54th Macmillan Charity Raceday

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 lots of ways for you to get involved in fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support in the lead-u to and during the June racing weekend.

It is a wonderful family day out raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and services on 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 at York Racecourse donate proceeds from the day to Macmillan Cancer Support and racegoers can further directly support Macmillan in the knowledge that just by attending Raceday, not only are they 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 are now available to purchase from the York Racecourse website.

Purchase your Raceday tickets now

The Macmillan Charity Raceday Auction is back with an incredible selection of prizes. From dream getaways and VIP experiences to unique artwork and signed memorabilia, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Explore what’s on offer and place your bids before the auction closes at 5:15pm on Saturday 14 June. Every bid helps Macmillan be there for people living with cancer.

New for 2025, we’re offering a thrilling opportunity to take on Abseil at the Races – an exhilarating 80ft abseil challenge down the side of the Knavesmire Stand at York Racecourse, all while raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Date: Friday 13 June (Corporate Supporters) | Saturday 14 June (General Public), 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
Fundraising pledge: £500 per participant

You’ll begin the day with a warm welcome and reception at the Knavesmire Stand, before descending a thrilling 80ft abseil to the racetrack. After completing the challenge, you’ll be treated to a celebratory glass of sparkling wine and souvenir photos to remember the experience. Then, it’s time to enjoy a full day at the races as a County Stand badge holder, where you can watch some of the best sprint handicaps for three-year-old horses in Europe. If you are an individual fundraising, you are eligible to bring a plus one with you on the day for support.

If you would like to take part in the Abseil at the Races in 2026, register your interest by emailing yorkraceday@macmillan.org.uk.

We are thrilled to announce that the Macmillan Ride of Their Lives is back for 2025!

This incredible event gives 12 amateur jockeys the chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience – racing nine furlongs on the iconic Knavesmire course. They’ll complete in the first race of the Macmillan Charity Raceday on Saturday 14 June at York Racecourse. As one of the weekend’s biggest highlights, this race plays a key role in Macmillan’s fundraising, which has raised over £10 million since the events inception.

Each rider will embark on an intense training journey over the coming months, with a commitment to raising at least £4,000 for Macmillan. 

You can also show your support for this year’s rides by donating to their JustGiving page.

If you are interested in taking part in the 2026 Ride of Their Lives, please email yorkraceday@macmillan.org.uk to register your interest.

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.

Adam says: "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.”

If you need support, please see our services in Yorkshire and the Humber.

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 would like to be part of this historic event, please visit our volunteering page.



• 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.