Top charity fundraising ideas

Are you looking to support a great cause but not sure how to do it best? We’ve got you covered here at Teenage Cancer Trust with these top fundraising ideas, from big group events to supporting a charity from the comfort of your own home.

Organised challenges are a fantastic way to support young people facing cancer, and it means that you’ll be in the hands of experienced event planners – leaving you to channel your energy into training. Or perhaps you want to go at it alone and create your own, unique charity challenge? Either way, you’ll find your fundraising inspiration here.

Charity runs and races

From the TCS London Marathon to your local 10K, there are plenty of ways of running to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. Whether you’re a seasoned ultra-marathon participant or a casual jogger, you’ll find an event to suit your ability – so, grab your trainers, and start pounding those streets.

Person running london marathon past Teenage Cancer Trust  cheer squad

Swimming challenges

Make a splash for young people with cancer and sign up for a swimming challenge. You can take a dip in the great outdoors or turn lengths into money at your local pool – there are plenty of ways to dive into fundraising, whether you’re joining an organised event or creating your own.

Swim

Complete a charity bike ride

Get on your bike for Teenage Cancer Trust and take part in an organised bike race or set your own challenge. The London to Brighton Cycle Ride is an annual favourite for biking enthusiasts, or perhaps you fancy traversing the length of the UK from Land’s End to John o’ Groats? Whatever cycling challenge you choose, it’ll help to make sure that no young person faces cancer alone.

A person cylcing Ride London for Teenage Cancer Trust and waving at the cheer squad

Take part in a charity walk

Love walking? Then why not turn your footsteps into funds for Teenage Cancer Trust? You can even involve your dog in this one (if you’re staying on home soil).   

There are plenty of organised charity walks to choose from, including Teenage Cancer Trust’s Walk With Us challenge, in which supporters raise vital funds by taking 15,000 steps in a day – the average that a nurse caring for young people totals every 24 hours.

Or perhaps you want to find your own challenge, like walking the length of Scotland’s beautiful West Highland Way or hitting England’s South West Coast Path? There is an endless list of stunning hikes and treks to choose from here in the UK and abroad.

Whatever walking route your feet land on, there’s no better incentive to reach the finish line than knowing you’re helping young people and families affected by cancer. It’ll get you fitter, too.

The back of a walker wearing a backpack who is trekking in hills to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust

Climb a mountain for charity

Hit a peak in your fundraising efforts with a mountain climbing challenge for Teenage Cancer Trust. How about conquering Snowdon, Scafell Pike or Ben Nevis? Or take on all three in two days with the Three Peaks Challenge. Perhaps you’d prefer a spot of Munro bagging in Scotland instead?

If you’re looking for a more daring high-altitude adventure abroad, then the world is your oyster. From the dizzying heights of Kilimanjaro to the icy summit of Everest Base Camp, there are plenty of organised high-endurance challenges out there to choose from.

A climber who is celebrating with their arms raised after climbing a mountain to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust

Charity skydives

If you’re looking for the ultimate test of nerves, then a skydive could be for you. Leaping out of a plane at 10,000 feet will not only give you the adrenaline rush of a lifetime, but it will also raise vital funds for young people facing cancer. Take to the skies for Teenage Cancer Trust and we’ll give you all the support you need to make it happen.

Tandam Skydive for charity and Teenage Cancer Trust

Hold a fundraiser  

Get together with friends and family or work colleagues to hold a charity event, from bake sales to bingo nights. Something as simple as an office fancy dress day can bring in crucial cash for teenagers affected by cancer. Check out our fundraiser event ideas for more inspiration.

Charity ideas from home  

You don’t even need to leave your home to raise vital cash for young people in need. Turn your passions into a fundraising idea – from getting crafty and selling your wares to taking part in a sponsored gaming event, the possibilities are endless.

If you’re having a clear-out, think about selling your clothes online for Teenage Cancer Trust. Or how about giving up something you love for charity instead? You’ll find more simple ways of supporting charity in our easy fundraising ideas.

If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, check out our top quirky fundraising ideas.

Sporting challenge fundraising tools and guides

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How do I get the money raised to Teenage Cancer Trust?

We’ll automatically get the money if you’ve set up an online fundraising page. If you’ve collected cash donations, check out our paying-in money guide. And be sure to register your event in advance to get all of the help and resources you need to make it a success.