Gillian Millane's Emotional Climb to Everest Base Camp

In a poignant tribute to her daughter, Gillian Millane, the mother of murdered British backpacker Grace Millane, successfully reached Everest base camp in Nepal. The climb, which took place recently, was described by Gillian as the most challenging experience of her life, compounded by severe weather conditions that had not been seen in 12 years. She faced treacherous snow, freezing temperatures, and altitude sickness during the eight-day ascent, which was followed by a four-day descent. Gillian's journey was not only a personal memorial but also served a greater purpose. The trek raised funds for the White Ribbon charity, which is dedicated to ending male violence against women. This initiative is particularly significant given the circumstances surrounding Grace's tragic death in New Zealand. During her climb, Gillian left stones engraved with her daughter's name and that of her late husband, David, who passed away from cancer in 2020, at the base camp. This act mirrored her previous tribute at Mount Kilimanjaro, where she also honored their memories. In the wake of her daughter's murder, Gillian established the Love Grace charity, which provides handbags filled with toiletries to domestic abuse victims, inspired by Grace's love for handbags. Her charitable efforts have resulted in over 20,000 bags being distributed globally, earning her an OBE for her dedication to this cause.