World’s Toughest Drive: An African Adventure
Broadcast on Channel 4 | April 10, 2025 | 11:00 PM
On the eve of World Parkinson’s Day (April 11, 2025), Channel 4 will premiere World’s Toughest Drive: An African Adventure—a compelling documentary following Guy Deacon CBE on his extraordinary solo journey across Africa while living with Stage 3 Parkinson’s disease.
The Journey of a Lifetime
A former British Army officer, Guy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010. Rather than let the condition define him, he embarked on a remarkable 18,000-mile journey from the UK to South Africa in his VW campervan. Over the course of 12 months, 25 countries, and countless obstacles, he faced mechanical failures, extreme weather, and even an emergency evacuation.
Guy, travelling alone with limited use of his hands, poor spatial awareness, and severe motor symptoms, defied expectations. His journey was not just about adventure—it was about raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease and its stigma in Africa, where it is often misunderstood and linked to witchcraft.
Throughout his journey, Guy recorded a video diary, and filmmaker Rob Hayward joined him at key moments to document his experiences. This footage forms the heart of World’s Toughest Drive, offering an unfiltered look at the daily struggles of Parkinson’s and the incredible kindness of strangers who helped him along the way.
Guy’s journey highlights the resilience of those living with Parkinson’s and the urgent need for global awareness and support. Join us in sharing his story and standing against the stigma surrounding Parkinson’s in Africa.
Why This Story Matters
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease worldwide, affecting millions—yet awareness remains low, particularly in Africa. By 2040, one in four people with Parkinson’s will be in Africa, where the disease is often misunderstood and stigmatised. Guy’s mission aligns with the work of Parkinson’s Africa, which aims to empower people with Parkinson’s across the continent.
About Guy Deacon CBE
Guy Deacon CBE joined The British Army in 1985 after reading anthropology at Durham University. During his time as a student and in the early years of his career in The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, he travelled extensively throughout Africa. His career has taken him all over the world including 18 months in The Congo with the UN after which he was awarded an OBE for his services in disarming and demobilising rebel forces. After a wide variety of roles, his later career was spent in managing careers of officers and soldiers and he ended up as Colonel of The Royal Armoured Corps where he was responsible for much of the strategic thinking on how The Royal Armoured Corps could best provide an armoured capability to UK Defence. For this work he was awarded a CBE. He retired in 2019.
His story is also chronicled in his book, Running on Empty.
Watch & Support
Broadcast Date: April 10, 2025, 11:00 PM (Channel 4)
Trailer: Watch Here
The funds raised through the documentary and its viewing will be distributed between the Cure Parkinson’s Trust, the Deacon Foundation and Parkinson’s Africa. We kindly encourage you to watch the film and consider supporting this important initiative.
Posted by: on the 04/04/25.
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