Volunteering 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

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

Because of you…

99%

of 2019 trip volunteers loved or enjoyed their Trust experience.

95%

of young people said the volunteers on their trip were good fun.

90%

of young people said the volunteers on their trip were friendly.

29%

of 2019 volunteers were themselves supported in recovery from cancer.

Find out about the trips 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

Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award was introduced in 2017 to celebrate the life of young person and volunteer, Luke Gilbert, 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. The winner is announced at the Trust’s annual Volunteer Training Day.

Roll of honour: Paul Gavin (2016), Rosie McIntyre (2017), Rosa Coker-Burnett (2018).

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2019 LUKE GILBERT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR ARE NOW CLOSED - APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2020 AWARD WILL OPEN AGAIN AFTER THE FIRST TRIP OF THE NEW SEASON.

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

Other ways you can help

Come and Skipper

Freelance Skippers are employed to work on four-day sailing trips in Cowes and Largs from June to October.

Fundraise for us

Use your imagination - from taking on a personal challenge to doing something fun with friends or workmates.

Shop now

Get your hands on our range of exclusive Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust products - treat yourself or buy someone a gift.

Make a donation

Give a one-off gift, make a regular donation, sponsor a young person, donate in memory or leave a legacy.

Nominate your volunteer of the year

The Volunteer of the Year Award was introduced in 2017 to celebrate the life of young person and volunteer, Luke Gilbert, 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. The winner is announced at the Trust’s annual Volunteer Training Day.

Nominations close 15th February 2020.

We're so sad that, due to COVID-19, we can't run first time trips or our scheduled return trip programme in 2020. But we will still be here for young people who need us this year and beyond. Click here for more information.