Testimonials

Debbie North is one of those speakers, who not only does not disappoint, she gives more than you expect. Her story is inspiring anyway, but when she presents it with her inimitable sense of humour and direct style it is truly a joy and a delight to listen to her. She is an animated speaker who brings a story of determination to life with photos and anecdotes. The picture Debbie paints is one of resilience with the ability to overcome any obstacle that would stop her returning to her joy of walking with her husband.

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The important work that Debbie has done for obtaining greater wheelchair access to the country side is an achievement in itself, but her story of coming back from a debilitating illness and making a new life for herself is even more profound and a delight to hear.

'I was privileged to attend the 'Access to the Countryside for All Networking Conference' on Dartmoor in March 2023. My aims were twofold - to learn about access issues, and to consider how as a Dartmoor Guide I might be able to support greater access for all. Meeting Debbie and other interesting and inspiring individuals and organisations, both aims were achieved. I also learned that I am living with a non-visible disability (ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Lyme Disease), and that my experience could potentially help others if their needs were taken into consideration. In 2025 I trialled three 'Gentle Strolls' in woodlands and moorlands on Dartmoor, and tomorrow will be leading the first of several more planned for 2026. Feedback so far has been positive.

Since 2017 the Dartmoor Wheeled Access Group has continued to meet up for days out on the moor to explore potential new routes for the Dartmoor Outdoors Festival. And they are actively engaging with DNPA's Miles Without Stiles initiative that has generated small but significant changes to access possibilities in this national park.'

Dartmoor Daughter March 2026

Debbie should be a stand-up comedian! One moment she had us in tears with the emotion and honesty of her story, and the next we were laughing out loud at her hilarious adventures and wicked sense of humour. She has an extraordinary gift for connecting with an audience and leaving people feeling uplifted, inspired, and ready to take on life differently. Truly unforgettable

Debbie’s talk was moving, hard-hitting, and deeply inspirational. Everyone should have the opportunity to hear her speak. She has a rare ability to connect with people emotionally while challenging them to think differently and act with purpose. Her story, honesty, and passion stay with you long after she leaves the stage. She truly has the presence, authenticity, and impact of a TED Talk speaker — and deserves a platform that reaches far beyond the room.

With the opening of more stretches of the new England Coast Path National Trail in Cumbria and beyond, and recent news of a potential upgrade of the Wainwright Coast to Coast route to a National Trail, it is vital that we make these as accessible as possible. As guest speaker at an event celebrating a stretch where some - but not all – of the route is accessible to all, Debbie’s contribution was a very welcome kick up the backside not only to Natural England Cumbria but to our many partners in attendance, to keep improving what we do and appreciate how important access is to everybody. Debbie’s presentation was a roaring success. We went through all the emotions as she took us on a hilarious and poignant journey with her, both personal and geographical. Particularly relevant and timely were a recounting of her Coast to Coast journeys, not least as the England Coast Path event was held in St Bees where the C2C starts, and the time spent illustrating some of the main access challenges which mobility scooter users face. Attendees and Natural England colleagues have commented on how enjoyable the day was and how much they got from the guest speakers, and it has raised all of our awareness on what we can (and I sincerely hope will) do better in future. Thank you, Debbie!

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Ange Harker 

Lead Adviser

North West Coastal Access Delivery

Cumbria Area team

Natural England

We’re so proud and honoured to have Debbie, the face of AccessTOG trailblazing the way by creating routes for wheelchair users. It is something which is incredibly important to us, and together we aim to inspire thousands of other people who are in situations such as Debbie’s to use this resource to get outdoors and explore. AccessTOG aims to make the inaccessible, accessible for everyone.

Just dropping you a line to say thank you so much for allowing me to attend the conference last week .

It was a brilliant few days, as well as the informative presentations, I really valued having many interesting chats with the other delegates. I am hoping to connect up with Neil, Gordon and Shail after Easter to carry on our conversations and how their insights might shape my research.

I hope you have a restful Easter and thank goodness spring is sprung!

Dear Debbie,

What a great conference.

I have had some excellent feedback and I think we can definitely say it was a success.

Many thanks to all who contributed and took part to make this a really positive, thought provoking, enjoyable and successful conference.

I must also particularly thank the YHA for their fantastic support throughout!

Best wishes 

Tim