The Shard

The abseil that started it all.

Standing 310m above London, The Shard was an extraordinary addition to the city's skyline and, at the time, the tallest building in Western Europe.

Before the building opened to the public in 2013, a select group of people were given the unique opportunity to abseil from its pinnacle in aid of charity.

Trained by The Outward Bound Trust and supported by Royal Marines Commandos, the group took on an extraordinary descent from one of London's most iconic new landmarks.

Among those taking part were Ffion Hague and Sir Chris Bonington, alongside a select group of participants who took on the extraordinary descent. Together, they raised a landmark sum for The Outward Bound Trust and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

The event marked the beginning of a remarkable series of high-profile building abseils for Control Descent, setting the stage for the City Three Peaks Challenge and many more extraordinary London projects that followed.

Testimonial

"In 2012 the Outward Bound Trust, working with the Royal Marines, organised an abseil descent of the Shard (the tallest building in Western Europe). All of the abseilers were novices (the event was organised to raise funds for two charities - the Outward Bound Trust and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund) and the building had never been abseiled before. Brian was intimately involved in all aspects of the project - the planning, selection of the equipment, fine tuning the abseil system and training the participants. Most importantly, Brian was the leader of the 30 Royal Marines who made the descent possible. On the day of the abseil Brian supervised the longest single descent (over 150m vertical meters).

The fact that the project was an astounding success (over £1,500,000 was raised) and all of the abseilers completed the descent uneventfully is testament to Brian's rare combination of skills - he understands the technical requirements of working at height in dangerous and challenging locations, he is well organised and, crucially, he is first class leader who gets the best out of his team. It was great to work with him on such a big project and I look forward to finding further opportunities for collaboration."

Iain Peter
International Mountain Guide
Executive Director
Outward Bound International

Link to the Control Descent portfolio detailing the historic 310m Shard skyscraper charity abseil project in London.

Abseiling down The Shard

Entrance Sign Welcome to The Shard skyscraper in London, venue for the historic pinnacle charity abseil engineered by Control Descent.

The participants were given a warm welcome and plenty of encouragement

Abseilers at the Shard skyscraper in London, venue for the historic pinnacle charity abseil engineered by Control Descent.

Royal Marines Commando's lead and assisted with the abseil

Night viewe at The Shard skyscraper in London, venue for the historic pinnacle charity abseil engineered by Control Descent.

The Night draws in around The Shard