Running on Empty. Guy Deacon in Conversation with Jenny Devitt

Aged 60 and having lived with Parkinson’s disease for over 10 years, Guy Deacon CBE set out for one last adventure, to drive solo from his home in the UK to South Africa. This incredible journey, crossing Europe and the full length of Africa, would take the former army officer and father of two over 12 months, 18,000 miles, 25 countries, 9 breakdowns, an emergency evacuation and 3650 prescription pills.
Quite simply an incredible feat for a man travelling alone with Stage 3 Parkinson’s.

With very little use of his hands, poor spatial awareness, and often appearing drunk to those who do not understand the disease, Guy would drive, live and sleep in his VW Transporter for 12 months, often camping in the jungle and remote spots hundreds of miles from the nearest village or town.
Navigating himself through cities and towns without knowing the language, Guy would often get lost and ask for local directions after taking a wrong turn when network coverage killed his GPS or when the roads weren’t marked on the map. Not only would the journey be fulfilling a childhood dream to drive across Africa, but Guy’s mission was also to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, which is heavily stigmatised in Africa, where it is often linked to witchcraft and black magic, leaving sufferers ostracised by their communities.