Volunteer in Poole

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.

Roles include:

• Setting up and packing down the event, which may include helping to set up the course and marshal stations, putting up marquees and flags, getting water to the finish line, and clearing up after the event has finished.
• Course Marshal and Obstacle Marshal: You could be located at one of our Course Marshal points, cheering and encouraging our participants and helping them navigate their way around the course. As an Obstacle Marshal at our Pretty Muddy events, you’ll guide participants as they climb, crawl, and slide around the obstacles.
• Answering queries from participants and spectators during the event, including providing directions and processing on‑day entries.
• Guiding, supporting, and motivating participants by cycling parts of the route. This role requires that you bring your own bike, suitable for the terrain of the course.
• Pace Maker for 10k races (Race for Life only): You’ll help pace our 10k participants to meet their time.

The kind of person we’re looking for:

• Engaging, friendly, and keen to ensure 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!
• Individuals who can bring their energy, smiles, and passion to help us beat cancer together!

Eligibility and Requirements:

• Volunteers under the age of 18 will need permission from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by this responsible adult at the event.
• Only volunteers aged 18 years or older can take on the roles of Course Marshal and Cycle Marshal.
• You must be living in the UK to volunteer at one of our events.
• All applicants are asked to disclose any unspent criminal convictions in confidence.

Where and when:

Event season runs from May to July, 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. You can choose a time that suits you! You could volunteer for a half day, a full day, or a shift of a few hours, like an early set up option from 6 – 9 am.

How we’ll look after you:

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 day.
• Provide meals and snacks as appropriate.
• Cover your travel and other reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager in advance of the event.

What you’ll gain:

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.

How to apply:

Please fill in the volunteer application form online and we’ll be in touch.

Diversity and Inclusion:

At Cancer Research UK, we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition.

Whether you’re a first‑time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love for you to join us!