On a golden April Friday, a group of us from Discover Adventure laced up our boots and headed to the South West Coast Path for a very special reason: to walk a stretch of the Jurassic Coast alongside one of our incredible participants, Tracey.
Tracey is currently undertaking an extraordinary challenge – walking the entire coastline of Britain, in memory of her late wife, Angela. It’s a journey of love, loss, and healing, and she’s doing it with her trademark humour, strength, and purpose, raising funds for cancer charities along the way. When we heard she’d be passing through our local patch, it was a no-brainer: we knew we wanted to be there, we had to join her.
Viv also joined us – Tracey’s close friend and fellow DA trekker – and Frank (four-legged morale booster), making it a proper DA Family moment. For us, it was about more than a day out of the office – it was about showing up for someone in our community, walking side by side with purpose, and reconnecting with the 'why' behind what we do.
From the moment we met her, it was clear this wasn’t just a walk – it was something much more profound. For some of the team, like Mim, that feeling hit instantly. “Spending time with Tracey and hearing how the trip came about was incredibly emotional,” she shared. “She’s using this journey – the terrain, the weather, the long stretches of time alone – to process her grief. That’s such a brave thing to do.”
That bravery and determination struck a chord with many of us. “If I’m honest,” Terri admitted, “I felt a little intimidated and in awe. Tracey is so focused and confident. I’m not sure I’d have the same strength after losing someone so dear.”
It wasn’t just Tracey’s endurance that left a mark – it was her openness, her sense of humour, and the sheer amount of kindness she’s encountered along the way. As we walked, stories began to flow. Jazz recalled how Tracey described the generosity of strangers – people offering her a warm meal, a bed for the night, or simply a moment of connection. Mim was especially moved by one moment: “She told me about a stranger she stayed with who later donated £1,500 to her fundraising page – one pound for every mile she’d walked so far. People are amazing.”
These weren’t rehearsed tales or grand gestures – just quiet, genuine moments that reminded us how powerful simple kindness can be. “It was reassuring,” Sam said. “With all the negativity in the world, it was special to hear how many people have given something for nothing.”
Of course, this being a DA day out, there were also plenty of laughs, a fair bit of breathless uphill climbing, and a celebratory dance thrown in for good measure.
“The Proclaimers dance above Durdle Door to mark Tracey hitting 2,000 miles was absolutely my highlight,” Rob grinned. “That, and the sea breeze – there’s nothing like being back on the coast.”
While this particular walk didn’t follow the same route as our Jurassic Coast Weekend Challenge, the setting was every bit as spectacular – and just as meaningful. For many of us, the coastline holds a special place in our hearts. “I was brought up on the coast of Cornwall,” Rob reflected. “Anywhere coastal is one of my happy places. I also used to live and work near Osmington Bay, so it was a bit of a nostalgia walk for me.”
Terri put it simply: “My happy place is a walk at the seaside. Fresh sea air, seabirds overhead, and unending ocean views – I find it calming and thoughtful.”
Chezzy, who completed part of the walk, agreed: “The weather, the scenery, the smell of the sea – I’m proud of what I did, and it made me want to push myself to do more.”
That spirit of encouragement and challenge is exactly what Tracey says first drew her to Discover Adventure – and what’s kept her coming back. As Terri explained, “Tracey told us how nervous she was to book a group trip alone. But seeing how loyal our community is – how many people come back again and again – gave her the confidence to go for it. Now, she wants other solo travellers to know how transformative these experiences can be.”
Walking with Tracey gave us a powerful reminder of why we do what we do – and what makes the DA Family so special. It’s not just about the challenge; it’s about the connection.
“It doesn’t feel like a job when you get to spend a day like this,” Sam said. “Blue skies, brilliant company, walking and talking the miles away – it was the best kind of Friday.”
Mim echoed that thought: “We deal with so many people, and sometimes the day-to-day can feel like a lot. But then someone like Tracey comes along and lifts us all up. She reminds us why we’re here.”
For Chezzy, the feeling was simple and strong: “Proud. I feel lucky to work for a company that closes the office so we can go and support someone like Tracey. That’s what the DA Family is.”
Follow Tracey’s Journey
You can read more about Tracey’s incredible trek and support her fundraising at traceystrek.uk
Explore the Jurassic Coast
Inspired by the views and the stories? Join one of our Jurassic Coast Weekend Challenges – a stunning two-day trek along this iconic stretch of coastline. It’s the perfect adventure to start your own story.