Running on Empty: 18,000 Miles Down Africa with Parkinson's

by Guy Deacon

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[Anne Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very respectful of Guy's tenacity, determination and at times downright bloody-mindedness in undertaking the journey from the UK to South Africa in his VW campervan to raise the profile of Parkinson's Disease in Africa. And a lot of that made for sobering reading, with the limited medication available and the lack of understanding of the disease in many African countries. My Dad suffered from Parkinson's, so I have some small insight to the daily struggles it brings, even with modern medicine available.
Quite apart from the issues of taking on such a journey with a chronic illness, I was also interested in the travel elements, having a VW campervan myself. My journeys are far more tame however.
Guy's background in the armed forces undoubtedly gave him a lot of the mental focus to keep pushing on even when things were tough. Very tough, fairly frequently. Including the arrival of the Covid Pandemic in the middle of his expedition, which in the end halted things for some time.
I disappointingly found the book harder work to read than I expected though. Despite the interesting topic and impressive travelling challenges I found myself often putting it down, and not picking it up again for some time. Although I DID pick it up again, and did finish it. It seems a bit churlish to say I found reading a book hard work, given the enormous challenges of its author, and I'm sure that for many other readers it would be compelling reading.

[Tove R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book due to my love of Africa, the way Guy Deacon traveled through the continent, and the fact that he did it with Parkinson's is simply incredible. My absolutely favourite things about this book is the descriptions of different places, cultures, problems, and solutions of what he encountered in the different countries, plus all the lovely and extremely helpful people he met throughout his journey.

The things I was less fond of was, probably due to me being a civilian, some of the army things, and of course, the long detour he had to make back to the UK due to Covid.

I wish I could say this is something I will do as well, but I simply will not. I sadly do not think it would be safe for a woman to do this (bummer), plus I lack all the incredible contacts the author has. I know he had quite a few setbacks with the car, medication, and other things, but it is amazing how many people he knew and all the people who were willing to help him. Massive respect for doing this trip with Parkinson's! I have no clue how he did it.

I loved the journey in itself. There are so many familiar things, like crossing the borders, bad roads, but overall the friendliness when it comes to Africans, plus of course the opportunists in between all the friendly people.

Highly recommended, and I hope people reading the book will learn something about Parkinson's as well!

[David Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife was diagnosed of Parkinson’s Disease at age 61. She had severe calf pain, muscle pain, tremors, slurred speech, frequent falls, loss of balance, difficulty in getting up from sitting position. She was put on Senemet for 6 months and then Siferol was introduced and replaced the Senemet. During this time span she was also diagnosed with dementia. She started having hallucinations and lost touch with reality. Last year, our family doctor started her on Uine Health Centre PD-5 formula, 2 months into treatment she improved dramatically. At the end of the full treatment course, the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, hallucination, weakness, muscle pain or tremors. My wife is strong again and has gone on with her daily activities as I share this experience. I’m surprised a lot of PWP haven’t heard of PD-5 formula. we got the treatment from their website uinehealthcentre.com it’s not a cure all but it does work.

[Sam | Sambooka23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t have the words for how truly inspirational and fantastic this book was to read.

Guy Deacon is a truly inspirational man. His dedication to fulfilling what he wants out of life despite being diagnosed with Parkinsons’. I have to say though, he didn’t let anything stop him.

Deacon, came up against many obstacles whilst travelling across Africa. I didn’t want the book to end.

I think this would definitely restore your faith in humanity - Guy was a very lucky man to know and have so many people help him and give him a place to stay/eat/rest etc. Even with COVID, you didn't let you dreams dissipate when you had to return home.

As someone who wants to travel the world (with my BF, obvs) this has gave us some great insight into what to expect and do when it comes to border control and things to have whilst travelling.

I will not stop raving about this book. I applaud Guy Deacon and I am cheering for you until the end. I hope you are doing as well as can be expected, Guy.

[Joann]

I heard of this book through my local library author event program.
The first 79 pages of the book are devoted in detail to the author's military career. These military contacts will re-emerge through out his road journey down the African coast.
Honest and inspiring story showing that a medical diagnosis does not the end of one's contributions and adventures.
I do think that including a map of Africa and his journeys would have been very helpful.

[Rhys Webster · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be clear the story is one of sheer will and determination, and I have so much respect for Guy to even attempt it let alone complete it, but as a book, it isn’t brilliant. Too much energy spent on the wrong things when I would’ve loved to have heard more about each country he went through. Glad I read it tho

[Gary Kilmister · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational and must read.
Shows that anything is possible.
Just shows that disability (medical condition) is not a blocker, but more to demonstrate how you can go beyond defined boundaries.
Proving that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
As I said. Truly inspirational.

[Louis Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with a great message. Guy has an interesting story and tells it very well keeping you captivated throughout his odyssey!