Here’s what Hayley told us: “We wanted to share a little update from all of us at Harry’s Pals and to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone across the industry for your continued support.

“We’re so excited that preparations for the Inca Trail challenge are now well underway, and it’s already shaping up to be something really special. Last week, I joined the group for a training session to climb Snowdon, where I had the chance to meet some of the wonderful people who have signed up so far. It was such a warm and welcoming group, the kind of people who will make this bucket list experience not just meaningful, but genuinely fun and unforgettable too.

“This incredible challenge, organised by the People in Glazing Society, will take place from 2–11 October 2026, finishing at the breathtaking Machu Picchu. With 14 people already on board, it’s amazing to see the team coming together and we would absolutely love for more of you to join us.

“We’re so grateful to PiGs for their continued support. It truly means the world to us and to the families we support.

“That support was felt again recently at the GGP Installer Awards, where Harry’s Pals was honoured to be selected as the charity for 2026. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of everyone involved, an incredible £1,742 was raised on the day and we also had the opportunity to meet lots of great people, all keen to show their support for Harry’s Pals.

“Because of kindness like this, we’re now able to reach more families than ever before – offering vital emotional support, counselling, and opportunities for families to spend precious time together during incredibly difficult times.

“The Inca Trail challenge is more than just a trek. It’s a chance for our industry to come together, support one another, and make a real difference to families who need it most.

“If you’re thinking about joining us, we would love to hear from you.”

Find out more or sign up here: https://zurl.co/T2oCp

And if you’d like to support Harry’s Pals in other ways, including donations or partnerships, please visit: www.justgiving.com/harryspals

The post Hayley Charlesworth’s Harry’s Pals update appeared first on PiGs.

The challenge aims to raise £70,000 for Harry’s Pals, a charity founded by Hayley Charlesworth. Hayley’s husband Andrew is Global Director at Profine Group.

Sarah Ball, organiser of the PiGs Charity Challenge, said: “The first training session on Snowdon was a huge success. Saturday 21 March saw 10 of the Machu PiGchu team members, plus supportive family and friends, climb Snowdon. The group was also joined by Hayley Charlesworth, founder of Harry’s Pals, as well as a wonderful four-legged addition to the day – Andy and Hayley’s dog, Eddie.”

Joining Sarah were fellow team members Andrew Charlesworth from Profine Group; Emi Arnaut and Sion Buckley from DoorCo; Gareth Jones from Solar Fabrication and his partner Sandrine; Gemma Diratzonian from Yale DWS; Julie Hilmes from Mila; Sam Nuckey from Window Ware; and Sarah Hitchins from The Residence Collection and Window Widgets.

Sarah added: “It was the first time the group had all been together, and it was as if the weather knew, as it delivered perfect climbing conditions.

“We met by the Snowdon Light Railway station at the base of the mountain. After a short briefing and introductions from all the climbers, Hayley shared more about the charity and how the funds raised will make a difference.

“Then we set off in the sunshine. Several hours, many conversations, much laughter and 3,200 feet higher, we reached the summit together. We then split into smaller groups for the descent, with the more experienced team members going first. It was an amazing achievement for the team all round.

“If Saturday’s performance was anything to go by, this is going to be one incredible team.”

Before heading to Peru on 2 October to take on the Inca Trail, the team has three more UK training sessions: Scafell, Ben Nevis and the Edale Skyline. These are open events for anyone in the industry to join.

To donate to the team or an individual, visit the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pigsincatrail

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Here’s everything you need to know!

Where are you going?

We’re heading to Machu Picchu via the legendary Inca Trail in Peru. This iconic 5-day trek takes us through breathtaking mountain scenery to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

What dates?

The challenge runs from 2–11 October 2026, with the trek itself taking place over 5 days during that period.

How much does it cost?

Costs for the trip are £3,099, which includes:
• International flights
• Accommodation
• Guided trek and support team
• Meals during the trek

A deposit of £500 is needed to secure a place.

What charity is it for?

We’re proud to be supporting Harry’s Pals, a charity dedicated to supporting parent carers through community, respite and vital resources. Learn more here: https://harryspals.co.uk/

Why Harry’s Pals?

