GILLIAN MILLANE, from Yorkshire, England, found herself in a ‘really dark place’ after her daughter’s murder and her husband’s death. It has been five years since her daughter, Grace Millane, was murdered by a man she met on Tinder while backpacking in New Zealand. Not long after, Gillian’s husband passed away from cancer, leaving her in a state of despair.

In the wake of her husband’s death, Gillian contemplated suicide but ultimately found strength through the support of loved ones, long walks, and counseling. She credits these factors for helping her survive the dark period. Gillian recognizes the enduring pain of losing both her daughter and husband, stating, “This is a life sentence I’ve got. This is me until the day I die.”

Gillian has since channeled her grief and despair into meaningful action. After her daughter’s murderer falsely claimed her death was the result of an accident during rough sex, Gillian dedicated herself to campaigning for a change in the law. Her efforts played a crucial role in the banning of the ‘rough sex’ defense in murder cases.

In addition to her advocacy work, Gillian also initiated a charity project called Love Grace, collecting and donating handbags filled with essential toiletries to victims of domestic abuse. The initiative has filled 15,600 bags for women in the UK and around the world. Furthermore, she trained to hike Mount Kilimanjaro and raised funds for the White Ribbon Charity, which works to end male violence against women.

Looking ahead, Gillian plans to further her charitable work by seeking official charity status for Love Grace and embarking on a training regimen for a hike to Mount Everest base camp. Ultimately, she aspires to create a lasting impact in the world, emphasizing the importance of honoring her daughter’s memory by making a positive difference in the lives of others. For help and support, call the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.