Dee Anna's story is one of resilience, adventure, and refusing to let society define her limits.
Born with a genetic mutation that affected her mobility, she faced a lifetime of challenges—from intensive physiotherapy as a child to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2022. Along the way, she also navigated severe autism, trauma, and life-altering setbacks that could have stopped her in her tracks. But instead, she turned to the outdoors.
In this episode, Dee shares how thru-hiking the South West Coast Path became the turning point that changed everything. With no home, no job, and facing immense personal struggles, she took a leap of faith and embarked on a 71-day journey that helped her reclaim her life.
We talk about the power of movement, nature’s role in healing, and why adventure should be accessible to everyone.
Now, as a scientist, outdoor journalist, and founder of The Introvert Magazine, Dee is on a mission to inspire others to embrace nature, break barriers, and live life on their own terms.
This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation about survival, self-discovery, and the courage to forge your own path. Don’t miss it!
*Please be aware that this episode contains discussions of suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, and sexual assault.
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Thank you for your amazing support!
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Show notes
- Who is Dee
- Disabled Adventuress, scientist, outdoor journalist, writer, naturalist and photographer
- Living in South Wales, surrounded by wonderful nature
- Being born in Poland and growing up in Sussex
- Her early year and growing up with severe autism and being mute
- Not socialising with other people but spending time in the outdoors
- Being interested in the natural world from a young age
- Feeling safe in nature
- Studying biology and chemistry at a high level
- Being born with a genetic mutation
- Being severely disabled and going through intensive physical therapy to be able to walk
- Building internal resilience and mental strength
- Her first big solo adventure in 2023
- Walking the South West Coast Path
- Dealing with severe trauma and complicated medical conditions
- Losing her job, her house and partner and having no where to go
- Wanting to end her life, after being sexually assaulted while at work
- Fighting to get her case heard
- Wanting to be alive
- Trying to fit in and realising that life hasn’t being build for her and deciding to live the life she
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