“I did it! And I loved (almost) every mile” says Harriet Thomas who completed a 1,200-mile, 89-day trek from Land’s End to John O’Groats

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Harriet Thomas, from Chichester, Sussex, was beyond elated to finally see the famous John O’Groats signpost after walking 1,200 miles from Land’s End to raise funds and awareness for charity Dementia Adventure. Harriet left Land’s End on August 1 and arrived in John O’Groats 89 days later, on Sunday 27 October.

Harriet was inspired to take on the walking challenge to raise awareness and money after the death of her mother, Susan Thomas, who died of dementia a year ago. To date she’s raised £17,151, but hopes this figure will rise now that she’s completed the epic trek.

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“It’s been the best experience ever” says Harriet. “I’ve never walked anywhere near this far or for so long, so didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve loved (almost) every mile. I was on such a high when I arrived that I could have happily carried on walking to Orkney!

“Now that’s it all over, I’m desperately sad. Today is the first day in three months that I’ve not had to wash my walking socks in the sink or count out my tea bags. I never thought that I would miss that, but I do!”

Harriet meets Paddington Bear in John O'GroatsHarriet meets Paddington Bear in John O'Groats
Harriet meets Paddington Bear in John O'Groats

Harriet has been recording a podcast called The D Tour throughout her journey which has captured the highs and lows of her journey alongside exploring themes around dementia. The D Tour has consistently been in the top 25% of podcast downloads since its first episode, released back in August and recent episodes have peaked at over 5,000 downloads, putting it in the top 1% of global podcast downloads – a phenomenal achievement for a complete podcast novice.

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The mum of two has been supported along the way by singing legend Tony Christie and Emmerdale actress Sian Reeves who have given her a much-welcomed spring in her step by meeting up with her to talk about her adventures.

Twin brothers, Charlie and Craig Reid, better known as The Proclaimers, have also sent Harriet a video message of encouragement, as did TV presenter Anna Richardson who recently featured in the Channel 4 documentary about her father’s dementia, Love Loss and Dementia.

Reflecting on her walk Harriet comments: “Some people have made a real fuss about what an achievement it’s been, but I just feel lucky that I’ve got to do something that I love every single day. I’m now more determined than ever to continue walking. I have plans to walk the Portuguese Camino next spring, and after that, who knows?

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“The landscape has been breathtaking at every stage of the journey, and I’ve realised that the longer that I have been walking, the more my senses have become heightened to nature. I’m much more sensitive to smells, sounds, temperature. This has been really poignant as my mother and I found comfort and peace in nature, even in the latter stages of her dementia. I know she would be really proud of what I have achieved.”

Harriet has been raising awareness and money for Dementia Adventure, a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by dementia through nature-based activities.

Money raised by Harriet will be added to the Dementia Adventure Support Fund, which provides life-enhancing supported breaks for people living with dementia and their carers. The charity offers respite, connection and hope, allowing families to find peace, joy and purpose through nature and outdoor adventures together. Dementia Adventure encourages positive risk-taking for people living with dementia, believing that with the right support, many people with dementia can lead more active and fulfilling lives.

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Many people with dementia experience a 'shrinking world' whereby the boundaries to their social and physical worlds gradually constrict over time, leading to a loss of control and independence. Dementia Adventure aims to combat this by promoting activities that allow individuals to regain a sense of freedom and connection with the world around them.

“Dementia Adventure is delighted that Harriet has finally completed the LeJog challenge. Harriet’s journey embodies the spirit of Dementia Adventure—resilience, community, and the transformative power of nature” said Fiona Petit, CEO of Dementia Adventure.

“It’s not too late to start listening to The D Tour podcast or to make a donation via dementiaadventure.org/dtour” continues Fiona Petit.

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