My mother, my friend

Wild women
Former Australian gymnastics champion, Di Westaway, started Wild Women on Top in 2001 as a way for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. Her adventure fitness program gives women the chance to shake off their everyday routine, raise self-esteem and fitness levels and fulfil humanitarian goals through fundraising. Aimed at women aged between 30 and 60, members go on weekly training sessions and head out on adventures around the world.Visit www.wildwomenontop.com.

The bond between mother and daughter
Annie Doyle and her daughter, Grace, have always had a solid relationship, but their bond was put to the test when they decided to climb Mount Kinabalu, in Borneo, during 2007. At 4,000 metres, it is one of the highest mountains in South-East Asia, and the intrepid duo faced a week-long typhoon, freezing temperatures and altitude sickness, all while scaling precipitous rock faces and slippery ledges.
Although Annie has plenty of climbing experience, having reached the summit of four of the world’s highest mountains, it was her daughter’s first climb at altitude. She says it felt very different taking Grace along, and it brought up some unexpected emotional issues. “Going with Grace was definitely a different experience,” says Annie. “I was quite nervous. I knew there would be lots of sheer drops, but normally I only have to look after myself. I felt much more emotionally bound doing a climb with my own child.”
Weather conditions were far from ideal when the eight-person mother-and-daughter team arrived in Borneo. The women, all part of a Wild Women on Top climbing group, weren’t even sure if they’d be able to set foot on the mountain. Finally, the guides said it was safe to climb and they set off at three in the morning, hoping to arrive at the summit for sunrise.
“When we started climbing, it was still dark and we were wearing head torches,” remembers Grace. “The first kilometre felt as if it was going on forever. We reached a checkpoint at about seven o’clock and people were turning back. I really didn’t want to go up; I didn’t feel well. I’d already vomited and we were only halfway up.”
The treacherous conditions meant the climbers could hardly see where they were going, but Annie persuaded Grace to carry on, despite the fact her first instinct was to protect her daughter from a potentially dangerous situation. “I had a much heavier sense of responsibility than ever before,” says Annie. “I was much more nervous than if I was with a friend. The mother instinct came to the fore. It’s that lioness feeling – I just wanted to protect her.”
Grace battled through her altitude sickness, and became one of four members of the team of eight to reach the summit. “It was amazing when we got to the top,” recalls Grace with a smile. “When I reached the summit, I felt I’d accomplished so much. I finally realised why my mum loves climbing. To be able to do what she does felt amazing.”
Annie says the pair formed a special connection when they reached the summit. “We gave each other one of those looks, when you meet each others’ eyes, and don’t need to say anything,” she says. “We both knew what we’d achieved. That connection was really special.”
Grace says seeing her mother push on without complaint made her realise what an amazing role model she has. “Whatever happened, she’d never complain, she’d just smile instead. And she was always thinking of everyone else before herself,” says Grace. “The experience definitely made our bond stronger.”
Annie says the determination Grace showed made her realise how precious her only daughter is. “I thought Grace was so courageous. I’ve always thought she was amazing ­– ever since she was born. We’re very different, but that’s why we work so well. She has a wise head on young shoulders - I’ve learned a lot from Grace.”
Annie knows the shared memories of the Kinabalu climb will remain with them forever. “I was so proud when Grace reached the summit.” says Annie. “Not many mums get to do something like that with their daughter – it’s something no-one can take away from us. I hope she looks back when she’s 40 and thinks, ‘Wow, I did that with my mum.’ It’s definitely made us closer as a mother and daughter. I feel really blessed.”