Mother Embarks on Emotional Machu Picchu Trek in Memory of Daughter
The mother of University of Lincoln graduate Grace Millane is preparing for her latest monumental fundraising challenge in honor of her daughter. Gill Millane will trek Peru's iconic Machu Picchu to raise crucial funds for White Ribbon UK, the leading charity dedicated to engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
A Journey Fueled by Love and Loss
Gill Millane is undertaking this South American adventure in memory of Grace, whose life was tragically taken in New Zealand in 2018 on the eve of her 22nd birthday by a man she had just met. Having previously conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp for the same charity, Gill is now gearing up for her expedition to the ancient Inca settlement on April 25. This trek promises to be one of her most emotionally charged adventures yet.
Gill shared, "Grace loved to live, and she loved to travel. She went to Peru herself, and her words to me were, 'Mum, that's something you'd like to do.' So, it was the next one on the list." She added, "It's going to be emotional because I know that Grace was there, but I know I've got to do it."
A Touching Tradition Continues
When Gill reaches the summit at Machu Picchu, she plans to leave behind small stones engraved with the names of Grace and her late husband, David. This poignant tradition has been carried out on her previous climbs, creating a lasting memorial in each location.
Explaining her choice to fundraise for White Ribbon UK, Gill said, "When Grace was taken from us, we noticed there were lots of vigils and people were coming out wearing a white ribbon. When I looked into it, I realised that actually, we need to talk about this. Violence against women and girls is something that's been brushed under the carpet for far too long."
She continued, "We've got a voice, and I need to speak about it. The more awareness we get out there, the better it is."
The Love Grace Initiative and Broader Impact
Alongside her inspiring trekking efforts, Gill is the driving force behind 'Love Grace', a charitable initiative she launched in 2019 to channel her grief into positive action. Love Grace provides handbags filled with essential toiletries—such as shampoo, toothpaste, and shower gel—to women fleeing domestic abuse.
To date, Love Grace has distributed over 33,000 bags worldwide, an achievement that led to Gill being honored with an OBE by Prince William. Additionally, Gill received an honorary doctorate from the University of Lincoln in September 2025, which Grace graduated from in 2018, for her charity work in tackling violence against women.
Friend Joins the Cause with London Marathon Run
In addition to Gill's upcoming fundraising challenge, the Millane family's close friend, Abi Painter, who attended primary school with Grace, is currently training to run her first-ever London Marathon in aid of White Ribbon UK. Supported by a running coach and a nutritionist, Abi is taking on the 26.2-mile race in April to honor her friend's legacy.
Abi said, "Grace was such a kind, friendly and sweet person. She was the kind of friend who always made people feel welcome and cared for. Being able to run in Grace's memory felt like a really meaningful way to honour her and keep her memory alive."
She added, "I chose White Ribbon UK because it's a cause that feels very close to my heart. I want to help raise as much awareness as possible about violence against women and support the important work they do to prevent it."
