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Arcoservices > Uncategorized > Going great heights for charity

Going great heights for charity

A safe space for thrill-seekers

Nestling in north Surrey, and operated by Merlin Entertainments, Thorpe Park is a theme park that attracts millions of thrill-seekers every year. Alongside other attractions, Thorpe Park is home to Hyperia – the UK’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster, reaching speeds of nearly 130kmph and standing at 236ft.

With a 15+ year partnership, Arco Professional Safety Services have long supported Thorpe Park in delivering safe thrills to visitors on a variety of working at height and training projects.

 

Rising to the challenge

Looking to stage an ambitious fundraising activity (‘Descent for the Deep Blue’), Thorpe Park was approached by the charity Sea Life Trust, which operates globally to protect the world’s oceans and its marine life.

With Hyperia chosen as the ideal location to pull-off a charity abseil, Thorpe Park needed an experienced company that could facilitate an exhilarating but safe event for all fundraisers. Arco Professional Safety Services rose to the challenge.

 

An expert safety solution

To ensure the highest safety standards, Arco Professional Safety Services provided a turnkey working at height solution. This including a site survey, anchor verification, rope system design, rescue cover, and event supervision. All operations adhered to IRATA, British standards, and EN safety requirements.

To accommodate Hyperia’s 72m height, the system used two EN 1891 Type A low-stretch (semi-static) kernmantle ropes, with additional rope utilised for a rig-for-rescue set-up. During the event, Arco’s qualified technicians managed the rigging, participant descents, and standby rescue coverage.

 

Waves of positivity

With 20 people taking part, over £12k was raised for the Sea Life Trust, all going directly to supporting essential marine conservation. While showcasing Arco’s rope access and rescue expertise, the event ran smoothly and safely, with participants completing successful descents under expert supervision.

The collaboration between Sea Life Trust, Thorpe Park, and Arco Professional Safety Services also demonstrated the value of professional rope access and rescue planning in public charity events.

 

“Thank you so much to you and your team for making this happen. You were so much more than abseil experts, you’ve had glowing reviews on how you reassured and encouraged everyone.”

 

Gage Spencer

Marketing & Engagement Executive, Sea Life Trust