Machu PiGchu: Getting to know Sarah Ball

In October, a team of intrepid travellers will take on the iconic Inca Trail in Peru, all in aid of PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society’s Charity of the Year, Harry’s Pals.

In this article, we’re introducing you to some of the people behind the challenge, finding out a little more about what inspired them to take part, how they’re preparing for the adventure and what they’re looking forward to most.

This article is all about Sarah Ball. We caught up with her to find out more about her Machu PiGchu journey…

Name
Sarah Ball

Company
PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society, Modern Joinery News, and Women in Fenestration Network

Job title
Director

Why did you sign up for the Inca Trail?

After Kilimanjaro in 2024, there were a group of us who wanted to do something big to support Harry’s Pals.

What are you most looking forward to?

Building friendships, these challenges create deep and life-long relationships as we work together in extraordinary circumstances.

Plus, the night skies – I am fortunate to have done it before – and know how special the star filled night skies can be.

What are you most nervous about?

We have a really tough day when we climb Dead Woman’s Pass, which is the highest and most difficult point on the classic Inca Trail, standing at an elevation of 4,215 m – we will climb about 1,200 meters uphill over four to five hours on steep, irregular stone steps. And then we have to get to camp another three or so hours away!

And the weather has been very unpredictable, which can make it very treacherous. The path has only just reopened after bad weather, and we are less than a month away from the challenge.

How’s the training going?
Not as good as I hoped but I’m stepping it up in these final weeks.

What does Harry’s Pals mean to you?
I met Andrew and Hayley – Harry’s parents – during the run up to Kilimanjaro, and it seemed like a brilliant charity to support as the PiGs Charity of the Year.

We like to keep charities personal to the industry and with Andrew as such a great Ambassador, we are really happy to support the great work they do.

Describe the challenge in three words
Brillant, brutal, beautiful.

Link to Sarah’s JustGiving page:

Sarah and Andy Ball is fundraising for Harry’s Pals