5 ways to make a difference in 2025

Blog
Published: 13 December 2024
As you look ahead to 2025, consider a new year's resolution which helps support Macmillan. Whether it’s trying something new or offering your time and skills, here are 5 ways you can make a difference.
A selfie of Kerstin. Kerstin has short, brown curly hair and brown eyes. She is wearing a black cardigan and a black and white top. She is looking at the camera and appears to be sitting on a train.

Kerstin Felton Digital Content Editor at Macmillan

With 2025 just around the corner, you may be starting to think about what the new year can bring.

For many people, the new year can mark a fresh start and a time to make new year's resolutions. Resolutions can be the motivation you need to try something new or pick up hobbies and activities you have set aside in the last year.

Discover 5 ways you can support Macmillan in 2025 and let making an impact be one of your new year's resolutions.

1. Do a personal challenge

Maybe you want to give something up such as chocolate or alcohol, or go vegan in January. You may want to improve your fitness by taking on a 30 day running or yoga challenge. Whatever you choose - a personal challenge is a great way to try something new, improve your health and help raise vital funds for Macmillan.

View our fundraising ideas for inspiration and to help you choose the right challenge for you.

In April, Jack took on a personal challenge to support Macmillan in memory of his brother Tom. Watch his video below to learn more about his challenge.

@macmillancancer Jack started fundraising for us after we supported his brother, Tom, who sadly passed away this year following a bowel cancer diagnosis. Alongside his work as a first-team performance coach for @Everton, Jack completed 26 marathons in 26 weeks in April, and has just finished his latest challenge; running for 26 minutes every hour on the hour for 26 hours to mark Tom’s birthday. His incredible spirit, determination and resilience has been recognised with over £100,000 raised to help us support people affected by cancer. Jack, we don’t have the words to express how grateful we are for your efforts. You should be so proud of the contribution you have made and the lasting impact it will have to help us support others facing similar challenges. 💚 #cancer #fundraiser #macmillan #everton #footballtiktok #fyp ♬ original sound - Macmillan Cancer Support

2. Become a microvolunteer

Microvolunteering offers simple ways for you to volunteer your time at Macmillan. They are simple, quick, one-off tasks that you can do from home or in your local area.

Learn more about microvolunteering opportunities you can take part in.

A dark green megaphone on a light green background.

"A lot of the activities are home-based so that makes it easier again to fit the activities around my busy schedule. I really enjoy all the roles I have signed up for and the flexibility of it all really works for me. I really hope it all helps those affected by cancer." - Sally, microvolunteer

3. Turn your clutter into donations

Different items like watches and jewellery are on top of different bank notes.

Whether it's in your loft, garage or wardrobe, the new year is a great time to have a clean out.

Did you know that you can recycle your gently used, unwanted items and turn them into donations for Macmillan?

It's quick and easy - simply order a recycling sack or box with our partner Recycling for Good Causes. You can then start helping people living with cancer and make a positive impact on the environment.

4. Use your hobbies and crafts to make an impact

From crochet hooks to paintbrushes, knitting needles to baking pans - grab your tools and get crafting or baking to raise funds for Macmillan.

View our crafting fundraising ideas for inspiration.

A dark green stationary pot on a light green background.

"I have been making photographic cards and selling them in aid of Macmillan for years. They are popular among my friends and I really enjoy this hobby." - Barbara Ann, fundraiser

5. Be in the chance to win big with our Macmillan Lottery

Two people are looking really excited as they read a letter. There is confetti falling around them.

If you're dreaming of going on a holiday, want to save up for a house deposit, or could use some extra funds, enter our Macmillan Lottery for a chance to win amazing cash prizes.

Not only will you be entered in the draw to win our £10,000 jackpot, but you'll also be helping people living with cancer.

The ideas above are just five ways you can support Macmillan in the new year and inspire your new year's resolutions.

However, there are many different ways you can make a difference. Whatever you choose, we will be there to support you.

Make an impact with a regular donation
By making a monthly or annual donation to Macmillan, you can support people living with cancer throughout the year. It's easy - fill in our quick online form to set up your regular donation.
Donation form

About the author

A selfie of Kerstin. Kerstin has short, brown curly hair and brown eyes. She is wearing a black cardigan and a black and white top. She is looking at the camera and appears to be sitting on a train.

Kerstin Felton

Kerstin is a Digital Content Editor at Macmillan. She has a background in creating digital content for the NHS, other health charities, and research organisations.