Sten’s sister Linn and brother Mats initially thought their father was crazy. “I honestly thought: this isn’t going to happen,” says Linn. “Walking every day, I really couldn’t do that.”
Mats was just as surprised. “I thought he was crazy. But he did it anyway. He hasn’t missed a day.”
They are also impressed by what the action has achieved. “I didn’t expect it to make so much money,” Linn says. “This is really absurd.”
Mats adds: “When you hear who all took part, I think that is really special. And especially that Sten is still alive with everyone and has not been forgotten.”
Mike Schipper, a good friend of Sten, was close to the action. “Menno started this after Sten’s death,” he says. “I thought it was beautiful and especially important, because so many young people are affected by this disease.”
Schipper helped to bring national attention to the story through radio campaigns. “That generated another tens of thousands of euros. Fantastic.”
For Menno Klok, appreciation does not have to be personal. “I did this for the people who have it or are still getting it. That was my mission.”
“I really enjoyed it. And I have lost 17 kilos, so it has also helped me. I will take good care of my walking shoes, because I still need them,” he says.
Although the daily miles stop now, walking remains part of his life. “The walking continues, but just two or three times a week.”