8 Aug 2025
“Fun, noisy – and a bit raucous!” Volunteering at Only The Brave!
Only The Brave is EAAA’s annual muddy obstacle course race, which takes place this year on Sunday 21 September at the Euston Estate in Suffolk. At the time of writing, over 2,000 people have registered to take part in either the three, six or ten-mile exciting, muddy challenge all to raise money to save local lives.
Behind this is an incredible army of EAAA volunteers who are the backbone of the event. They help to create the very special, fun and lively atmosphere; they keep us organised, help the event to run smoothly, and they ‘whoop’ and cheer the Only The Brave participants around the course with gusto.
Simon de Laat, has volunteered at Only The Brave for four years, so we asked him all about his experiences with the event and what makes it so enjoyable for volunteers. “The event is fun, noisy, a bit raucous, and ultimately hugely supportive,” Simon says.
There are many ways that volunteers can support Only The Brave and every single volunteer and role is vital to the smooth running and the spirit of the event – and volunteers don’t have to get muddy!
“I have been a course marshal, registrar at check-in, a cloakroom attendant and most recently in charge of car keys!” Simon adds. “As I often volunteer alone for EAAA [Simon gives talks, delivers CPR training and supports our Aftercare work], Only The Brave is a great chance to meet up with friends within the organisation.”
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It’s not only an incredible fun and lively day, but it’s a volunteering experience that really gives back.
“I get a sense of helping to raise money and awareness for a life-saving charity – it’s the same feeling I get out of my talks, CPR training and aftercare work.
“For me, the best thing about Only The Brave for me is meeting the people who travel from all over the UK to get cold and wet, and most importantly raise money for a vital life-saving charity. I’m full of admiration for all participants, they show the sort of spirit that keeps us flying high!”
It really is volunteers, like Simon, who bring Only The Brave to life. We need a community of 140 people to help us on the day to bring the enthusiasm, atmosphere and fun to make the experience truly special and memorable for everybody taking part – and Simon is encouraging people to join him and others for this year’s muddy obstacle course.
“By volunteering, you will help raise funds for EAAA, while having a fun day out – you could even get involved with the muddy jobs that I try to avoid!”
There is a volunteer role for everyone (over 18, although we can have 16+ with an adult, or supervised groups of younger people from organisations such as Scouts, Girl Guiding, Cadets). You might like to guide and cheer the participants over the obstacles, help with registration, or give out medals, refreshments and goodie bags. Whatever volunteer role you do, you will contribute to the success of Only The Brave 2025! And you don’t have to get muddy if you don’t want to!
Volunteer at Only The Brave
Come and join the Only The Brave experience by volunteering in pairs or in a group with your family or friends. Together, you’ll be making a real difference while enjoying an ultimate volunteer experience!