We’ve been advocates for charity Dementia Adventure ever since meeting its head of adventures, Catherine Reed, for our Elemental Women series last summer. Catherine shares our belief that spending time outdoors immersed in nature is intrinsic to our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. So when we heard about ‘The D Tour’ – Harriet Thomas’ inspiring 900-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for the charity, we were eager to support.
Read on to learn more about The D Tour, Harriet’s motivations and goals – and how you can get involved.
Meet Harriet
Harriet Thomas is an outdoor adventurer, a champion for daily walking and a big believer in the transformative power of nature for wellbeing.
Having experienced dementia firsthand through her mother’s journey, Harriet is embarking on an epic 900-mile walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats to destigmatise dementia, inspire others to embrace outdoor activities for their physical and mental health, and raise awareness and funds for a charity close to her heart, Dementia Adventure.
At 60 years old, she's approaching The D Tour as a personal challenge – and a celebration of her life and passions for walking and the great outdoors.
Walking for wellbeing
From reduced stress and anxiety to improved sleep, boosted energy levels, sharpened focus and better cardiovascular health, scientific evidence supports Harriet’s belief that walking outdoors can benefit our physical and mental wellbeing.
As a musician and songwriter, Harriet also advocates for the benefits of music and rhythm on the brain – and believes that the repetitive beat of your steps when you’re out walking can produce the same effect. You can hear her talking more about this on her Ramblings podcast episode with Clare Balding.
For people with dementia, outdoor activities and connection with the natural environment can slow down the progression of symptoms and positively impact health and emotional wellbeing. Even just 20 minutes of movement outside each day can stimulate the brain and release hormones that promote the growth of new cells and encourage new connections, including the brain areas responsible for speech, processing, coordination, problem-solving, emotional reasoning and more.
You can learn more about the impact of nature on the brain here.
Supporting Dementia Adventure
Dementia Adventure is on a mission to support every person with dementia in connecting with nature, themselves and their community – and to retain a sense of adventure. Approximately 900,000 people live with dementia in the UK, so for every mile Harriet walks on The D Tour, she represents 1,000 people with the diagnosis.
As well as telling their stories and highlighting the importance of Dementia Adventure’s work, Harriet hopes to raise £25,000 for the charity. These valuable funds will help provide subsidised outdoor adventure holidays for people with dementia, enabling them to get away and enjoy time in nature with their partners, families or friends.
Follow The D Tour
Throughout Harriet’s three-month-long walk (starting on 1 August 2024), The D Tour podcast will capture her anecdotes, musings, songs and poetry – and include interviews with a variety of like-minded guests.
The series aims to encourage listeners to embrace the present moment and find joy in the simple pleasure of being outdoors — as well as raise awareness and challenge perceptions of dementia.
land&water is proud to support two of The D Tour podcast episodes, including the first episode recorded on our doorstep at Watergate Bay. This episode chronicles Harriet’s passage along the scenic South West Coast Path, focusing on the crucial role of sensory experiences in our connection with our environment and inner selves. She explores how smell can profoundly impact wellbeing, especially for individuals with dementia, and chats to our very own Pix Ashworth, founder of land&water, about the therapeutic potential of scents.
Follow the D Tour and listen in here.
Harriet will also be sharing her journey on social media. Follow along on Instagram.
Get involved
If you’re feeling inspired to support Harriet and the work of Dementia Adventure, there are lots of ways you can help:
- Donate and contribute towards Harriet’s £25,000 target
- Listen to The D Tour podcast and leave comments or messages of support
- Spread the word by sharing The D Tour and Harriet’s journey on social media
- Join Harriet for a section of her walk!
