54th Macmillan Charity Raceday

Applications are now open, offering a chance for twelve amateurs to enjoy the “ride of their lives” as they participate in the nine-furlong race around the famous Knavesmire. Each will pledge to raise at least £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

Last year, the 12 incredible riders raised over £230,000 for Macmillan Cancer support through an array of fun and fantastic fundraising activities. 

Applications and more details can be found by clicking below.

Apply now

 

The Macmillan Charity Raceday will return on Saturday 14 June 2025. For over half a century York Racecourse has worked in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to help raise vital funds for people living with cancer. In 2024 the partnership celebrated raising over £10.5 million for Macmillan Cancer Support, and the event continues to evolve with extensive fundraising taking place in the lead-up to and during the June racing weekend. 

It is a wonderful family day out raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and services in Yorkshire. Over the weekend we are joined by over 100 volunteers involved in bucket collections, selling raffle tickets and generating awareness of how you and your loved ones can get support, hosting two fundraising lunches, and the leading charity race – The Ride of Their Lives.  

Alongside this, our partners are York Racecourse donate proceeds from the day to Macmillan Cancer Support and racegoers can further directly support Macmillan in the knowledge that just by booking to attend the raceday, not only are they helping raise funds for Macmillan but they are also enabling a member of the wider Macmillan community, whether they be a nurse, carer or volunteer, to enjoy a day at York Racecourse. 

Tickets for the Macmillan Charity Raceday will be available in the new year. If you would like us to email you when they are released, please send an email to Yorkraceday@macmillan.org.uk.

 

 

There are so many ways you can support. If you would like to learn more, or be kept up to date with information as it is released in the coming months you can email the events team: YorkRaceday@Macmillan.org.uk.

• Volunteer
  The Macmillan Charity Raceday relies on a huge team of volunteers. If you can spare your time and be part of this historic event, please volunteer.
  
  To speak to the volunteer team please email teammacvols@macmillan.org.uk.
  

• Apply for Ride of Their Lives
  Take to the famous Knavesmire in a nine-furlong race and fundraise for people living with cancer.
  
  Find out more and apply for Ride of Their Lives
  
  

• Donate by text
  If you would like to donate to the Macmillan Charity Raceday to support people living with cancer in Yorkshire you can text YORK to 70550 to make a single £5 donation, YORK10 to 70550 to make a single £10 donation or YORK20 to make a single £20 donation.
  
  T&C's: Obtain bill payer's permission. Age 16+. UK mobiles only. One-off donations charged at £5, £10 or £20 + std rate. Macmillan Cancer Support is a registered charity in England & Wales 261017, Scotland SC039907, and Isle of Man 604. Macmillan receives 100% of your donation. For more information call our Supporter Care team on 0300 1000 200.
  
  

• Donate online
  
  Make a donation

• Contact the High Value Events team
  You can speak to a member of the High Value Events team to share any ideas about how you would like to get involved by emailing yorkraceday@macmillan.org.uk.

 

• Donate to the Auction
  Gifts in kind are a fantastic way for individuals and companies alike to support charities like Macmillan Cancer Support. We are always looking for new and exciting prizes to add to our online and live auctions and promote to supporters.
  
  If you would like more information on how you can support Macmillan Cancer Support through a prize donation please contact yorkraceday@macmillan.org.uk.
  
  
  
• Join our Event Committee 
  If you would like to be part of the Macmillan Charity Raceday Committee in Yorkshire, please email yorkraceday@macmillan.org.uk.

This event has raised £10.5 million pounds to date and has enabled us to help people living with cancer with financial, physical and emotional support, just like Adam from North Yorkshire.

Diagnosed with throat cancer in October 2022, Adam's diagnosis came as a shock but was helped by Macmillan throughout his treatment and recovery. 

"I had brilliant support from the Macmillan nurses who were so kind and caring. They looked after me on my hospital visits.

“I was put through the system quickly, and all the staff I met were fantastic, including the Macmillan staff. When I had radiotherapy all the staff in the team were really caring and I built up a good relationship with them. I was very well looked after.”

Adam, North Yorkshire

Here are some answers to the most FAQs about the Macmillan Charity Raceday.