FAQs

Brought to you by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, Stand Up To Cancer is a fundraising campaign that brings the UK together to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research.

Where does the money we raise for Stand Up To Cancer go?

100% of donations received by Cancer Research UK in connection with the SU2C Walkies Challenge will go towards the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which means 100% of the money is spent on research.  From pioneering technology using laser and robots to improve cancer surgery to developing lollipops that could detect mouth cancer. Stand Up To Cancer have supported 73 clinical trials and research projects that will help us bring new treatments and technology to people with cancer – ultimately saving more lives.

What does the Stand Up To Cancer Walkies Challenge involve?

Supporters raise money by stepping up to the challenge of walking 60 miles (or whatever personal challenge they set themselves) throughout April with their four-legged friend. They can split the miles in a way that suits them, but we recommend 2 miles every day of the month.   

Why am I being re-directed to Cancer Research UK?

Stand Up To Cancer is a fundraising campaign brought to you by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4. As a result, Stand Up To Cancer occasionally uses the advice, resources and support of Cancer Research UK to ensure your experience of fundraising is fulfilling, enjoyable and fully supported.  

Why did I see this mentioned at Crufts?

We are thrilled that Crufts, and The Kennel Club, are supporting the Stand Up To Cancer Walkies Challenge - they will be promoting the Challenge to the Crufts audience on Channel 4 across the event (6th to 9th of March). 

I've signed up now what?

Once you have signed up, join the Facebook Group dedicated to this challenge by clicking 'Join Group'. Once you're in, you can complete a form to get your free dog bandana, get tips for completing your miles, be inspired by other fundraisers, and find out anything you want to know about the challenge.     

I don't have Facebook, can I still join the challenge?

Yes! If you don’t have Facebook, you can set up a Cancer Research UK Online Giving Page and collect sponsorship for your Stand Up To Cancer Walkies Challenge.

Is there an entry fee?

There is no entry fee for this challenge. Participants are required to collect sponsorship for Stand Up To Cancer through their Online Fundraising Page. This money will automatically be sent to us once paid onto your fundraising page.  

Do I have to start the challenge from 1st April? Can I start my challenge late or early?

Whilst we encourage everyone to complete this challenge in April, this is a personal challenge, and you can start and finish your challenge at a time that is convenient for you. If you have difficulty completing your miles, then you can make up for it at any point of the month and continue the challenge into May.   

How can I hit my weekly target?

There are plenty of ways you can hit your weekly target – attempt to make up the numbers with a couple of shorter walks or save them for a big walk at the weekend!    

What if I don't complete the challenge?

The only thing that matters is that you challenge yourself and try your best to complete as much of the challenge as you can. Whether that’s walking 60 miles in April or not, the money that you fundraise through participating will allow Stand Up To Cancer to continue to accelerate  life-saving research and we can’t thank you enough.      

Do I need to provide evidence that I have completed the challenge?

No, don’t worry, we trust you! You don’t need to provide evidence that you’ve completed the challenge to us. Updating your friends and family on your fundraising page is important! Make sure you keep them posted on your progress and share videos and photos throughout April– the more updates the better. Supporters who regularly post their progress raise, on average, 40% more.  We recommend you connect your Giving Page to Fitbit or Strava so you can track your steps or miles automatically.

*Please note: sometimes there is a 48 hour lag in the Strava data being updated, and if the miles still aren't showing, disconnect and reconnect to do a hard rest and this will add any miles already on the Strava account.

Can I do another month?

Absolutely! If you’ve set up a Giving Page, it’ll remain active so your friends and family can continue to donate for as long as you want to continue.  

How do I track my miles?

You can track your daily steps by using your Smartphone. Many iPhones and Androids will have a health app already installed, or you can download many of the free walking/fitness apps available (e.g. Strava/fitbit).    

Find out how to connect your Giving Page to Strava here.

Find out how to connect your Giving Page to Fitbit here.

*Please note: sometimes there is a 48 hour lag in the Strava data being updated, and if the miles still aren't showing, disconnect and reconnect to do a hard rest and this will add any miles already on the Strava account.

I have a puppy, can I still take part?

Yes, you can still take part, but be aware not to over-exercise your puppy. The Kennel Club have lots of helpful information, click here.

Tips to remember:  

• Good rule of thumb for exercising your puppy is to provide 5 minutes of activity per month of age, up to twice a day. For example, if your puppy is 4 months old, aim for 20 minutes of exercise (4 months x 5 minutes).   

• As they get older, they can have longer periods of exercise.   

• It is important to exercise your puppy every day to strengthen their muscles and bones.    

• Try not to exercise your puppy on a full stomach as they can get bloated. 

