For Howard and Trish Davidson, the prospect of enjoying holidays together seemed to have vanished forever following a life-changing medical diagnosis. Yet remarkably, this couple from Keynsham near Bristol now travels every single year, rediscovering the joy of shared adventures through a pioneering specialist holiday service.
A Life Transformed Yet Music Endures
Howard Davidson, a 76-year-old retired BBC composer, received his dementia diagnosis during the Covid lockdown period. While the condition has dramatically altered many aspects of his life, his musical talent remains remarkably intact. Just last November, Howard delivered a profoundly moving rendition of the Last Post on his clarinet at a Remembrance Service near their home.
"I love him dearly, but we can't have a conversation anymore. I'm his conversational prompt," explains his wife Trish, also 76. With dementia present in their family history, Trish says she anticipated the diagnosis when Howard began experiencing memory lapses. Despite the challenges, the former charity chief maintains an incredibly positive outlook. "I know how important it is to keep that brain going. I know I've kept him younger than was expected," she reflects.
The Overwhelming Challenge of Independent Travel
Attempting to travel as a couple without support has become "hugely stressful" according to Trish. "He gets very anxious now. I can't do it on my own anymore," she explains. The constant need to reassure Howard about their location and purpose makes independent holidays practically impossible. "Every day I have to say where we are and why," Trish notes, highlighting the exhausting reality of dementia care during what should be relaxing breaks.
Discovering Dementia Adventure
The transformative solution arrived in 2022 when the Davidsons discovered Dementia Adventure, a unique organisation offering fully supported holidays exclusively for people living with dementia and their loved ones. Since that initial trial holiday, they have embarked on four separate trips with the service, reigniting their shared passion for travel.
Their first assisted holiday took them to the Isle of Wight, where they joined a group comprising four couples and four dedicated guides. From the moment they arrived, the comprehensive support system became apparent. "They said 'you don't do anything now'. And we didn't do a thing all holiday," Trish recalls with evident relief.
The Respite That Transforms Lives
The structured support allows both Howard and Trish to enjoy activities tailored to their individual needs and interests. While Howard could peacefully photograph leaves and trees - activities he particularly enjoys - Trish could fully engage with tour guides at locations like Osborne House without constant worry. "It provides us both with respite. It's relaxed. I don't have to worry about him," she explains.
The organisation's founder previously managed five-star hotels, ensuring holidays maintain exceptional standards while providing specialised dementia support. Activities have included diverse experiences from glass blowing demonstrations and pantomime performances to nostalgic steam train rides, all carefully planned to accommodate participants' needs.
Comprehensive 24/7 Support Structure
Dementia Adventure provides round-the-clock assistance throughout their holidays. The entire group stays together in the same accommodation with staff available constantly. "If someone started wandering in the middle of the night, they'd be there," Trish notes. The service extends to all practical aspects including meal preparation, cleaning, and organising games and activities, while couples maintain privacy in their own ensuite bedrooms.
Each guest receives a complimentary photobook documenting their holiday experience - particularly valuable for people living with dementia who may struggle to retain detailed memories of events. These tangible mementos can be shared with family and friends, preserving precious moments.
Financial Accessibility and Growing Programme
While a five-day break typically costs approximately £2,000 per person, Dementia Adventure frequently subsidises trips for those unable to afford the full price. Thanks to donor generosity and Postcode Lottery funding, approximately 80% of holidays receive partial subsidies, with 2026 prices actually lower than those in 2025.
The organisation has expanded its programme significantly for the current year, planning eleven separate trips to destinations including:
- The majestic Lake District peaks of Derwentwater and Windermere
- The charming villages of the Isle of Wight
- The expansive beaches of Norfolk
- The dramatic landscapes of the Peak District
- The picturesque villages of Somerset and Devon
- Cosy country pubs and dramatic moors of North Yorkshire
- Cornwall's rugged coastlines
- The heather-strewn fields of Fife
- The peaceful Wye Valley landscapes
Restoring Possibility and Joy
Fiona Petit, Chief Executive of Dementia Adventure, emphasises their unique position: "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," Petit continues. "The opportunity to relax and enjoy the great outdoors can be priceless."
For couples like the Davidsons, this specialised service has transformed what seemed like an impossible dream into an annual reality, proving that dementia diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean the end of shared adventures and meaningful travel experiences.
