Volunteers Week takes place from 1st to 7th June 2026. This blog celebrates the dedication, commitment, and valued contributions that our wonderful Online Community Champions make to the Community each and every day. 
Over the past year, our Community Champions have contributed more than 13,242 posts, reflecting the ongoing kindness, encouragement, and support they provide to other members every day.
A huge thank you to:
chris2012 , rily , src60 , Thehighlander , latchbrook , lesleyhelen , Nikki65 , Beesuit , chellesimo , Irishgirl16 , WeeMe , Daisy53 , SarahH21 , Kasvin , jane2511 , Millibob , excavator , Coddfish , Jamie696
“Thank you to all the Community Champions! They are the 'glue' that binds us all together! This site would not work half as well without them.” – Community member
“So generous to give all the time and consideration to help others. They provide a calm,steady voice when cancer hits and it feels as if things are out of control. I don't underestimate how much it must take to keep giving in this way. Thank you.” – Community member
“..my eureka moment came when I found the Macmillan Community. I suddenly felt safe amongst others who were exactly in our position, those whom would listen, support and not judge, ever! The Champions seem to appear like magic with their calming advice and knowledge, instantly providing a balm to relieve panic when Dr Google has has been gnawing at the edges of already fragile thoughts.” - Community member
We hope you’ll join us by saying a big thank you to our amazing Community Champions in the comment box below. Click here or scroll down to go to the comment box.
We asked our online Community Champions why they decided to volunteer on the Online Community and how do they feel when they support others on the site.
Millibob said:
"Once I was confident, I began helping other Community members with their personal journey, and I was asked if I wished to volunteer. I gave it some thought and decided it was a good idea to put back into the Community what I had taken out!
Supporting others who are in the situation I was in 4.5 years ago gives me a great feeling of satisfaction, as I know just what a cancer diagnosis can do to your mental health. It's great to know that I have helped others who are where I was at the start of my journey. The satisfaction I have from seeing someone in a panic, not knowing about their cancer and slowly realising there is hope is brilliant."
Rily said:
"I joined this community when I was first diagnosed with cancer. I was otherwise fit and healthy at the time, and I was devastated. I grew up at a time when the word was only whispered in corners of the room. The good folk here guided and supported me through my darkest days, and I could express myself here with things I could not say to my family. People here could understand. When I was cleared, I started to try and help others by giving something back. Someone noticed what I was doing, and I was invited to be a Community Champion. I felt honoured. That was over 10 years ago, and I am still here. Just a simple "Thank You" for my posts still gives me a warm glow even after all this time.
This place now reminds me of the Eagles' Hotel California words, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."
Thehighlander said:
"A year or so after my last treatment, I was doing some research on the Macmillan Website for a talk I was going to be doing along with my Haematology CNS to 2nd year Nursing Students and accidentally found the Community….. I was surprised to find a group that covers my rare type of Lymphoma, so I started to interact within the group… the Macmillan Community Team noticed me and invited me to become a Community Champion… this was back in June 2017.
Peer support is ever so important as this simple connection immediately assures people they are not alone… and a support relationship can be built, resulting in positive and real life support. A number of years ago, a new member arrived in one of our Lymphoma Groups in an overwhelming panic and distraught as she was convinced… based on random Google searches, that her 2 young children would not have a mum growing up with them…… After spending time supporting her and giving her up to date, accurate information, lived experience and giving her the questions she needed to ask at her first appointment, she returned saying the in her time of need, I was like a guardian angel had come and sat beside her and guided her through a challenging time. She went on to have successful treatment and is now enjoying life with her children……. That makes me smile.
Irishgirl16 said:
"I used the site and the helpline during my own treatment and found it helpful. I realised people can be reluctant to talk about what they are going through to friends and family, and the online community is somehow a much easier place to be able to share and get support.
I started to reply to others naturally and then thought that perhaps if I became a champion, I could perhaps get some training to be able to help others more confidently and support even better. Maybe it’s because I work in HR, but I have a strong desire to help others, and if some good can come out of my cancer experience, then I want to use that for others. It makes me personally feel good when I receive feedback on how I have helped others, it gives me a buzz!"
Beesuit said:
"I found this community while I was waiting for my diagnosis. I am an internet addict ( selective, mind you).
I was a Vet before I retired, so I have a deal of medical knowledge, and I have always considered myself as a caring sort of person. I spent my professional life at the coalface of human angst, so I gradually morphed into trying to help and sympathise with fellow cancer victims. It's a frightening place to be if you rely on Dr Google for explanation, a Dr completely devoid of compassion and reassurance. Watching more seasoned members here guided me in how I could and couldn't help. I enjoyed seeing terrified people lose their panic and relax into the inevitability of their treatment.
Out of the blue, two Champs approached me to ask whether I would consider a more structured role, so here I am. Above anything else, it is an honour to have the trust of the guys I've helped, and many of us are still in touch years after they have left their cancers and this Community behind."
Latchbrook said:
"I didn't join the community until after I'd finished my treatment for melanoma and only found it when googling looking for positive stories.
I'd been a member for a while when I was approached by one of the Community Team asking if I'd consider being a community champion. Apparently, the then melanoma CC had recommended me. I thought about it for a while and then decided I wanted to help if I could.
Even if I don't get feedback from those I've responded to, I get an enormous amount of pleasure knowing that I've hopefully made the whole cancer journey less scary."
chellesimo said:
"I stumbled across the online community when I was diagnosed with metastatic sarcoma to the lungs. I didn’t really know where I fitted in, as my cancer is very rare, but found a great bunch of people in the lung group who were all incredibly welcoming.
The lung group champ at the time was Gina, a 34 year old lady who had been diagnosed with lung cancer the year before. The encouragement and support she gave everyone, even at her lowest points, just showed what an amazing young lady she was. Just before she passed away, she asked me to continue to pull the “newbies” into the life boat.
Shortly after I was asked if I would like to become a champ, and how could I refuse. To be able to support people, make them feel safe and heard, is an honour, and I hope I’m doing Gina proud."
Click on the links below to read the blogs where our Champions share experiences in their volunteering role.
Our Community Champs are a listening ear for those who need it most, helping members affected by cancer feel less alone by offering support, guidance and care to others in a similar situation.
As the Online Community is open 24/7, being a Community Champion provides great flexibility as to when you can volunteer.
The Online Community brings together people affected by cancer, whether they are living with cancer themselves, supporting a loved one, or caring for someone. It’s a place where people can share their experiences and talk to others who understand what they’re going through. We see every day how powerful peer-to-peer support can be, whether that’s through connecting with someone in a similar situation or asking our friendly experts questions about cancer.
As a Community Champion, you can help support others online while also building your own communication and digital skills. You’ll also have access to training resources from Macmillan to support you in the role.
If you have a passion for helping others and are comfortable using the Online Community platform, please do get in touch by email at community@macmillan.org.uk, and a member of the team will get back to you and happily answer any questions.
Volunteers play a vital role in helping Macmillan Cancer Support provide support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. From offering emotional support and sharing personal experiences on the Online Community, to helping at fundraising events and carrying out microvolunteering tasks, Macmillan volunteers make a huge difference in communities across the UK. With flexible opportunities available to suit different skills, interests and time commitments, volunteering with Macmillan allows people to contribute in a way that works for them while helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
Use the Comment box below to say thank you to our amazing Community Champions 
