Dee Anna: From Survivor to Disabled Adventuress – Finding Strength in Nature.
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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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 wants to live
Deciding to go for it and making a decision overnight
Focusing on a goal
Dragging herself to the train station to get to the start of the SWCP
How her body started to become stronger while walking
Spending 71 days on the trail and why it was the greatest adventure of her life
Why it was a healing experience
Movement, nature, animals and being exposure to nature
Meeting good people on the trail
Walking every day and noticing the positive changes in her body
The theory that people who have ADHD are people who come from hunter gatherers
How the trail will provide
Starting The Introvert Magazine
The impact of stress on her body
Working on an Adventure Guide
Wanting the book to be as inclusive as possible
Wanting to bring as many people as possible to experience nature
Interviewing people and taking over 200 photos for the book
Going snorkelling with the Scottish Wildlife Trust
Looking at it as a life project
Having a shorter life span compared to others
Wanting to work on projects that are a passion
Embracing her life as a gift and a blessing
Wanting to be grateful for every moment
Wanting to giveback to society
Building her instagram community
What can people expect from her social media
Sharing her life as it is
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
You have to be tolerant with others but strict with yourself - Marcus Aurelius
Feeling isolated and alone
Advice for women with autism and ADHD
Struggling to get outside and advice and tips to do so
Meet ups?
Women’s Safety
Planning or not planning for adventures
Being pulled in 2 different directions
Allowing flexibility on the adventure
Finding out what works for you
Women’s safety while on the trail
Her 10 year career in the police
Words of advice
Why its about believing in yourself
Don’t compare yourself to others
Start small
Social Media
Website www.deecrute.com
Instagram @deedee.reporter
Facebook @dee.crute
YouTube @dee.crute
Check out this episode!