Amanda Almahfoud and Beitske Peerdeman reached the top of the French mountain Mont Ventoux today. The two women from Andijk took up a challenge with a group of walkers and cyclists for charity: the De Lotgenoot foundation. “It was a wonderful experience,” Amanda told NH.
The two women met through their children, who were in class together. When walking their dogs, they often met each other and went for walks together. In their search for a major challenge, they came across the campaign for the De Lotgenoot foundation, which supports families of sick patients with fun activities or holidays.
Amanda and Beitske left for Mont Ventoux in France this week with a group of seventeen people, mostly from the provinces of Zeeland and North Brabant. They were actually supposed to climb the mountain there yesterday, but due to a thunderstorm it was decided to postpone the hike for a day.
Take enough rest moments along the way
“It was great fun to do,” says Amanda, as she and Beitske are on the bus on the way down with the group. “When we started the tour it was still foggy, but the higher we got, the more the fog disappeared on the mountain. That resulted in many beautiful pictures. The view really gave us wings.”
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Unlike a major event like Alpe d’HuZes, this mountain in France is not closed for the sponsored tour. “At times it was exciting. Because all kinds of cyclists, motorcycles and cars drive past you.”
Although the two women from Andijk walk a lot, they were not trained in walking at heights. “That’s why we let it happen to us. Although I must say that we did a good job,” says Almahfoud. “We have also included plenty of moments of rest, with a drink and a drink that we received from the De Lotgenoot foundation.”
Looking for a new challenge next year
The West Frisian women are now back at the campsite at the bottom of Mont Ventoux. The walking tour will end there together with a dinner, after which everyone will board the bus back to the Netherlands tomorrow morning at 4.45 am.
“Then the adventure is over, and we focus on the next challenge,” says Amanda. “It was great. And it is certainly something we can put on the agenda to do again next year. But it can also be a different goal. In any case, we want to make a trip for charity again next year.”
More than 1,000 euros raised
With their trip to Mont Ventoux, Amanda and Beitske from Andijk raised more than 1,000 euros for charity. For example, a donation page from the women and a pot from Amanda’s employer raised almost 1,000 euros. Another person topped up the amount to these four figures, after which the women received 50 euros donated from a generous donor.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us,” says Amanda. “With this 1,050 euros, many children and family members of people who are sick can be given fun days.”