RNLI invites supporters to see the O2 from a whole new level
The iconic O2 Arena is opening its roof to RNLI fundraisers for the first time, challenging supporters to conquer the dome in a thrilling climb of an impressive 54 metres.
Brave participants not only have the satisfaction of enjoying the London skyline at the summit with views across the capital but also contribute to raising vital funds for the RNLI in the process, every step taken will help save lives at sea.
Charlie Rustem, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for London explained ‘This is an event that we’ve never seen before for the RNLI in London and we’re so excited to see what the day will bring. It’s not every day you get to scale a landmark for charity!’
Your 54m-high rooftop challenge will help raise money for Mayday, our annual appeal that supports the lifesaving work of RNLI crews on the city's River Thames and all around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.
The event is on Sunday 10th May, with supporters climbing the O2 in fixed waves. There is a £40 sign-up fee for the event, and a sponsorship ask of £100. For more information and to secure your place, please visit: https://fundraise.rnli.org/event/mayday-o2-climb
Notes to editors
· For anyone who finds themselves or anyone else in trouble in the water please remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
· The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the charity that saves lives at sea and along the River Thames, with 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, and beach lifeguards providing seasonal patrols on over 240 beaches. There are four RNLI stations on the Thames at Teddington, Chiswick, Tower (Waterloo Bridge) and Gravesend. The Thames stations are crewed by a combination of volunteers and staff who work 12-hour shifts to save lives along the river.
· The Thames lifeboat stations mark their 25th year of saving lives along the Thames in 2027. They were set up as a result of the inquiry into the tragic events of the 1989 Marchioness disaster which recommended that London should be served by four lifeboats at intervals along the Thames which could reach any point on the river within 15 minutes.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact, Jess Curtis Regional Communications Manager south East [email protected] or 07860200790 or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.