Discover Adventure | Blog

Jess here (DA Marketing)! I first met Jackie on my Great Wall of China Trek in 2018; she was the kind of person you instantly warm to. Her enthusiasm for the adventure ahead was infectious, and we bonded over countless laughs and shared moments on that unforgettable trip.

Since then, Jackie has continued to travel with Discover Adventure at least once a year, and in 2023, her partner Tim joined her to see what all the fuss was about. Together, they’ve become some of our most loyal (and favourite) customers, taking on multiple challenges a year. They are a firm part of the Discover Adventure family! 

I’m 50 years old, a mother and wife, and I work in the NHS in a non-clinical Public Health role, which is mainly desk-based. Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dogs, spending time in nature and going to the gym when I can. Before I did my first trip with DA, I definitely spent less time outdoors than I do now, and training for my first challenge helped me find my love for walking and nature. Now, I really enjoy the challenge of reaching a summit, but I don’t often get out on the hills. People would say that I am an adventurous person by nature, but I don’t see that. I’m just a normal person with a normal family life doing normal things.

In December 2018, Grace Millane’s life was tragically cut short while she was living her dream of travelling the world. Grace’s adventurous spirit, love of life, and kind heart are remembered by so many—but especially by her mum, Gill.

When you picture someone climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking the Inca Trail, do you imagine a corporate live-wire whose best friend is her dog? Hanna Pepe is here to tell you there’s no “type” when it comes to adventure seekers.

Hanna’s day-to-day life revolves around managing demanding clients and delivering fast-paced projects in the corporate world. But her real joy? Spending time with her dog and running along the seafront. “If you ever trek with me, you’ll probably get tired of hearing stories about my dog—he really is my best friend!” she laughs.

Life hasn’t always been this way for Hanna, though.

In our pursuit of extraordinary stories from the DA family, we spoke to Jo, a remarkable 32-year-old with an inspiring story. Jo's courage and determination reflect the spirit of our community, embodying the essence of adventure beyond the ordinary. This story really resonated with us as Jo's tale is more than a travelogue; it's a testament to the power of seizing life.

As another year comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on another dream-making year at DA. From Everest to John O’Groats, we’ve taken people on trips of a lifetime and experiences that will never be forgotten. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite testimonials to share with you at the end of 2023.