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