McGrath has climbed the highest summits on seven continents including Mount Everest. When she was descending from Everest she led the rescue of another mountaineer. It was on 21 May 2007 and she rescued Nepali Usha Bista. She was selected as a 2011 recipient of the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada Humanitarian Award for her rescue. The award recognises a Canadian who has personally or administratively contributed a significant service or act in the Himalayan Region of Nepal.