Strong start for Kilimanjaro climb fundraising

The PiGs charity of 2024, Kelly’s Heroes, has seen a big boost in donations in the last month. The Kilimanjaro challenge in September is the main activity for fundraising this year, and the team has been busy in training as well as fundraising.  

Stymaster Sarah Ball, who is the challenge organiser, said: “We are aiming to raise £50,000 for the charity and we have already have more than £8,000 with five months still to go. We have seen some incredible support by companies in the glazing industry, which is how we have got so much, so quickly. 

“This is the most generous industry in the world. The support I have received personally is incredible. I can’t thank those companies and individuals enough. The charity Kelly’s Heroes doesn’t get any other funding apart from donations.  

“When I was part of the European cycling team, for the Loneliest Road in 2022, I found out about the work and impact made by Kelly’s Heroes. Set up by Kelly’s dad, John Hewitt from the industry, Kelly’s mum, and her sister after Kelly died by suicide. The work Kelly’s Heroes does, literally saves lives. I wanted to do something that would bring in significant income to the charity, which is when I started looking at putting a team together to climb Kilimanjaro. 

“It’s a bucket list challenge and demanding both physically and mentally. The seven-day trek sees us summit at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) and as we are climbing, we are also acclimatising to the altitude. The route we are taking means we are taking it slowly to we give ourselves the best possible chance of getting to the top.  

“We now have a superb 15-strong climbing team. They are Alyson Westbrook, Framexpress;  Andrew Charlesworth, Profine Group;  Andy Ball, Balls2 Marketing; Barry Halpin, UAP;  Carl Finch; Daniel Mason, Safeguard Glass & Glazing;  Gareth Jones, Solar Fabrications;  Ian Ward, CNC Recycling;  Lucy Daniels, DoorCo; Mark Towers, DoorCo;  Nat Weaver, Ashfen Windows and Doors; Rob Page, Safeguard Glass & Glazing; Sherry Adams, Kelly’s Heroes;  Tristan Schofield, National Glass Association; and me, Balls2 Marketing and PiGs!” 

Sarah added: “We are all in awe of the generosity we have seen so far, and we believe that we will get to our target with the help of our industry friends and supporters.” 

If you’re interested in joining the team, call Sarah on 07540 049655 or email sarah@balls2marketing.co.uk  

For more about the charity go to https://kellysheroes.org.uk/ 

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/kellysheroesclimbkilimanjaro