On the 3rd of April, the group of Hurricane explorers had the experience of a lifetime up at the O2.
Taking about four years to build, the O2 is one of England’s most iconic music arenas and has the second highest seating capacity of any indoor venue in the United Kingdom. It is also popularly known for its part in hosting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
Up at the O2 is an exhilarating 90 minute experience which takes place, that’s right, up at the top of the O2! This is a fantastic ‘urban mountaineering’ experience which takes you on a guided journey over the roof of the O2 via a fabric walkway. The walkway is suspended 52m above ground level and is 380m long. There’s no lift, no escalator, it’s just you and your harness…
As scary and nerve-wracking as it sounds, the Hurricane Explorers took on the challenge. At £30 per head, the climb was funded by Steve Metcalfe’s Jack Petchey Award. Steve is the leader of the group and he thought that this activity would be a 'once in a lifetime experience' to share together.
As we pulled ourselves up the steep slope, it was only a matter of time before we reached the top. The strenuous effort really is worth it when you reach the summit, as you get a stunning view of the River Thames and the city of London.
I asked some members of the explorer group what they thought of the experience.
Melissa Eveson, 15, said, ‘It was a great opportunity as it’s only really a once in a lifetime opportunity. I also faced my fears because I’m not too keen on heights’. Joe Hodgkins, 15, said, ‘It was incredible, seeing London from that perspective is amazing – I really enjoyed it. I loved going with my friends and I think it would be fantastic to do with the family too’.
The trip was extremely successful and enjoyable; definitely worth the time and money.
Grace Flowers – Young Reporter
