Losing the Battle, Winning the War: THE PERFECT FATHER'S DAY GIFT: The story of the most injured soldier to have survived Afghanistan

by Ben Parkinson

'A great and inspiring book from Doncaster's bravest son. Read it in a day' - Jeremy Clarkson'Ben is the embodiment of positive thinking. What he has achieved, in large part through willpower, is nothing short of miraculous. An inspiration to us all' - Ant MiddletonThe story of Ben Parkinson MBE, the most injured soldier to have survived Afghanistan---What were you doing when you were 22? Where were you in the world? What did you want to do with your life?Ben Parkinson was a 6'4" Paratrooper. He was in Afghanistan fighting for his country. He wanted to always be a soldier, to be a father and to get home in one piece. But we don't always get what we want. So the question how do we react when that happens? You find something new to fight for.Ben Parkinson MBE is an inspiration to everyone. He suffered 37 injuries when his Land Rover hit a mine in Helmand in 2006, including brain damage, breaking his back and losing both his legs. This book follows the story of what led him to that moment his life changed forever - and what happened next. Doctors didn't think Ben could survive the trauma - then they didn't think he would wake up, or talk again, or walk again. Time after time, Ben pushed the ceiling on what was possible, going on to carry the Olympic flame in 2012 and receiving an MBE for the enormous feats he has undertaken for charity.What he has achieved in the face of adversity - for others as well as for himself - is nothing short of a miracle. Nerve-wracking, heart-warming and full of classic soldier's humour, Losing the Battle, Winning the War is a book you'll be thinking about long after the last page.'Ben Parkinson is my hero. His story is one of immeasurable courage and character, a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit' - Dan Jarvis MP, author of Long Way Home

Genres: Military Fiction, Memoir

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2021

Reviews

[Rachel Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A honest account of the battles faced by a young soldier sent to fight for his country.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book and WOW, what a book. I was angry at times and in tears throughout this book and then Ben would have me laughing with his gallows humor that only people who have experienced combat can dish.

I have probably read >100 books about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2005 and this one was the most difficult to read because of the poor treatment Ben received, failure to perform surgery to relieve the swelling in his cranium from the TBI he sustained, amputation of his legs to give him the best chance for survival (and not knowing for 10-12 years later why his legs were amputated) and then not fixing the issues with his spine because most everyone in the military thought he would not survive.

I was so angry reading this book and balling at the treatment.

The good news is that Ben has a great attitude and has chosen his own course without limits and there are some great adventure stories he experienced that I won't give away here.

I highly recommend this book, outstanding!

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read by an inspirational man

[Nick Maggio · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the overall tone of the book was not particularly liked, Ben Parkison’s story and determination are surely inspiring.
I guess, ultimately, BRING IT ON & STAY GRATEFUL.
Thank you for sharing your story Ben.

[Daniel Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really inspiring book by Ben. He shows that with the right combination of determination, mental toughness and a loving family you can achieve way more than people expect.
Blown up in a mine strike in Afghanistan in 2006 he lost both his legs and received brain damage. He was told by the establishment that he would never walk or talk again. Using airborne spirit and taking on the ethos of the commandos as well as having a mother and step dad as tenacious as they come, he has defied all odds.

This funny and often emotional book will keep you turning the pages and wishing there was more as you approach the end.

Loved it!!

[Martin Waddingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Parkinson

I am a veteran myself and I have seen a lot in my time, Ben is a FB friend of mine foe some years now and I thought I knew him! I was wrong! What Ben and his family have gone through I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. God bless you Ben mate. From a veteran HAT.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant but at times a harrowing read. Ben is a true inspiration and I loved how his personality shone through every page. We all need to take lessons from his remarkable achievement and remember that nothing is impossible.

[RPShenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

A really good book about a man who along with his family and friends is full of courage and appreciation for everyone who has (and still is) helping him.

[Millie Milward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been lucky enough to have met Ben in the past. He’s an incredible human being. A legend and so inspiring. We can all take something from Ben’s book. I believe it’s a must read book.

[Donna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know of Ben as we're from the same town, sorry now city!! I was interested to know more about how this amazing human keeps on going and smashing expectations, following the most horrendous injuries whilst serving his country.

Wow, is how I sum it up! If you think the incident happening and injuries caused are bad, that seems to drift into insignificance against the continued fight of Ben and his family, in getting the support for his care and rehab that you would expect to be offered on a plate. I must say listening to parts of this journey made me embarrassed to be British, if that's how we treat our people up put their lives on the line to protect ours. I'm so pleased that he now has some of the support he more than deserves.

Keep being you Ben, you're truly inspirational, and your humour shines throughout!

[annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

What a fantastic read about an exceptional man. Highly recommend this book to all. It will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Keep going Ben and enjoy your life

[F W · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read

[Dave B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quite astonishing, inspiring tale. I shed a lot of tears reading this book. Men like Ben are rare. A hero in so many ways.

[Lindsay Baigent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Personal account of Bens journey from the PoW to the man he has since become and continues to be. Raw, harrowing, personal and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing.

[Hannah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, cannot put this book into words and can’t recommend it enough. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried and most of all it’s made me so grateful to be alive and healthy and has made me excited for the future :) Ben Parkinson MBE tells his story in a beautiful way and has overcome so much whilst always seeing the positives and trying to use his situation to help others, such an inspiration!!