British energy startup launches campaign supplying power banks to frontline workers fighting coronavirus

"Our premise has always been to change an industry which is traditionally quite bad, and become sustainable"
Medical staff showcase their power banks
Lifeline to the Frontline
Charlie Duffield21 April 2020

A British energy startup is providing power banks to NHS staff and frontline workers so they can stay connected whilst on shift during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lifesaver's campaign, Lifeline To The Frontline, has supplied 400 pre-charged power banks using 100 per cent renewable energy from Octopus Energy to the University Hospital in Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in London.

Co-founder & CEO Archie Wilkinson was inspired after hearing a government briefing with the Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May, who shared how nurses need to ensure their batteries are fully charged.

He told the Standard: "She highlighted the case of Doctor Sebastian Yuen, who lost his father Alex to coronavirus. Nurses were able to keep the two of them connected during Alex's final moments because of a phone, and the doctor was able to say his final goodbye over video call. That was the moment I thought - we can help do that."

Lifeline To The Frontline aims to help doctors and nurses stay connected with patients, family and loved ones.

The startup had only been operating for twenty months - mainly at live events such as Formula One - and was beginning to branch out into transport hubs such as Waterloo and Liverpool stations when the coronavirus crisis hit.

Mr Wilkinson said: "Our premise has always been to change an industry which is traditionally quite bad, and become sustainable. Now we're trying to come up with solutions which will help both people and the planet."

A frontline healthcare worker with her power bank (Lifeline to the Frontline )
Lifeline to the Frontline

Originally, Lifesaver powerbanks were designed to stop commuters, office workers and festival goers running out of smartphone power, and have a capacity of 5000mAh, which will charge most phone models to two full charges.

The campaign is also being supported by former US Astronaut Scott Kelly, who said: “We all need to support the frontline nurses and hospital staff in any way we can. Keeping phones charged for nurses and patients so they may remain in contact with loved ones is vital to the wellbeing of all affected by this terrible situation."

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