Gilles (53) rents the Amsterdam Marathon to raise money for his friend with ALS: ‘I want something for him intention’
Three years ago, the life of Igor Pletsers (49) from Utrecht suddenly turned upside down when he was diagnosed with ALS. A disease that is incurable and debilitating. Gilles Stoop decided to make his friend Igor’s life more bearable by raising money. He does this by running the Amsterdam Marathon.
Ad is loading…
Gille’s idea, recently acupuncturist, fanatically hard and two years ago it to run a marathon. After hearing of Igor’s diagnosis, he wanted to help the family in his own way. “In our group of friends there are many people who help Igor and his family. One takes care of computers in the house and the other cooks meals. I can’t cook very well, so I wanted to do something that was in my past”, explains Gilles. After consultation with Igor, Gilles decided to collect for the family during the planning of the Amsterdam Marathon. The marathon will take place on Sunday, October 16. “It would be a shame if I just run that marathon a little bit and don’t do something with it. Of course I can also start a crowdfunding without the marathon, but now there is also an achievement in return. It also gives me more motivation to finish the 42.2 kilometers.”
Stay mobile
With the money raised through the fundraiser the family wants to lease a special bus that Igor can ride in his wheelchair. “At the moment the wheelchair can still be used in his normal car, but not anymore in the future. The wheelchair will get bigger and bigger and you will need special transport for that. There is no budget for that,” explains Gilles. “You do receive compensation from the municipality, but that takes too long and is not sufficient for this car. I would like to do something for him, his wife Annika and their three children.”
Outside help
Gilles came to the company after some searching well-being, which specializes in and home aids. Likewise with the car. With the purchase of this car, the whole family can get out of the house more easily and enjoy it longer. Welzorg has also offered to sponsor Gilles during his run. “She thought it was a sympathetic project and it is heartwarming how such a company also contributes”, says Gilles enthusiastically. “Recently I was also told that they will pick up Igor, on October 16, with a special van to be at the finish of the marathon. That’s real, but it’s also going to be a fantastic moment. Now I feel more pressure to walk him out within a chosen time, because he will be there. Igor is really a golden guest.”
Ad is loading…
Target amount
Gilles’ crowdfunding will run until October 16 and the first target amount is 6000 euros. This allows the family to lease a van for a year. “If more money is raised, she could even buy a used van instead of leasing it, or put the money to other things. Of course, there are a lot of costs involved with this disease,” says Gilles. “Of course it is also difficult for the family to ask for money. That people do so much for you is of course great, but they also feel a bit burdened. It’s just amazing for me right now to see so many people donating, even people I don’t know or who don’t know Igor at all. That is super sweet and heartwarming.”
Chips and pizza
Gilles has been training for months to complete the Amsterdam marathon. “Last Sunday I ran 35 kilometers and that is really long. I’ve been training all summer, so I’m a little concerned if October 16 turned out to be 8 degrees with rain. We’ll see,” he laughs. But does he look forward to looking forward to it? “I’m definitely looking forward to it and I’m really looking forward to it! It is mainly healthy tension that I feel. After all, you don’t know what to expect. I’m really looking forward to it, especially now that I know Igor will be at the finish.” After the race, Gilles has no plans to stop running, but he does take some rust. “I took the day off from my practice and spent the day watching Netflix, eating chips and ordering a pizza.”
For those who also want to make a donation for the costs of the van and support both Igor and Gilles, you can do this via this link.
Utrechter of the week
Every week we discuss someone to Utrechter of the week. Do you also know someone who makes our city a little more beautiful? Does your neighbor have a special hobby? Or do you know another Utrechter with a great story? Let us know!