What if I can't complete the 60 miles with my puppy?  

That’s absolutely fine, the most important part of the challenge is taking part and help fund life-saving breakthrough.

Is this challenge suitable for my breed of dog?

As a general rule we suggest you speak to your vet for specific information on your breed, age, etc. Just like people, every dog is different and only a trained professional will be able to advise.  

How do I get my free dog bandana?

Complete the form to receive your free dog bandana in the post. Once completed, please allow 10-15 working days for your dog bandana to arrive. If you have not received your bandana after this time, please contact: supporter.services@cancer.org.uk.

Can I order another dog bandana?

Sending out your dog bandana comes at a cost to Cancer Research UK so please only order one to ensure as much fundraising goes towards accelerating  life-saving research.  We also have a new range of pet merchandise, including beds, cushions, beanies and another bandana design, which can be purchased here.

My dog bandana doesn’t fit my dog, what shall I do?

Unfortunately, returning the dog bandanas comes at a cost to Cancer Research UK, therefore, we ask that you keep hold of it. If you would like a replacement, please go to our online shop.

What if I don’t want a dog bandana?

During registration, we offer the option for people to opt out of being sent a dog bandana should they not want one for the challenge. When filling out the sign-up form, simply select ‘no’ where it asks if you’d like to receive a dog bandana; you’ll still receive an Online Giving Page, be able to join the challenge group, and take part!   

To sign up to the challenge, please follow this link.

If you have any further questions or would like to cancel an order, please email supporter.services@cancer.org.uk or call 0300 1231022 (lines open 08:00 – 20:00 Monday to Friday and, 09:00 – 17:00 at weekends).

Will I get a medal?

Unfortunately, medals come at a huge cost to the charity so we will not be sending these out. However, we will send all supporters a certificate in their completion email at the end of the challenge and they can access downloadable digital badges to shout about their achievement on social media.    

How do I raise money?

Using Cancer Research UK’s Online Fundraising Platform is the easiest way to raise money. You will receive a Fundraising Giving Page once you’ve registered. You can then share the page with your friends and family to gather sponsorship for your challenge.    

Is there a minimum sponsorship amount?

We don’t set a fundraising target for participants, but we recommend that supporters set themselves a reasonable target of raising £150 or more.   

Can I raise money offline?

You can use our sponsorship form to raise money rather than using an Online Giving Page. Simply download the form to print it off and keep track of all your collected or pledged sponsorships. Once you have completed your fundraising, please send the form with a cheque to:  SU2C Walkies Challenge in April, Cancer Research UK, PO BOX 1561, Oxford, OX4 9GZ.

Can I split my sponsorship money between Stand Up To Cancer and another charity?

This challenge is a fundraising initiative specifically developed by Stand Up To Cancer, and therefore all fundraising must go solely to the campaign.   

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a tax relief allowing UK charities to reclaim an extra 25% on every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer. This means Cancer Research UK can claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated, without it costing you or your sponsors an extra penny. If the donation is eligible for Gift Aid, sponsors need to fill out the sponsor form, following the guidelines at the top of the page.   

I don’t have Facebook, can I still join the challenge?

Sure, if you don’t have Facebook, you can set up an Online Giving Page and collect sponsorship for your miles that way.

Are there any fundraising materials available?

We have plenty of fundraising tools and ideas to help you raise life-saving donations. Please see our fundraising hub with everything you need from the challenge. Within emails, users will receive a link to the digital fundraising materials which they can download. No physical copies will be sent of any of the fundraising materials.       

Can under 18s take part? If yes with guardian consent what is the best way for them to get registered- under parents name or otherwise?

Yes, under 18s can take part in this challenge, but we do not market to them and any third-party platform forum (e.g. a Facebook forum) is only available to over 18s. If under 18s are taking part, their parent/guardian must consent to the child’s participation, supervise the challenge and accept responsibility for complying with the challenge rules. Currently we are unable to accept registration for a child, so the child’s parent/guardian must register on the child’s behalf. Similarly, if a child wants to raise money online and/or join a forum, the child’s parent/guardian must register for an online fundraising page and/or join the forum on the child’s behalf.     

Can I enter as part of a team?

Participants must register as individuals but can take on the challenge in a team. You can split the activity up between a group or you can all complete the miles across the month. To raise money together, you can set up a Team Giving Page once you’ve registered and received your individual pages. To do this follow these steps:

1. All your team will need to sign up to the SU2C Walkies Challenge in April so they each have their own Online Giving Page   

2. Once everyone has signed up, log into your account   

3. Hit the 'Create new team' button and follow the instructions   

4. Once you've created your team, you can send the team page URL to friends and family so they can join too!