Safe Sun Campaign
2101. Sam Batstone
Sam Batstone, from Essex, launched his ‘Safe Sun’ campaign in 2020, providing a free sun cream dispenser at Leigh Beach to offer the public protection against skin cancers, prevent unnecessary plastic pollution and help those who may struggle with the cost of sun cream.
Sam’s idea came following a trip to the beach, when a typical British day went from cloudy to sunny and people around him were beginning to burn. Sam noticed the number of hand sanitiser dispensers from the pandemic and thought it would be helpful if one of them could dispense suncream.
Sam engaged with the local council and his MP and the idea was taken up and launched. His initiative has since grown with more than 40 dispensers installed nationwide at beaches, schools, sports clubs and local businesses with more due to become available in the coming months.
In a personal letter to Sam, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“Your idea of installing free sun cream dispensers at popular beach locations is doing so much to protect people from the sun.
“Your initiative is also helping to protect our wonderful coastline, reducing plastic pollution on our beaches, so that they are cleaner and safer places for everyone to enjoy.”
Sam said:
“I am truly humbled and honoured to have been selected for the Points of Light Award. I really do believe these dispensers can make a big difference within our community and I feel so privileged to be awarded for a cause I feel so strongly about.”