More than 60 people took the plunge and abseiled down the UK’s tallest sculpture to raise funds for a children’s hospice on Saturday.

The 63 daredevils descended the ArcelorMittal Orbit in the Olympic Park to raise funds for Richard House Children’s Hospice.

The group of abseilers included Saam Amerat, whose son Abdullah uses the hospice, chief executive Peter Ellis and volunteer Peter Ennis, who has raised more than £3,575 to date.

“The abseil was a hair-raising experience but it was wonderful to see so many people come out and take on the challenge to support the hospice,” Peter Ellis said.

The 262ft abseil is expected to raise £20,000 for the Beckton based hospice which provides care and services to children with life-limiting, life-threatening and complex healthcare conditions and their families.

Saam Amerat, who was one of the first to descend, said: “I took on the abseil to raise money for Richard House, which is always there for my family.

“The staff look after our son so we can get the rest that we need, so we can keep on looking after him the best we can. They don’t just look after him, but they look after us, his siblings, and many families like us.”

Read more; Father’s Orbit abseil for Beckton hospice