At Discover Adventure, we believe that every story begins with a single step—and sometimes, that step takes more courage than anyone can imagine.

After a devastating loss, Tracey found herself searching for a way forward. What she discovered was a world of challenges, camaraderie, and purpose that reignited her confidence and inspired her to take on an incredible personal mission. From her first trek in the Sahara to walking 5000 miles around the coast of Britain in memory of her wife, Angela, Tracey’s journey shows that adventure is about so much more than reaching a destination—it’s about finding yourself along the way.

Here, in her own words, is Tracey’s inspiring story.

Hi, I’m Tracey. I was a university professor with a very busy career. I retired 2 years ago to be a full-time career for my wife Angela, who sadly died last year from a brain tumour and blood cancer.

After she died, I became depressed, but I knew I needed a focus to help me. I looked at singles holidays, but they weren’t for me. I’ve always enjoyed big challenges in my work and home life. Then I found Discover Adventure. The reviews were great, with many repeat travellers. It seemed a perfect fit for me. I could challenge myself, see and experience different places, and travel 'solo'. So, I took the plunge and booked three trips! Saharan Mini Adventure, Snowdon by Night and the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Later, I saw the Great Wall of China Trek was open again, so I booked that too!!

My first trip was the Saharan Mini Adventure in February 2024. I had lost all confidence in myself and my physical abilities, so just having to turn up at the airport was perfect for me. I didn't give myself the pressure to fundraise on this trip, as I wasn’t in that headspace at the time.

What an amazing trip that was. Just 9 of us, and by strange coincidence, all women except Greg, our leader! Our ages spanned from 26 to 74. Everything worked smoothly: the transfers, accommodation, local crews and food. Even the most requiring diets were catered for.  We laughed and laughed the whole trip. We even had a reunion at my house six months later and keep in touch regularly on our WhatsApp group - I’ve made friends for life!

My confidence in myself and my abilities improved tremendously, just being with people all of whom were doing the trips for different reasons. It was amazing and humbling to hear their stories and the things they were trying to overcome. All the trips I’ve been on have had supportive people who look after each other and are kind and considerate. 

I took my nephew on the Yorkshire Three Peaks trip, and he managed to complete it despite wanting to stop and give up several times! That was all down to the DA leaders (Greg again!) It was interesting for me to hear my nephew talking to complete strangers and them supporting him, improving his confidence, too.

I took my son to China and we tacked on the extension to the Terracotta Warriors. This trip was everything and more than I wanted it to be - what an absolutely awesome experience, and to share it with my son was just brilliant! Once again, we were trekking with an amazing group of people and an experienced leader, Mel. We are all still in touch! 

On my first trip, the Sahara, in Feb 2024, I shared my idea of doing my own challenge. I explored the idea with my fellow travellers, and they were excited about it. It was always Angela, my wife, and I's retirement plan to buy a motorhome and drive around Britain, visiting all the places we had been and wanted to see. So, here I am on day 93 and 1195 miles into my 5000-mile walk in 365 days around the coast of Britain! I am raising funds for five cancer charities in memory of my wife Angela, and I’m living in my Motorhome, Priscilla, for a year. I started at the Beatson Cancer Hospital in Glasgow on 1st November 2024 and plan to finish there on Halloween 2025!!

So, really, the other trips became part of my training programme, with the Great Wall of China trek the last one, finishing just a week before I started TraceysTrek!

What an amazing journey I have been on since February, and Discover Adventure has played such an important role. I feel like a different person since February. I’ve regained my confidence emotionally and physically and I’ve made so many new friends and have so many shared experiences with them. They are all my cheerleaders on this trip and some of them are joining me for parts of it.

My advice. If you are thinking about doing a trip then take the plunge, it’s a leap of faith but you won’t regret it, in fact it will change your life in so many ways.

If you'd like to learn more about Tracey's Trek, you can find out more on the website, follow her progress on Instagram and Facebook, and if you've found yourself inspired, you can donate here.