Volunteering can be transformative for both volunteers and the charities they support. It connects people, boosts wellbeing, and for some, offers a chance to develop skills while giving back. In the UK, 28.4% of people volunteered at least once in 2024/25, with nearly one in five (17%) volunteering monthly.*
At Tom’s Trust, we’re fortunate to have volunteers who show up time and again: supporting fundraising events, sharing professional expertise, and guiding our work as Young Ambassadors and Trustees.
During Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who gives their time to Tom’s Trust. Here’s a snapshot of what volunteering with us looks like, in our volunteers’ own words.
Ella, fundraising volunteer
Ella, 18, volunteered with Tom’s Trust for six months while studying for her A Levels. She supported our fundraising team during the Cambridge Half Marathon, helping prepare runners, coordinating running vests, and capturing brilliant photos on the day.
On why she volunteered, Ella said:
“I volunteered as part of my Gold DofE, as I thought it was an amazing local charity, and I also found it particularly inspiring because of my interest in psychology. I got to learn what a great impact this charity can have on people’s lives. It has been useful to gain more experience working in a more professional environment and seeing what that entails.”
Lauretta, longstanding volunteer
Lauretta has a close personal connection to our work, and has volunteered with Tom’s Trust many times over the years:
“We think the world of Tom’s Trust and support the charity in any way we can, from volunteering at events to helping raise vital funds and awareness; having lost our son Owen to a cancerous brain tumour, we truly understand just how important and life-changing the support they provide is, and volunteering is not only incredibly worthwhile but also very enjoyable.”
Lauretta, longstanding volunteer (right) with a group of TT volunteers
Anil, Trustee
Trustees play a vital role in shaping a charity’s strategy, governance, and long-term impact. Our eight trustees volunteer their time and expertise, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment.
Anil Malhotra, Head of AI Strategy at Bango plc, shared his experience of being a trustee:
“Tom’s Trust is ambitious and resolute. We have built a process for providing psychological care at a time of great need in people’s lives and set ourselves the task of making that care available to anyone in the UK when they most need it. This is an exciting, challenging and vital mission to be part of, with a hugely talented team and dedicated supporters across the country.”
Rathbones, corporate volunteering
The Rathbones Cambridge team partners with Tom’s Trust to raise funds and awareness and has volunteered at our horse racing day. They shared:
“When we discussed partnering with Tom’s Trust it was the perfect fit. We’re raising money through office events and challenges, including running the Cambridge Half Marathon. We’re thrilled to support the vital work Tom’s Trust does for children and families in Cambridge and beyond.”
This support is made possible through the Rathbones Group Foundation, which empowers employees to champion local causes.
Thank you to all our volunteers
A heartfelt thank you to our fundraising volunteers, long‑standing event supporters, trustees, and corporate partners, whose commitment helps to create brighter futures for children with brain tumours and their families.
Interested in volunteering with us? Find out more here.
* Statistics from the Community Life Survey.