Kilimanjaro conquered!

Modern Joinery Founder and climb organiser Sarah Ball is buoyant after completing the challenge of a lifetime and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, raising a huge amount for charity Kelly’s Heroes along the way. 

We have done it! Kilimanjaro has been conquered by a group of 16 people, all connected by the glazing industry, united under the PiGs banner to raise money for the suicide prevention charity Kelly’s Heroes.

After long, challenging days of climbing, our team has emerged victorious, and we have a thousand photos to share with you. Yet, the one that truly captures the essence of our achievement is the one of us at the summit.

The PiGs team was exemplary. We worked together seamlessly, despite many of us having never met before the challenge. We knew it would be tough, but the level of support we offered each other was beyond anything we could have imagined. There were no cross words—only kindness and a generous spirit that ensured everyone felt supported when they needed it most. Never before have I seen such a tight-knit team working in complete harmony.

Despite facing the difficulties of altitude sickness and grueling hikes, a week later, we are back in the UK, returning to our normal routines, though still reflecting on the incredible challenge we’ve completed.

Personally, I’m still processing the fact that we stood on the summit of the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It’s surreal, and I owe a massive thanks to the entire team, as well as Christina and Doc from Discover Adventure, and the local crew, Ahsante Tours.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated to the PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society’s charity of the year, Kelly’s Heroes.

Remarkably, while in Africa, we raised an additional £10,000 for the charity, bringing our total to an impressive £86,000, including gift aid. This journey was not just about reaching the peak; it was also about the support we have given to Kelly’s Heroes.

“Ahsante sana” means “thank you very much” in Swahili, and our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone who has supported us with kind words of encouragement and donations to Kelly’s Heroes.

Team members: Andy Ball, Andrew Charlesworth, Alyson Westbrook, Barry Halpin, Carl Finch, Daniel Mason, Gareth Green, Gareth Jones, Ian Ward, Lucy Daniels, Mark Towers, Nat Weaver, Rob Page, Sarah Ball (me), Stacey Rowley and Tristan Scoffield

You still have time to donate. Please visit Kelly’s Heroes Climb Kilimanjaro – JustGiving to donate.