Virgin Money Giving and Worldpay have launched a new payment platform directed at events such as the 2017 London Marathon.

The partnership will redesign the online process for donors by improving website speed and responsiveness for mobile users.

Virgin Money Giving says that it supports more than 100,000 fundraisers every year, and handles 3,000 donations every hour ahead of major events. This traffic volume is the reason given by Virgin Money Giving for working with Worldpay, as they have experience with processing such traffic.

According to Worldpay, they are able to process payments from geographies covering 99% of global GDP, and across 146 countries.

Virgin Money Giving is a non-profit online fundraising website established by Virigin Money in 2009. Worldpay is a payments company which provides technology driven payment products and services.

Jo Barnett, Executive Director at Virgin Money Giving said: “When donating to charity, people want to be able to give easily and safely, wherever they are and using whatever device they choose. Our new partnership with Worldpay will enable people to do that and, combined with Virgin Money Giving’s commitment to pay charities their funds quickly and at a minimum cost, this will help to increase charitable giving in the UK.”

Both companies appear to be focussing on the simplicity of online payments, recognising that ease of use is of prime importance when working with people’s generosity.

James Frost, CMO at Worldpay said: “Online giving has soared in recent years, as consumers appreciate the simplicity and security of digital donations. Brits in particular are renowned for their generosity when it comes to giving, with runners at last year’s London Marathon raising nearly £60 million for good causes.  Online is a vital channel for bringing in donations and we are proud to be partnering with Virgin Money Giving, to help customers donate in a simple, secure and more convenient way.”