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Losing the Battle, Winning the War
- The story of the most injured soldier to have survived Afghanistan
- Narrated by: Gareth Bennett-Ryan
- Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Military & War
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Summary
The 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 six-foot-four-inch 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 is: how do we react when that happens? Easy: 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 word.
Critic reviews
"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 Middleton)
"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)
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What listeners say about Losing the Battle, Winning the War
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Mr C.I Lomas
- 07-05-21
Inspirational and a display of courage in adversity
A deeply moving and inspirational book. It exemplifies the courage tenacity and real love offered unconditionally, from comrades, from family, and from the whole panoply of care givers. But mostly it’s about Ben’s indomitable spirit and a Mother’s love for her gallant son to ensure fair play for him and those injured in the line of duty.
1 person found this helpful
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- simon wass
- 05-05-21
excellent story
it's hard to believe the military are treated like this. but unfortunately it's not the first and won't be the last
1 person found this helpful
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- DK
- 04-05-21
From Hero to Super Hero and beyond...
Our Service Men and Women are heros. That goes without saying, often dealing with traumas and anguish from time spent during their service. Ben Parkinsons book tells of an incredible journey. The fight did not end in Afghanistan, a whole new series of battles ensued. This book is a roller coaster of heartbreak, hope, inspiration and a tribute to his wonderful Mum, Andy, family and friends. Ben's strength seems to uplift those around him. Losing is not an option, each setback is a challenge and mixed with his dry sense of humour, this is a must read for everyone.
1 person found this helpful
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- Mrs Styles
- 30-04-21
amazing
I seen Ben on the news yesterday morning and has to listen to the book. he's an inspirational bloke who's life story has left a positive effect on me. I would recommend this to anyone. less than 36 hrs late the book is finished.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-07-22
Stop!! Give this book a listen.
This was recommended to me, a die hard murder mystery fiction fan....really I said,? Ok it's audible I can listen and do other stuff...how wrong I was. from the minute I hit play I could not wait for the next chapter. This book is for anyone who has ever had a "bad" day, or had moments where you had to dig deep. Ben is on another level but he takes you on the journey with him. He is clearly something very special, but writes like he is all of us. Even in the toughest times he does not take himself too seriously. I thought I would sob through this book but found myself smiling and uplifted. Also his Mum is a legend.
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- Customer
- 26-06-22
Best Audiobook I've ever listened to
This book had me crying, laughing, and crying laughing. Genuinely the best Audiobook I've ever listened to. Ben's story needs to be shared on the big screen....
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- sarahp
- 29-01-22
Excellent from start to finish
Provides an amazing insight into the highs and lows Ben has overcome since his accident. It shows his determination to succeed, the obstacles thrown into his path whilst still maintaining a nice level of humour throughout. I would definately recommend this book!
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- Jon
- 28-01-22
A true inspiration, what an amazing story
Thanks for sharing your story, an incredible recovery and what an amazing mum, fighting with you all the way
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- Shooun
- 09-01-22
Amazing young man
Ben's story is incredible. For a young man to go through so much and still keep smiling shows what he is made of. His story made me laugh out loud and cry in equal amounts.
I've had the pleasure of meeting Ben in person and I know his mum and Andy quite well.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
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- Gary T.
- 21-12-21
inspiration
This is a fantastic read I would definitely recommend and I will probably be reading it again. Ben is an inspiration.