One couple are still travelling the UK after a life-changing diagnosis | Travel News | Travel

A couple who feared they’d never go on holiday together again have found a way to keep travelling despite a life-changing diagnosis.

Howard Davidson can still play the clarinet perfectly. In fact, last November, the retired BBC composer delivered a moving rendition of the Last Post at the Remembrance Service close to his home in Keynsham, on the outskirts of Bristol.

But much else has changed for the 76-year-old since his diagnosis with dementia during the Covid lockdown. “I love him dearly, but we can’t have a conversation anymore. I’m his conversational prompt,” explained his wife Trish, also 76.

With a history of the condition in the family, Trish says she “knew he would be diagnosed” when he began forgetting certain things. Despite that, the former charity chief remains incredibly positive. “I know how important it is to keep that brain going. I know I’ve kept him younger than was expected,” Trish said.

One way they’ve done that is by continuing to travel together. Now, travelling as a couple alone is “hugely stressful”. “He gets very anxious now. I can’t do it on my own anymore,” Trish explained.

What they can do, and have done every year since 2022, is head on assisted trips with Dementia Adventure. The firm offers fully supported holidays for people living with dementia and their loved ones.

“We tried it very early on, in 2022. Now we’re on our fourth trip. The first time, we went to the Isle of Wight. We met up with one of the minibuses. There were no refreshments on the train, but the staff got us coffee and tea (when we arrived). They said ‘you don’t do anything now’. And we didn’t do a thing (all holiday).”

On their first holiday, Trish and Howard were part of a group made up of four couples and four guides. Howard was accompanied by either a volunteer or paid member of staff, offering Trish some much-needed respite. “Howard could look at trees and photograph leaves, which he loves doing, and I could listen to the tour guide at Osborne House. It provides us both with respite. It’s relaxed. I don’t have to worry about him.”

“The person who runs Dementia Adventure used to run five-star hotels, so we’re always going somewhere fun, doing something unique. It also means I can talk to like-minded people and have fun.” So far, activities have included glass blowing, a pantomime, and a steam train ride.

The group stays in the same accommodation, with staff on hand 24/7. “If someone started wandering in the middle of the night, they’d be there. They do all the cooking, washing up, organise games and activities. But we all have our own ensuite bedrooms,” Trish continued.

A five-day break with Dementia Adventure costs around £2,000 per person, but the firm can sometimes subsidise trips for those unable to afford the full price. Thanks to the generosity of donors and Postcode Lottery players, approximately 80% of holidays are already part-subsidised and 2026 prices are lower than 2025.

“Without Dementia Adventure, we couldn’t go away as a couple on our own. It is too stressful for me. Every day I have to say where we are and why. But Dementia Adventure is so well organised, we have a complete itinerary, they put it on the wall and discuss what we’re doing the next day,” Trish said.

Holiday guests receive a complimentary photobook of their experience, creating a tangible memory that can be shared with family and friends – something that is particularly valuable given that people living with dementia may not retain detailed memories of events.

This year Dementia Adventure has 11 trips planned, including to the majestic peaks of the Lake District’s Derwentwater and Windermere, the charming villages of the Isle of Wight, the wide open beaches of Norfolk, the dramatic landscape of the Peak District, the picturesque villages of Somerset and Devon, the cosy country pubs and dramatic moors of North Yorkshire, Cornwall’s rugged coastlines, the heather-strewn fields of Fife and the peaceful landscapes of the Wye Valley.

Dementia Adventure’s Chief Executive, Fiona Petit, said: “We are the only organisation in the UK running supported holidays exclusively for people living with dementia. For many individuals living with dementia, holidays may seem out of reach, but with the right planning and support they needn’t be. We specialise in creating joyful holidays that bring back the possibility of travel and adventure. The opportunity to relax and enjoy the great outdoors can be priceless.”