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