This April, all Hobbs Rehabilitation centres are taking on an exciting new challenge, Running on Rehab!
Our mission? To collectively cover a staggering 18,000 miles through running, cycling, swimming, walking, and more, in honour of the incredible journey undertaken by Guy Deacon, one of our Laverstock patients, to raise awareness for Parkinson’s.
Guy Deacon – Parkinson’s advocate, adventurer, and all-round hero – has been campaigning for awareness of Parkinson’s ever since he was first diagnosed with it 10 years ago. In 2019, Guy embarked on an extraordinary 18,000 miles journey from his home in Dorset to the west coast of Africa, documenting his experience in his book, Running on Empty: 18,000 Miles Down Africa with Parkinson’s, and through a powerful documentary.
His inspiring story serves as a reminder of what can be achieved despite the challenges of Parkinson’s. As Guy puts it, “More people can enjoy the book and realise what you can really achieve with Parkinson’s.”
His remarkable adventure has inspired us to replicate the length he went in our own way, but we need all the help we can get!
“Guy’s journey through Africa, and his personal rehabilitation journey here in Laverstock, are both inspirational. It is a wonderful gesture to bring all of the Hobbs community together to honour Guy in our own challenge!” – Lisa, Rehabilitation Assistant at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Guy’s Journey
In 2010, Guy Deacon was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but his life-long dream of travelling to Africa never wavered. Despite the limitations of his condition, he was determined to plan the trip he had envisioned since his university days. Guy mapped out a route that would take him from his home in Dorset, through Europe, across the Strait of Gibraltar, and along the west coast of Africa to his final destination in Cape Town, covering 18,000 miles and passing through 25 countries.
Guy set off on this extraordinary solo journey in 2019. Along the way, he overcame many obstacles from both the beautiful yet testing landscapes, and his mentality, facing personal growth and self-exploration.
It was also a chance for Guy to raise awareness of Parkinson’s across Africa while gaining valuable insights into how the condition is experienced there. Throughout his journey, he connected with individuals living with Parkinson’s, learning firsthand about the unique challenges and prejudices they face in the different African communities.
Guy’s incredible adventure became a powerful mission to share his experiences with the world. He wrote his book and had a documentary made about his journey, which has garnered international attention and praise for his remarkable resilience and determination.
Guy at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Guy joined Hobbs Rehabilitation at the tail end of 2024, receiving support from our dedicated team at our neurological inpatient unit at Laverstock Care Centre.
In a unique environment that covers a wide range of holistic neurological rehabilitation approaches, Guy has been treated by our multidisciplinary team at Laverstock, including our experienced physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapist, and clinical neuropsychologist, alongside our incredible rehabilitation assistants and the Laverstock care assistants. This rounded support has been instrumental in improving the challenges that Guy has faced since having Parkinson’s.
Chloe, Hobbs Rehabilitation therapist and Guy’s key worker, comments, “Working with Guy on a daily basis, I absolutely can see the grit and determination that carried him through his own journey to Africa as it is so often apparent in his rehabilitation sessions.”
Running On Rehab Challenge
Inspired by Guy’s incredible adventure to Africa, we’re embarking on our own challenge this April, replicating the 18,000 miles journey across all our centres. Our dedicated staff will be taking part, but we’re also inviting patients, families, and friends to join us in reaching this goal together!
This can be by any means; walking, cycling, pushing, swimming, using the neurotechnology we have, and even taking advantage of the exercise groups that are offered at the different centres, such as our PD Challenge.
In our own Hobbs way, we are hoping this challenge will help raise awareness of Parkinson’s for World Parkinson’s Day on April 11th. Raising awareness of Parkinson’s is important to us, especially for the individuals we support. Our intensive programs for those with Parkinson’s are designed to inspire healthy lifestyle habits, promoting both physical and psychological well-being.
So, are you ready to take on the challenge by adding your steps to the target? We need all the help we can get so would love to welcome all contributions throughout April; whether it’s a small walk, participation in an exercise group, or even the distance taken to make a cup of tea – it all counts!
We are excited to see where we get to in Guy Deacon’s journey!
For more information about our Parkinson’s service, please visit our page.