Volunteer with us

Without volunteers, young people in recovery wouldn’t have the chance to transform their lives after cancer. Volunteers are the Trust's heartbeat.

I want to volunteer I am a volunteer

Why volunteer?

Volunteers are heroes in so many ways.

Whether supporting fundraising or providing an extra pair of hands on trips, our volunteers make an immeasurable difference.

Sometimes one supportive word or simply just being there can be the difference in a young person taking a life-changing step. You could be that hero.

"It's about making the young people feel they can do things. Seeing a face light up is a huge thing." - Rosa Coker-Burnett

I want to volunteer I am a volunteer
Gareth Sellors (left), winner of 2022 Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year Award with Luke's mum, Julie (right)

“I absolutely loved my trip; the people, the whole atmosphere, and seeing what it did for young people." - Gareth, 2022 Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year

Who's your Volunteer of the Year?

The Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year Award was introduced in 2017 to celebrate the life of young person and volunteer, Luke, who sadly passed away in 2016. Nominations are invited after every trip. Anyone can make a nomination.

The only criteria are that a volunteer embodies Luke’s incredible personality, sense of humour and fun, enthusiasm and compassion. An independent panel, including Luke’s mum Julie, judges the nominations.

Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year - roll of honour:

  • Paul Gavin (2016)
  • Rosie McIntyre (2017)
  • Rosa Coker-Burnett (2018)
  • Alex Rickman (2019)
  • Wen Stone (2020)
  • Juliet Sykes (2021)
  • Gareth Sellors (2022)

*NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2023 - nominations close at midnight on Monday 26 February 2024.

The winner will be announced at our annual Volunteer and Skippers' Training Conference in spring 2024.

Find out more and nominate

Because of you…

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Our impact - live dashboard Support the Trust

Meet volunteer Bill

"As a volunteer I get so much out of playing a small part in something so significant in the journey young people are undertaking in rebuilding their life after cancer."

A familiar face on trips from Largs, Bill values the opportunity to support young people during their recovery while sharing his passion for sailing.

Find out more about Meet volunteer Bill

Find out more about the trips Support the Trust

Other ways you can help

Come and Skipper

Could you use your professional sailing skills to help young people rebuild their lives after cancer? Each year the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust employs Freelance Skippers to work on our sailing trips from Cowes and Largs between June and October. As a Skipper, you have overall responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the crew, the safety and security of the vessel and its equipment at all times.

Find out more