ALL ANTWERP. “Years ago I came on television to draw attention to the disease ALS” (Antwerp)
Every day our reporter and photographer pick a casual passer-by off the street for a chat. Want everyone has a story. And certainly in Antwerp. Today: Irene Diels (66).
“It’s not the first time I’ve appeared in the media. Years ago I was already seen in Right of Reply, a program of VTM. And afterwards also on ATV and Telefacts. My husband had the muscle disease ALS, through those television programs and we made the condition more known to the general public. At that time I was recognized on the street, the supermarket… My husband of several years has already passed away. ALS is a dirty disease.”
“I always try to listen to the people or help someone who is down. As a market vendor – I sell gems – I hear a lot of stories, and the customers know they can come to me for a chat. That makes me feel good. I’ve been in the market for 35 years, so I know a lot of people and they know me. I like working with the customers. Hopefully I can stay on the market for a long time to come.”
“In 2020 I retired as an apprentice. Because in addition to my life as a market vendor, I also taught English and German to young people with an apprenticeship contract. These are often students who did not do well at school or who are in a difficult (home) situation. It was Damen’s heart to see those guys blossom and grow in their young lives. I still often run into former students at the market. Then, for example, they come to buy a gem for their girlfriend. Even then we have a chat. They used to come to me with their problems, and they still do.” (jaba)