February 4th 2025, on World Cancer Day, we invite schools, parents, and children to come together in a nationwide movement for cancer awareness and support with the “Walk in White for World Cancer Day” event. From the Mini Mile challenge to the White Ribbon Relay, there’s a Walk in White challenge to suit everyone. Whether you’re walking to honour someone you love or to make a difference for those with cancer, your steps will help raise vital funds for research, support services, and awareness campaigns.
Date: February 4, 2024
Who: Schools, Students, Parents & Staff across the UK
What: A Nationwide Walk to Raise Funds for Cancer Support
While this walk highlights all types of cancer, we’re placing a special emphasis on raising awareness for lung cancer, one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer. By walking in white, you’re helping to bring attention to the critical need for more research, early detection, and better support for lung cancer patients and their families.
Why White?
White symbolises hope, unity, and a brighter future for everyone affected by cancer. Lung cancer affects thousands of people in the UK every year, and together, we can make a powerful impact by walking in solidarity, raising awareness, and ensuring more people have access to life-saving resources.
How It Works
- Free Registration: Sign up your school for free today! Whether you’re a primary or secondary school, EVERYONE can join.
- Pledge to Fundraise: Each student who pledges to fundraise will receive an official “Walk in White” t-shirt – wear it proudly on the day of the event! For schools with over 100 participants, a small contribution of £2.50 per t-shirt will apply to students not actively fundraising to help cover part of the t-shirt cost, with the remainder going directly to support lung cancer patients. Anyone who prefers not to contribute can wear their own white clothing and still join the walk making every step matter!
- Earn Your Medal: Raise £50 or more, and every participant will receive a special Walk in White Medal as a thank-you for your incredible support.
- Raise Lung Cancer Awareness: After the walk, decorate your t-shirt with colours and messages of hope for lung cancer patients. This is your chance to spread the word about the importance of lung cancer awareness!
Choose Your Walk in White Challenge!
No matter how big or small, every step counts in the fight against cancer. Schools can choose a challenge that best suits their students, staff, and parents – making the walk a memorable and achievable goal for everyone involved!
1. The 5K School Challenge
A perfect distance for both primary and secondary school students, this 5K (3.1 miles) walk can be done around the school grounds, local parks, or on safe walking paths nearby. Please encourage students to complete it at their own pace, whether they walk, jog, or run!
- Ideal for: Schools with space to organise a longer route or for those with older students.
- Why it’s fun: A great way for students to challenge themselves while raising awareness and funds.
- Bonus tip: Split the 5K over a few days for younger children, making it easier and more fun!
2. The White Ribbon Relay
Turn your walk into a team effort! Each class, year group, or student team can walk part of the route, passing on a symbolic white ribbon (or banner) as a relay baton.
- Ideal for: Larger schools or those who want to make the walk a team-building event.
- Why it’s fun: It creates a sense of unity and excitement as students pass the ribbon and work together to complete the walk.
- Bonus tip: Have each class create their own decorated ribbon or banner to carry and pass on!
3. The Mini Mile
A fantastic option for younger students! The Mini Mile is a 1-mile (1.6km) walk that can be completed around the school playground, field, or nearby streets. This shorter challenge keeps it accessible for younger children while still being meaningful.
- Ideal for: Primary school students or younger participants.
- Why it’s fun: Perfect for little legs – students can walk, skip, or dance their way to the finish line!
- Bonus tip: Turn it into a treasure hunt, with checkpoints where students can learn more about cancer awareness along the way.
4. The “Marathon” Challenge
Up for something epic? Challenge your school to collectively walk the distance of a marathon (42.2km/26.2 miles). Students and staff can team up, each walking part of the total distance, with the goal of reaching marathon length by the end of the day.
- Ideal for: Larger schools or those looking to create a massive impact.
- Why it’s fun: It’s all about teamwork! Students can track their progress and feel a huge sense of accomplishment as they cross the “finish line” together.
- Bonus tip: Create a “race day” atmosphere with a finish line banner, cheers, and certificates for everyone!
5. Walk to Beat Cancer – Set Your Own Distance
Schools can make the event as challenging or relaxed as they like, whether it’s a lap of the school grounds, a circuit through the local community, or a hike in a nearby park.
- Ideal for: Schools with varying ages and fitness levels.
- Why it’s fun: Flexible and customisable! Each school can tailor the event to their student’s needs while still making it impactful.
- Bonus tip: Challenge students to track their steps using fitness apps or pedometers, aiming to hit a specific goal as a school by the end of the event.
Extra Motivation: Make It a Fun Dress-Up Day!
To add even more excitement, encourage schools to dress up for the walk in all-white outfits or themed costumes. Think white capes, ribbons, and face paint – the more creative, the better! Host competitions for the “Best Dressed” or the “Most Spirited Walker” to keep energy levels high throughout the day.
No matter which challenge your school takes on, the important part is walking together in solidarity. Every step brings us closer to a cancer-free future, and we can’t wait to see how far you’ll go!
Why Walk in White for Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with 48500 new cases diagnosed every year. It often goes undetected until it’s at a late stage, which is why raising awareness and promoting early detection is so important.
By raising funds and awareness through your Walk in White, you’re helping to provide better support for those affected by lung cancer and ensuring more research is dedicated to finding new treatments and improving survival rates.
Be a Part of Something BIG – Register Today!
Let’s make World Cancer Day 2025 unforgettable. Whether you’re walking to raise awareness for lung cancer or to honour anyone touched by this devastating disease, your steps will bring hope and support to those who need it most.
And don’t forget – after the walk, decorate your t-shirt in colours that symbolise your fight for lung cancer awareness. Show off your creativity and send a powerful message to the world that lung cancer deserves our attention and action.
Together, we can create HOPE, spread AWARENESS, and raise the FUNDS needed to make a difference for those fighting lung cancer and all forms of cancer. Sign up your school today and let’s Walk in White for a brighter tomorrow! Already signed up? Download your guide, sponsor form and poster/flyer via the button below.