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<\/a>Jane Gilliam and her son, Jack<\/p>\nSoon after Tony\u2019s passing, Jack had a suggestion.<\/p>\n
\u201cMum, why don\u2019t you come to the Plymouth Climbing Hangar with me and Molly (my girlfriend at the time), and have a free trial session?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jane had run several Plymouth Half Marathons, often raising money for charity. Running had been about giving back. With climbing, it became about finding wellbeing and an escape from her grief.Gripped asked Jane about taking that first step.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought about it and I figured, WHY NOT! I must admit I was very apprehensive as I didn\u2019t want to make a fool of myself. I will be 59 years old in November and this ain\u2019t tennis.\u201d<\/p>\n
As soon as she and Jack arrived she recognised something special.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I walked in everyone was so friendly, welcoming and encouraging. The gym had such a fabulous vibe.\u201d<\/p>\n Her first experience climbing was wonderful and she found herself smiling again. After the year she had endured, and holding onto her husband until his last breath, her spirit was bruised. Now, amongst the walls and chalk bags, she felt lighter.<\/p>\n \u201cI really enjoyed the free trial session. It was great fun and I was so impressed to see all ages of our community there.\u201d<\/p>\n Jack admitted he wasn\u2019t convinced she would actually go.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought she was joking about going at first, but she surprised me by going. She\u2019s been doing so well. I\u2019m very proud of her.\u201d<\/p>\n Jack had introduced his mum to a whole new world. So began a mother and son climbing story.<\/p>\n They now climb together once a week and Jane also attends the Ladies Evening every Friday. Every climbing partnership develops trust, but theirs has become something deeper than the bond between climbing buddies. Months after losing Tony, climbing has given mother and son a way to rebuild together.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been a hard year for both of us, but especially Mum with losing Dad. I think climbing at the gym has gotten both our minds off the loss and helps us both feel in control of how we deal with the grief. We can do it together.\u201d<\/p>\n Jane has also found a community that has embraced her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ladies know my story and are so kind and friendly towards me. It\u2019s a great social thing to do. The session is coach led and we all encourage each other. My peers have helped me by giving me support and tips.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>Jane Gilliam<\/p>\n