minded people and having fun!

Making a difference in your community and helping drive progress for people affected by cancer.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. And so far, we’ve made incredible progress – in the last 50 years, we’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK. To make these advances possible, we rely on our community of brilliant volunteers, who give their time to…