We choose charities from within the industry. Harry’s Pals was set up by Hayley Charlesworth, who is married to Andrew, Global Director at Profine Group. Their son Harry was just three days old when a consultant gave them the devastating news that their baby boy had suffered significant brain damage caused by two strokes, and as a result would have very complex needs.

Finding no support for parents in this position, Hayley vowed to change this for others, and her tireless work is making a difference – but more funding is needed to support more families facing similar challenges.

How much money do I have to raise?

Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of £3,500 – and we’ll be on hand with full support and ideas to help you smash it.

Who is organising the trip?

The challenge is organised by Discover Adventure (DA), a specialist in charity challenges for more than 30 years. Discover Adventure is well known to Sarah, who travelled with them to Peru in 2014, and they also organised the PiGs Kilimanjaro trip in 2024.

Here’s what it says on the DA website: Members of the DA team are chosen for their organisational skills, travel experience and sense of humour. There’s a huge amount that goes on behind the scenes at Discover Adventure to ensure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish, including ground operations, flights, crew training, admin and marketing.

On your challenge, you’ll be in the safe hands of the Discover Adventure crew, including leaders and medics. Leaders are professional, friendly and experienced in running adventure trips worldwide, and are trained in first aid, mechanics, haggling, cocktail making and even bad joke-telling!

Who is on the team so far?

We already have an incredible group of 14, including:

Andy Ball – The Joinery Network
Andy Charlesworth – Profine Group & Harry’s dad
Danny Jones – Stuga Machinery
Emi Arnaut – DoorCo
Gareth ‘Greenie’ Green – Stuga Machinery
Gareth Jones – Solar Fabrications
Gemma Diratzonian – Yale DWS
Julie Holmes – Mila
Sam Nuckey – Window Ware & The Joinery Network
Sandrine Oakes – friend of…
Sarah Ball – PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society & Modern Joinery News & Women in Fenestration Network
Sarah Hitchins – The Residence Collection & Window Widgets
Sion Buckley – DoorCo

Do I need to be fit?

You don’t need to be an elite athlete—but a good level of fitness is important. The challenge is designed to push you, and we’ll help you build your endurance through training.

Have you got any training sessions before Peru?

Yes — and they’re already underway!

Following our successful Snowdon climb, we have three more UK training sessions:

9 May – Scafell Pike
13 June – Ben Nevis
11 July – Edale Skyline

Family and friends are very welcome to join these sessions!

After reading this, do you want to get involved?

Here are three ways to support:

1 – There’s still time to join the team – we still have 6 places available – speak directly to Sarah on 07540 049655
2 – Join a UK training session – see the dates above
3 – Donate to Harry’s Pals via our JustGiving page: Trek the Inca Trail for Harry’s Pals – JustGiving

The post PiGs Charity Challenge 2026: Your Top 10 Questions Answered appeared first on PiGs.

On Saturday 21 March, the group will be heading to the top of Snowdon via the Llanberis Path, a great chance to get some solid miles in, and enjoy a day out in the Welsh mountains. This will be the first shared training climb, making it as much about meeting the team as it is about climbing.

“Everyone’s coming at this from different starting points, which is one of the things I love about the team,” said Sarah Ball, STY Master. “Snowdon is a really good opportunity to trek together, chat, and start getting to know each other.”

The Llanberis Path takes between 5 and 8 hours to complete, offers a steady route and plenty of time to settle into a comfortable pace, making it ideal for a first training session without any pressure. It’s simply about enjoying the walk, learning what works, and sharing the experience with others who are taking on the same challenge.

Sarah added, “People are giving up their time and energy to raise money for Harry’s Pals and days like this remind you why it’s worth it.

“If you’d like to join the Snowdon climb, you’d be very welcome. Whether you’re already part of the Machu PiGchu team, thinking about getting involved, or fancy a challenge, it’s an open invitation to spend a great day climbing the highest mountain in the UK at 1,085m albeit only a quarter of the height we will be challenged with on Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m), the highest part of the Inca Trail.”

Contact Sarah for more information sarah@peopleinglazing.co.uk

To donate to the team https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pigsincatrail

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Colleagues took part in a Halloween Bake Off and dress-up event, helping to raise funds for the charity, which supports parents of seriously ill babies and children.

