Cancer Research UK rolls out benches in time for World Cancer Day

Cancer Research UK is rolling out the world’s first network of smart benches which allow those sitting on them to donate to the charity using contactless technology.

The solar-powered benches (pictured) also offer people free wi-fi access and allow them to charge their mobiles.

To donate £2 to Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research users simply have to tap their contactless debit or credit card on a reader on the bench.

To begin with the charity has launched 10 benches across the two London boroughs of Islington and Lewisham in time for World Cancer Day on Saturday (4 February) and plans to launch a further 90 elsewhere throughout the year.

Michael Docherty, director of digital at Cancer Research UK, said: “Having used contactless technology in innovative ways in the past to engage the public in the work we do, we are always looking for new opportunities to incorporate contactless technology further throughout the charity and make it even easier for our supporters to help us beat cancer sooner.

“These smart benches seemed like the next step in our use of contactless technology to bring charitable giving closer to our supporters, integrating it seamlessly into cutting-edge street furniture.”

To launch the benches the charity has teamed up with smart city business Strawberry Energy and MKTG.