Make 2026 the year you give something back; the year you do something totally amazing – like taking on a charity challenge for CancerCare.
Each month, we’re sharing a fun, easy and impactful fundraising idea you can take on in aid of your local cancer and bereavement charity. There’s something for everyone.
If you’re new to fundraising, it can feel a little daunting. But don’t worry, CancerCare’s friendly and experienced fundraising team will support you every step of the way.
_______________________________________________________________________
March: Take on a charity challenge
Make 2026 the year you give something back; the year you do something totally amazing – like taking on a charity challenge for CancerCare.
Each month, we’re sharing a fun, easy and impactful fundraising idea you can take on in aid of your local cancer and bereavement charity. There’s something for everyone.
If you’re new to fundraising, it can feel a little daunting. But don’t worry, CancerCare’s friendly and experienced fundraising team will support you every step of the way.
What is a charity challenge?
By definition, a challenge is a difficult task that tests your ability. A charity challenge takes that idea one step further: it’s an activity – often physical, endurance-based or skill-driven – undertaken by an individual or group to raise funds and awareness for a charitable cause.
Participants commit to completing a goal (for example, running a marathon, climbing a mountain, cycling a long-distance route or taking on a sponsored personal test) and invite others to support them through donations.
A charity challenge usually includes three key elements:
- A clearly defined objective – such as completing the London Marathon, trekking to Mount Kilimanjaro or cycling from one city to another.
- A fundraising commitment – setting a sponsorship target and collecting donations from friends, family, colleagues or corporate partners.
- A clear purpose – with funds directed to a specific cause, such as supporting services, research, advocacy or patient care.
Charity challenges can be organised by a charity, offering places in local, national or even international events. Alternatively, individuals or teams can design their own challenge and fundraise independently on the charity’s behalf.
Beyond the financial impact, charity challenges increase public awareness, build community engagement and create powerful personal stories that connect supporters more closely to the cause.
The best challenges are tailored to suit you, but they should push you. What feels “hard” is subjective, but a good challenge will push you out of your comfort zone, encourage you to dig deep or even face a fear.
CancerCare’s Charity Challenges
Take on a specific challenge for CancerCare and support your local community:
- Skydive for CancerCare – Leap from a plane at 11,000ft and raise vital funds as you fall (safely!) back to earth.
- Dare2Dip Every Day – A cold-water fundraising challenge encouraging participants to take a daily dip during selected months of the year.
- The Cross Bay Half Marathon 2026 – A 13.1-mile run across Morecambe Bay’s tidal sands, combining endurance with community spirit.
Can I take on my own charity challenge?
Yes! If an organised event isn’t for you, take matters into your own hands and create your own challenge, completing it at a time that suits you.
CancerCare works in partnership with Run For Charity, an innovative event platform that gives us access to more than 800 challenge events. The list includes iconic half-marathons and marathons, obstacle courses, 5Ks and 10Ks.
Events include the London Landmarks Marathon, the Indoor Magna Bungee Jump, the Jurassic Express Hiking Trail (Swanage) and even the Barcelona Marathon – plus many more.
Costs and fundraising targets vary depending on the challenge.
Or think outside the box – we love weird and wonderful ideas (as long as they’re safe!). A wing walk, a bungee jump, a sponsored dog walk or a rock-climbing challenge – whatever you’re dreaming up, we’re here to help bring it to life. Chances are our fundraising team will know an organisation that specialises in your idea, so get in touch.
How do I fundraise for my charity challenge?
Successful fundraising requires more than simply asking for donations; it benefits from clear planning and a compelling personal story. Why are you taking on this challenge? Whether you’re skydiving, running a half marathon or committing to a month-long event for CancerCare, the core principles remain the same.
Start by setting a clear and realistic fundraising target. Being specific about the amount you hope to raise gives supporters something tangible to rally behind, particularly if you can explain what that amount will fund. People are more likely to donate when they understand the impact of their contribution – whether that’s funding counselling sessions, support groups or therapeutic services.
Alongside your financial target, share your personal motivation. Explain why you’ve chosen this challenge and why the cause matters to you.
Next, create a dedicated online fundraising page. We recommend JustGiving; it’s easy to use for both fundraisers and donors. Your page will act as your central hub for donations and updates.
Write a strong headline, include a clear description of your challenge and add photos if possible. Keep the page updated as you progress and remind people of your deadline.
When you’re ready, plan a proper launch rather than posting casually. Announce your challenge clearly, state your fundraising target and include a direct link to donate. Be confident in asking for support – people are generally willing to give, but they often need to be asked directly.
Throughout your campaign, maintain visibility. Share regular updates on social media, email friends and colleagues, and consider speaking to your workplace about internal fundraising support or match funding.
Offline fundraising can also strengthen your efforts. Small events such as bake sales, quiz nights or sweepstakes can complement online donations and widen your reach.
If you would prefer a paper sponsorship form, we can send one to you. In this case, you’ll be responsible for collecting donations and ensuring they are paid into CancerCare once gathered.
Finally, remember to thank your supporters. Prompt acknowledgements and progress updates reinforce the collective effort behind your challenge.
How do I make my charity challenge a success?
Choose something that genuinely challenges you and requires commitment, discipline or courage. Set a realistic fundraising target, share your personal motivation and promote your challenge confidently.
Keep supporters engaged with regular updates, shout about your progress and make donating as simple as possible. Most importantly, thank people for their support and remind them of the impact their contribution will have for CancerCare.
I’ve completed my charity challenge – now what?
First of all: congratulations!
Please get in touch and tell us all about it. If you’ve fundraised via JustGiving, you don’t need to do anything further. If you’ve collected offline sponsorship or other donations, you can pay them in online or drop into one of our centres.
We’d love to see your photos and hear your story so we can celebrate your achievement on social media, on our website and possibly in the local press.
Click below to download our Fundraising Pack for handy hints and tips. To get in touch, call 01524 381820 or email fundraising@cancercare.org.uk.