The fundraising will continue next October when Head of Brand & Fenestration Lead, Residential, Gemma Diratzonian, joins other members of the glazing sector to take part in the PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society ‘Machu PiGchu’ challenge and walking the Inca Trail.

Gemma aims to raise £3,500 for Harry’s Pals. The team said it was proud to support such a meaningful cause, and looks forward to continuing its efforts in the months ahead.

To donate to Gemma, please click here: Gemma Diratzonian is fundraising for Harry’s Pals

Or for more information about Yale DWS, visit: English | Yale

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Following our introduction to the first four team members in Andrew Charlesworth, Julie Holmes and Ed Williams and Gareth Jones, we now showcase another member of the team, it’s Sam Nuckey, Managing Director of Window Ware!

Name: Sam Nuckey

Job title: Managing Director

Company: Window Ware

How long you’ve been there? 11 Years

How long have you been in the glazing industry in total? About 20 years

Why did you want to be part of team Machu PiGchu and trek the Inca Trail? I never take the easy route and want to make life count; this is a once in a lifetime opportunity so it had to be ‘yes’ to join the PiGs team.

How are you preparing? My starting point is as basic as just getting my steps up but I do also plan to get some long hikes in over the next year. I don’t hike usually so this is totally new to me.

What are you least looking forward to? The symptoms from the altitude.

What are you most looking forward to? The teamwork and scenery on the Inca trail.

What does Harry’s Pals mean to you? I feel very fortunate to have had good health for myself and my children; not every one has this blessing so I am keen to help make a difference to others whom need this extra support.

Link to your Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/samantha-nuckey-3?utm medium=FR&utm source=CL 

You can find out more about the challenge here: Machu PiGchu Team Gets New Pals! – PiGs

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Following our introduction to the first three team members in Andrew Charlesworth, Julie Holmes and Ed Williams, we now showcase another member of the team. It’s a person known to take on a PiGs challenge after being part of the Kilimanjaro team of 2024, it’s Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Solar Fabrications!

Name: Gareth Jones

Job Title: Managing Director

Company: Solar Fabrications

How long you’ve been there? Four Years

How long have you been in the glazing industry in total? 28 years

Why did you want to be part of team Machu PiGchu and trek the Inca Trail? I took part in last year’s trip to Kilimanjaro which was a great experience for a wonderful cause. Could not resist the temptation to take on another challenge to support another fantastic charity in Harry’s Pals for whom I act as a Board Trustee.

How are you preparing? Losing the extra pounds, cutting down on alcohol and frequenting the gym. It worked last year so I have every confidence even though I need to get my skates on!

What are you least looking forward to? Nothing really – its going to be great fun. There will be challenging moments but its all part of the all round experience.

What are you most looking forward to? I used to live in Chile and visited Machu Pichu in February 1994. I am looking forward to reenacting some of the photos I have as a very slim 19 year old.

What does Harry’s Pals mean to you? A lot. I have known Andy (Charlesworth – who’s son Harry is who the charity is named after) since our time together at profine UK. I also shared a tent with him on route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. I have been on the Board of Trustees for over 12 months now and have got to know Hayley and her dedication to the charity along with the many volunteers that support throughout the year.

Link to your Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gareth-jones-4

You can find out more about the challenge here: Machu PiGchu Team Gets New Pals! – PiGs

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Following our shoutout of the first two team members in Julie Holmes and Ed Williams, our next person is Kommerling’s Technical Director of WarmCore and Aluminium Systems, Andrew Charlesworth!

Name: Andrew Charlesworth

Job Title: Technical Director of WarmCore and Aluminium Systems

Company: Profine UK / Kommerling

How long you’ve been there? 11 years

How long have you been in the glazing industry in total? 27 years

Why did you want to be part of team Machu PiGchu and trek the Inca Trail? I climbed Kilimanjaro last year and it was such a life-changing experience. It was great to be part of a wonderful group of people from the industry, and it was all for a good cause, too — raising money for amazing charities.

How are you preparing? I go to the gym three to four times a week and go on as many walks as possible.

What are you least looking forward to?  Sleeping in a tent, I had a lot of issues with my air mattress while I was sleeping on the last trip — it literally let me down!

What are you most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to spending time with the amazing people on the trip and walking the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. It’ll be a real ‘pinch me’ moment!

