This special bonus episode of the D Tour reflects on some of the themes raised over the past three months of Harriet's walk from Lands End to John O'Groats.

We look at the complexities of dementia, as well as how highlighting the importance of wellbeing and the support systems available.

This episode is sponsored by MedicAlert UK

Harriet is still fundraising, so if you'd like to support her, you can text DA5 to 70711 to donate five pounds or visit her page at Dtour.uk

If today's episode has inspired you, we'd love you to connect with us at Dementia Adventure. Visit dementiaadventure.org to learn more about our work, find information on our carer support sessions and explore the supported breaks we offer.

There are many ways to get involved, and we'd love to be part of your journey.

Three months after setting off from Land's End on an epic journey on foot, Harriet has made it to John O'Groats.

Her D Tour for Dementia Adventure has taken Harriet through England, parts of Wales and now the very tip of the North East of mainland Scotland.

This week she's reflecting on that journey, the people she met, the friends she's made and the recurring themes of the past 90 days.

If you like what we are doing and want to support the Dementia Adventure Support Fund please donate

Dementia Adventure has been at the forefront of providing fully supported, small group short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers for 15 years. Our supported breaks offer more than just respite; they provide meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The D Tour podcast is proudly sponsored by Macs Adventure

Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don't want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.

You can listen to Harriet's playlist on Spotify. Each week she's adding songs to match her mood on her epic walk!

Harriet shares her thoughts on the challenges she's faced walking 900 (plus!) miles from Land's End to John O'Groats.

She's dealing with busy roads and a storm as well as crumbling cliff edges. And this has got her to thinking how dementia really is one of life's ultimate challenges.

You'll hear from dementia campaigner Nancy McAdam and her daughter Fiona about how they've adapted since Nancy was diagnosed over 20 years ago.

But support is out there as Harriet discovers with Wendy Simmons from Connecting Communities and Christina Collison who set up digital resource Dementia Help

If you like what we are doing and want to support the Dementia Adventure Support Fund please donate

Dementia Adventure has been at the forefront of providing fully supported, small group short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers for 15 years. Our supported breaks offer more than just respite; they provide meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

You can listen to Harriet's playlist on Spotify. Each week she's adding songs to match her mood on her epic walk!

The D Tour podcast is proudly sponsored by Macs Adventure

Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don't want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.

During one of her final weeks walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats, Harriet delves into the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia who live in rural areas, highlighting how isolation can impact mental and physical health.

Harriet spends a day with Dementia Adventure founders Neil Mapes and Lucy Harding who share why they set up the charity as well as the positive impact of maintaining relationships and creating supportive networks.

We also hear from Dementia Carers Count, a charity supporting dementia carers about the work they do.

They offer a carer support line which is free and available Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Carer Support Line: 0800 652 1102

If you like what we are doing and want to support the Dementia Adventure Support Fund please donate

Dementia Adventure has been at the forefront of providing fully supported, small group short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers for 15 years. Our supported breaks offer more than just respite; they provide meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The D Tour podcast is proudly sponsored by Macs Adventure

Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don't want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.

You can listen to Harriet's playlist on Spotify. Each week she's adding songs to match her mood on her epic walk!

Harriet explores the themes of independence and community as she walks the West Highland Way.

There’s lots to consider when it comes to independence and a dementia diagnosis, and it’s not just about the independence of the person living with dementia. Their families also face challenges around their independence too.

She’s joined by two Grahams in this episode - first Graham Horner from Macs Adventure who discusses how self-guided trips empower individuals and then Graham Galloway from Meeting Centres Scotland which helps people adjust to the changes that come with a dementia diagnosis.

If you like what we are doing and want to support the Dementia Adventure Support Fund please donate

Dementia Adventure has been at the forefront of providing fully supported, small group short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers for 15 years. Our supported breaks offer more than just respite; they provide meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The D Tour podcast is proudly sponsored by Macs Adventure

Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don't want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.

You can listen to Harriet's playlist on Spotify. Each week she's adding songs to match her mood on her epic walk!

Harriet explores the profound impact of mood and motivation, particularly during challenging times, drawing parallels between her journey of walking 900 miles and the emotional highs and lows faced in life and caring for those with dementia. Harriet reflects on her personal experiences, including the anniversary of her mother's passing, and emphasises the importance of small, meaningful moments in fostering resilience and joy. We hear from clinical psychologist Dr Lizzy Goad about setting up personalised support systems using Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), and from Michael Timmins from the charity Playlist for Life, which uses songs to connect people to their families and friends.

If you like what we are doing and want to support the Dementia Adventure Support Fund please donate

Dementia Adventure has been at the forefront of providing fully supported, small group short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers for 15 years. Our supported breaks offer more than just respite; they provide meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The D Tour podcast is proudly sponsored by Macs Adventure

Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don't want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.

You can listen to Harriet's playlist on Spotify. Each week she's adding songs to match her mood on her epic walk!

Harriet explores the changing seasons and how they reflect the transitions we experience in our lives, particularly for those living with dementia. As Harriet walks from England to Scotland, she shares her thoughts on the importance of nurturing connections with nature. We hear from Sue Hinds from Dementia Adventure on the importance of routines and how seasonal shifts can affect both individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Sue offers insights on adapting to these changes, emphasising the need for flexibility and creativity in daily life. We also hear from Freddie Garland, from Freddie’s Flowers, who highlights the therapeutic power of flower arranging as a meaningful activity that can bring connection and joy.

If you like what we are doing and want to support the Dementia Adventure Support Fund please donate

Dementia Adventure has been at the forefront of providing fully supported, small group short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers for 15 years. Our supported breaks offer more than just respite; they provide meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The D Tour podcast is proudly sponsored by Macs Adventure

Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don't want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.

You can listen to Harriet's playlist on Spotify. Each week she's adding songs to match her mood on her epic walk!

What's on your bucket list? What adventures do you want to experience?

And are all your adventures big epic tasks like Harriet's 900 journey from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Well the good news is adventures don't have to be mega to have huge benefits for you.

In this week's episode Harriet takes a detour from her D Tour to enjoy some well earned R&R, before heading off to experience a day with a Dementia Adventure supported holiday.

If you like what we are doing and want to support the Dementia Adventure Support Fund please donate

Dementia Adventure has been at the forefront of providing fully supported, small group short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers for 15 years. Our supported breaks offer more than just respite; they provide meaningful, purpose-driven experiences that significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The D Tour podcast is proudly sponsored by Macs Adventure

Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don't want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.

You can listen to Harriet's playlist on Spotify. Each week she's adding songs to match her mood on her epic walk!