Don’t get burned this summer

Blog from Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2

As it (very slowly!) begins to feel like we’re approaching the warmer summer months, today (1 May), marks the start of Skin Cancer Awareness month. With at least 100,000 new cases of skin cancer reported each year*, this is something that needs to be talked about more and I’m proud to share that we’re partnering with The British Skin Foundation and Green People this summer to raise awareness of the issue – in line with the launch of our latest European Roaming campaign.

O2’s research has found that, shockingly, people are more attentive to their phone than they are sun protection, with British holiday makers being three times more likely to remember their phone than sunscreen when preparing for a trip away. Our research also found that a huge 6.4 million British holidaymakers avoid using sunscreen, in order to catch a tan – despite 76% of Brits admitting that getting burnt can have a negative effect on their holiday.   

These shocking stats got us thinking as to how we could best support and today I’m excited to share that we’ve partnered up with The British Skin Foundation and Green Peopleduring Skin Cancer Awareness Month to create the ‘Sun Case’ – the ultimate summer smartphone accessory which contains a handy 10ml tube of Green People’s best-selling SPF30 sunscreen.  It’s the perfect travel accessory for those jetting away this summer as our latest research shows that people prioritise taking their phones to the pool or beach over a bottle of sunscreen.  

Concerningly, 17% of Brits admit to forgetting their sunscreen when visiting the pool or beach, compared to a mere 8% forgetting to bring their mobile phone, so we’re bringing the two together:  providing a constant reminder for people to top-up their sunscreen whilst on holiday.  

Whether you’re chilling by the pool in Greece this summer, at the beach in Spain or a cocktail bar in Italy – we also have you covered as the only network operator to offer both free EU roaming up to 25GB, and a helpful reminder to keep yourself protected while out in the sun.  

The limited-edition free mobile phone accessory will be available at selected O2 stores across the country, while stocks last, from 15 May, including London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast, so people, regardless of their mobile provider, can grab one ahead of holiday season.  

Members of the public simply need to head to a participating O2 store and say “don’t get burned” to a staff member at the till to get theirs.  

Find out more about roaming in the EU here.  

#RoamOn 

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*https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/bsf-research-funding 

**https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2024/03/09/as-2024-travel-hits-pre-covid-levels-heres-when-to-go-to-europe/?sh=79f378924def