Without volunteers, young people wouldn’t have the chance to transform their lives after cancer. Volunteers are the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust's heartbeat.
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 really love the difference the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust makes to young people and I know first-hand the impact that it has." - Martin, 2023 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.
| Paul Gavin (2016) | Wen Stone (2020) |
| Rosie McIntyre (2017) | Juliet Sykes (2021) |
| Rosa Coker-Burnett (2018) | Gareth Sellors (2022) |
| Alex Rickman (2019) | Martin Graham (2023) |
‘Drive impact’ is at the heart of our Ambitions. Our live impact dashboard is pivotal to understanding the difference we are making to the young people we support.
As an Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust volunteer, you play a huge part of creating the magic that is proven to improve young people's mental wellbeing after treatment.
Check out the dashboard and learn more about the way and why we measure our impact and see in real-time how you are changing these young lives.
"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 TrustCould 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
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 now open for this year. 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.