Gill Conquers Kilimanjaro in Memory of Her Father and to Support Women with Stomas
As Gill Castle scaled the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, her thoughts were consumed with memories of her father, Bob Harrison. Just two weeks before her trip, Bob, her biggest supporter and cheerleader, passed away after a battle with cancer.
"I felt close to Dad because I was high up," says Gill, 46, from Alnwick, Northumberland. "I think the lack of sleep and the altitude just tipped me over the edge. I just wanted to rip my heart out and sob, but I had to keep going. So I had a bit of a moment, got myself back together, and reached the summit. I did that for Dad, I think."
Gill remembers her father’s unwavering belief in her abilities, a confidence that pushed her to keep going despite the physical and emotional challenges. "He always had supreme confidence in my ability to do anything, and actually, that helped me get to the top of the mountain," she reflects.
A Trailblazer for Women with Stomas
Gill, known for her resilience and determination, is no stranger to extraordinary physical feats. In 2023, she made history as the first person with a stoma to swim across the English Channel. Having had the stoma since 2011 due to complications from a traumatic birth, Gill’s journey to Kilimanjaro was deeply personal. She had the idea of climbing the mountain to raise funds for Chameleon Buddies, a charity she founded to help women in Kenya who have stomas but lack access to the medical supplies and care that she has received.
She was joined by a group of 16 women, many of whom also had stomas or had experienced birth trauma. Together, they set off on the trek, which presented a unique set of challenges. “There was so much fear about what was ahead,” Gill admits. “This group was made up of people who had more challenges than most people would take on in a challenge like this. It was a challenge in its own right.”
Facing Challenges Together
The women’s trek was far from easy. Some of them had to take special precautions to manage their medical issues, like using extenders for colostomy bags to prevent leaks. "You can’t really describe what that’s like," says Gill, recalling the fear of a potential leak during the hike. "The knowledge that you could suddenly end up with poo all over your clothes and not have a way to shower or change properly."
The altitude also posed challenges, as excess wind would sometimes puff up the stoma bags, rubbing against the skin and causing discomfort. But despite the difficulties, the women found strength in each other. "The good thing was, because there were quite a few of us with stomas, we were able to support each other, so you didn’t feel alone," Gill says.
The group’s camaraderie helped them overcome physical barriers, but it also fueled moments of exhilaration. One of those moments came when they first saw Kilimanjaro in the distance. "We went around the corner, and everyone started screaming because it was so clear, and everyone was really emotional thinking, ‘Wow, that’s where we’re going, that’s the top.’ It was really exciting," Gill recalls.
The trek was not only physically demanding, with temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) during the day to -15°C (5°F) at the summit, but also mentally taxing. But despite the obstacles, 16 out of the 17 women in the group made it to the summit, with one woman having to turn back due to altitude sickness.
A Moment of Triumph
Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro was a stunning accomplishment. "It’s the most stunning place I’ve ever been in my life," Gill says. "You can see for miles, and there are huge glaciers around the side." The women experienced a surreal moment as the sun rose while they climbed, enhancing the beauty of the journey.
"Everyone had so much pride in each other and in the group as a whole," she says. "I always wanted this to be a group adventure and challenge, and there’s nothing like seeing a group of women together."
Giving Back and Celebrating Success
After completing the trek, some of the women visited a hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, where Gill’s charity operates. The hospital, supported by Chameleon Buddies, held a big celebration for the trekkers, complete with dancing and singing. "The trekkers were able to meet the women they were supporting, see the hospital, and see the impact," Gill says.
The reunion with her son Sam was another special moment. After the trek, Gill introduced Sam to one of the first women she had helped through her charity. "That for me is like a perfect circle," she says. "It was saying to my son, ‘You know, this is what has happened as a result of your birth, not the bad stuff, this.’ It was just so special."
A Final Challenge
This climb marked the end of Gill’s series of big personal challenges. She now plans to focus on the work of Chameleon Buddies and supporting women in need. When asked if she believes the trek proved she could do anything despite the challenges she’s faced, Gill humbly replied, "I haven’t proved that. The group has proved that. This was their opportunity to show people that you can do anything after trauma or with a stoma."
Remembering Her Father
Throughout the journey, Gill’s mind often returned to her father. "Dad would never have wanted me to pull out because of him, but it did make it very challenging mentally to try to keep that grief to one side," she admits. "I think it’s the first big thing in my life that he hasn’t been there to see, and I know how much he wanted to see me do it. But I did it, and I know he’d be really proud."
Gill’s journey up Kilimanjaro was not just a physical feat but a deeply emotional tribute to the man who always believed in her. It was a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her father.
