Amanda Almahfoud and Beitske Peerdeman from Andijk will take on a special challenge next month. Together with a group of hikers and cyclists, the two women climb Mont Ventoux in France. To raise money for charity: De Lotgenoot. “We think it is a great goal, and we are really looking forward to the trip on October 20.”
The women from Andijk met each other through their children, who were in the same class. “We later bumped into each other while walking our dogs and noticed that we both loved walking,” says Amanda. “We have been running together for a year now. We walk about 20 kilometers. We have also participated in smaller walks before. Next weekend we will be at the start of the Dam tot Damloop.”
In the search for a bigger challenge, 43-year-old Amanda and 45-year-old Beitske joined the walking tour of The Fellows out. Every year they organize an event on the Mont Ventoux mountain in France, with the proceeds going to fun outings for families and relatives of people who have cancer.
“Neither of us are in such a situation. But my niece does have another serious illness,” Amanda explains. “Those who are interested often ask her how she is doing, but hardly ever ask her husband. People often focus on the sick person, while the family is also dealing with that illness. This foundation focuses especially on them, and that is why we thought this was a very good cause to work for.”
From Gilze to France
Together with a group of fourteen hikers and nine cyclists, the two women from Andijk will leave for the mountain in France on October 19. “Most of them all come from Gilze (North Brabant, ed.) and the coach also departs from there,” Amanda explains. “We have our own house at the mountain, and after arriving on the nineteenth we will go up the mountain on October 20. The next day we can do something for ourselves, and then return home by bus. Everything is arranged by an organization We don’t have to take much with us.”
Amanda and Beitske are the only West Frisians to participate in this event so far. “But we think it would be great if more people from the region would join. I think it is too early to register for this year, but for next year everyone is welcome to participate,” says Amanda. “So that we can also raise more money for this charity.”
The Andijkers are really looking forward to next month. “You can find many stories from last year on the campaign’s website. So we are already reading up a lot and are becoming more and more enthusiastic,” says Amanda.
Raised almost 600 euros
Not only are the two women very much looking forward to the challenge next month, they also want to try to raise as much money as possible for De Lotgenoot. That’s why Amanda and Beitske a donation campaign has started, where you can also find more information about the promotion. The counter now stands at almost 600 euros for De Lotgenoot.
“But I also have a jar on the bar at Het Dijkhuis in Andijk, where I work, where people can make a donation,” Almahfoud continues. “There is now about 100 euros in it.”