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MPS Society
transforming lives through
support, research & awareness
0345 389 9901

Become a volunteer

Join our welcoming volunteer community and help support families and individuals living with MPS, Fabry and related conditions.

Working in one team, we’ll combine our experience and knowledge to help build a better future for those living with rare conditions. You’ll gain valuable skills, build friendships and have a great time.

We offer many meaningful ways to get involved whether that’s joining our marathon cheer squads, rattling the MPS Society bucket at community fundraisers or providing childcare at community conferences. Every volunteer helps to make our community stronger.

Register as a volunteer
I chose to volunteer with the MPS Society because of my daughter, Jasmin, who had MPS IIIA. The support we received meant so much and volunteering feels like a way to give something back and stay connected to a community that truly understands. - Ria

How you can help

Cheer squad member

You'll become a source of energy, encouragement and joy for our #teamMPS runners whilst they are pushing themselves physically and emotionally for a cause they deeply care about. Your presence helps lift spirits during the toughest parts of the course, giving them the boost they need to keep going.

Regional event fundraiser

We are building a network of volunteers to represent us in their local area and to raise awareness of the MPS Society and the amazing families we support. You could be supporting people who fundraise for us, arrange a local bucket collection, attend events or thank members of the public for their amazing support.

Childcare volunteer

Assist in the care needed for children and vulnerable adults affected by MPS, Fabry or a related lysosomal condition. This support is not required regularly but as needed during conferences and larger events. New volunteers are supported by an experienced volunteer and generally come back each time as they find it to be such a worthwhile experience.

Volunteer opportunities

Cheer squad at Great North Run

13 September | Newcastle

Give our runners a real boost as you cheer them on along the way. You’ll also be helping with set up and take down of the cheer point.

Register your interest

Cheer squad at Royal Parks Half Marathon

11 October | London

Create as much noise as possible to back our fantastic runners along the track. You’ll also be helping with set up and take down of the cheer point.

Register your interest

Event fundraiser at Chesham United Football Club

TBC October 2026 | Chesham United Football Club

You’ll engage with the fans at The Meadow, home of The Generals, to help spread awareness and raise funds for the MPS Society. It’s a great afternoon out!

Register your interest

FAQs

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who are eligible to volunteer in the UK. If you’re aged 18 or over, you can join independently. Those aged 16 or under are also welcome when accompanied by an adult. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to help and make a difference.

That’s entirely up to you. Opportunities can range from one-off events to regular weekly or monthly roles. We aim to keep volunteering flexible and fit around your schedule.

Absolutely. All volunteers receive training, guidance and ongoing support from our team, so you can feel confident and get the most out of your experience.

Yes, reasonable travel expenses are covered.

It’s simple, just complete our online volunteer form. Once submitted, you’ll be contacted by one of our team who will help you get started. If you have already signed up, take a look at the current volunteering opportunities we have available and get in touch if you’d like to join.

Raise funds, awareness and support our community by organising a bucket collection outside supermarkets or shopping centres.

Please get in touch so we can assist you with:

  • Permission from the store or centre

  • Buckets and signage

  • Basic safety plan

  • Sealable money envelope

We will ask you to:

  • Wear a charity T-shirt or lanyard with a badge

  • Have a friendly, respectful approach

  • Handle donations safely

  • 2-hour shifts (not past 5 pm) recommended with a buddy

Safe handling of donations:

  • Count the money on site with a witness (this could be someone who works at the supermarket)

  • Fill in a paying in slip

  • Add the money to a sealable envelope and it take it to the bank

  • Pay it in using our bank details and let us know the amount, when it was paid in and where etc.  

  • If possible, do not take public transport with cash

Major supermarket collection authorisation requirements:

Aldi – in store to the store manager
Asda – ask to speak to the Events Co-ordinator at the Customer Services Desk in store
Lidl – in writing by emailing customer.services@lidl.co.uk or in writing to: Customer Services Lidl UK, Tailend Farm, Deans Road, Livingstone EH54 8SE. You will need a letter of authorisation from ME Research UK. Contact Lidl to arrange this.
Marks and Spencer – in store to the charity events manager
Morrisons – in store to the store manager
Sainsbury’s  – telephone your local store for information
Tesco Extra and Superstores – via an on-line form
Tesco Express, Metro - in store to the store manager

Get in touch

If you have any questions, our team are available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Phone 0345 389 9901 or email volunteer@mpssociety.org.uk

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