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.

***

Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

 Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

Thank you for your amazing support!

***

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