Time Together: Lucy Garlick and Natalie Stilwell

In this spirit, GB Climbing athlete Lucy Garlick and her mum, Natalie Stilwell, took some time to share how they spend quality time together while navigating the highs and lows of competition climbing.

Natalie said:

"Ten years ago, Lucy was invited to join the White Spider Squad, and her love of climbing began. After just a couple of months, she attended her first bouldering competition, and this was where her true love and passion for the sport started.

We began traveling all over the country most weekends, finding competitions to attend. We’ve spent countless hours in the car together. These moments became so special as they were our time to have the best chats about school, climbing, and life, as well as dancing and singing the hours away.

Traveling on a budget meant being creative with our meals, using a pasta pot, George Foreman grill, and mini fridge. We had great fun producing some tasty meals together. Lucy still does this when traveling internationally to keep costs down.

We’d also enjoy snuggling up in a double bed together (which we still do to this day). It hasn’t always been easy—having an eight-hour drive home after a competition that didn’t go well was tricky. In the early years, I’d be upset if she hadn’t tried her hardest, and thoughts of how much money was ‘wasted’ and the time spent away from my son and husband would infuriate me. Lucy, on the other hand, was obviously sad that she hadn’t climbed to the best of her ability.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to manage my frustration, knowing that Lucy always wants to win and always tries her hardest. The conversations quickly changed to “What was your favourite climb?”, “What could you have done differently?”, and “What do we need to work on?” I’ve also learned that sometimes the conversation just needs to be, “I love you and I’m always proud of you.” Her coaches are much better at debriefing with her than I am, so I leave it to them.

We also climb together, and these are always my favourite sessions. Lucy is so supportive and makes me try things I’d never attempt on my own, pushing me beyond where I think my limits are. When I get scared, she’s so encouraging; she reads my body language and knows exactly what to say, or I feel the gentle tightening on the rope to help me get up the climb.

I feel very blessed that Lucy found climbing and that we’ve created such a strong relationship with each other. I’m so lucky that as we approach her 18th birthday, she still wants to travel and climb with me."

Join the movement of women and girls claiming back their right to sport

Inspire your daughter, niece, or a teen in your life to get active with you, make memories and try something new. Discover more about indoor climbing or find your nearest wall with our wall finder.