What does Harry’s Pals mean to you?  Harry’s Pals is very close to my heart. It’s named after our middle child, Harry, who is 10 years old. He was born with cerebral palsy and, as a result, has very complex needs. He has the mental age of a three-month-old. He can’t walk, talk, eat or do anything for himself without support.

Ten years ago, when Harry was born, both myself and my wife Hayley looked for support for us. There were hundreds of charities to support Harry, but not one to support parents.

So, in April 2022, Hayley decided enough was enough and set up Harry Pals to support parents in need, parents with a disabled child or a child with a life-limiting condition. The charity provides counselling and also respite breaks for parents, because if parents can’t cope, who will be there for their children?

Link to your Just Giving page: Andrew Charlesworth is fundraising for Harry’s Pals

You can find out more about the challenge here: Machu PiGchu Team Gets New Pals! – PiGs

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Tough Mudder Challenge

Taking on the mud, hills, and chaos of one of the most technically demanding Tough Mudder courses, set against the challenging terrain of Belvoir Castle, Mat pushed his limits both physically and mentally. From killer hills to up-scaled obstacles and surprise challenges, the course certainly lived up to its “Tough” name.

After the event, Mat said: “Mud washed off, heart full, legs aching with pain – but it’s worth it! Still finding bits of mud in places I didn’t know existed… but what an epic day!”

This year, was determined not just to challenge himself but also to raise awareness for a cause close to his heart – and to the heart of the glazing industry.

“Harry’s Pals is a small charity doing incredible work,” Mat continued. “They provide bespoke counselling and therapy to parents who’ve just received devastating news about their child’s health. It’s life-changing support that often isn’t available elsewhere.”

Fundraising target smashed

Originally setting a target of £500, Mat’s fundraising total quickly climbed past £1,000, thanks to generous support from colleagues, friends, and industry peers. His JustGiving page remains open for anyone who would still like to contribute to the cause https://www.justgiving.com/page/mathew-gibson-2

STY Master Sarah added: “To do a Tough Mudder once was impressive, twice is incredible! I can’t thank Mat enough for his continued support. No pressure, but what are you doing next year, Mat?

“Our supporters are so kind. Earlier this year, Steve Hopwood from Ciilock raised £1,335, plus ticket sales from the upcoming PiGs Boat Trip have reached £1,368 – so with Mat’s incredible donations, we’ve already raised £3,733 – plus gift aid – for the charity this year.

“It’s not one person doing something big – its many people joining their efforts in support. If, like Mat, you want to get involved in raising money for Harry’s Pals, please let me know. You can do your own thing, or we’ve got a big, organised event in 2026 trekking the Inca Trail.”

Click for more information on Chase Taylor

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In a new series of articles, we get to know the team members taking on this incredible challenge. Next up we have Managing Director of Stuga Machinery, Ed Williams!

Name: Ed Williams

Job title: Managing Director

Company: Stuga Machinery Limited

How long you’ve been there? Three years

How long have you been in the glazing industry in total? Three years

Why did you want to be part of team Machu PiGchu and trek the Inca Trail? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take on a challenge that’s both physically demanding and deeply meaningful. Trekking the Inca Trail as part of Team Machu PiGchu brings together adventure, camaraderie, and the chance to support a cause that truly matters.

How are you preparing? I’m building up endurance with regular shirt walks with my dog, weekly long-distance walks, hill hikes, and strength/HIIT training.

What are you least looking forward to? The altitude. I’ve heard it can hit you like a brick, no matter how fit you are — and I’m not sure how gracefully I handle headaches and breathlessness. While I have completed many endurance runs in my younger years, I’ve never been pushed to limits at altitude, so it’ll be interesting to see how I adjust.

What are you most looking forward to? The view when we reach the Sun Gate. That first glimpse of Machu Picchu is going to be unforgettable — and knowing we’ve earned it step by step will make it even more powerful.

What does Harry’s Pals mean to you? It’s about standing with families who face challenges most of us can only imagine. Harry’s Pals offers comfort, strength, and real, practical support — and being able to raise awareness and funds for such a heartfelt cause is a privilege.

Link to your Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stugamachinery?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015

You can find out more about the challenge here: Machu PiGchu Team Gets New Pals! – PiGs

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