With mixed feelings, Bob Koopman and his wife Daphne Drupsteen from Alkmaar cross the finish line on the Alpe d’Huez today. Proud because of the 50,000 euros raised for cancer research, but also emotional because they conquered the mountain as a tribute to their son. Sep passed away at the age of 13 to a brain tumor and was therefore honored at turn 13. “Then I broke.”
Once a year, the French mountain Alpe d’Huez changes into Alpe d’HuZes. On that day, about 5,000 participants will climb that steep mountain on foot or by bicycle – a maximum of six times – to raise money for cancer research.
‘Team’ Sep consists of no fewer than 19 people, including Sep’s parents: Bob and Daphne. Father Bob cycled up the Alpine giant three times. A trip of 14 kilometers up and down with an average gradient of 7.9 percent.
“I wanted to make it at least once, but it went very well and you are carried upwards by the audience. The feeling of solidarity is very great, everyone supports each other.”
New memories
It was also a ‘mega beautiful’ experience for his wife Daphne. She hiked up the mountain with friends. Especially the moment when she ran into her daughters with a banner with pictures of Sep was special.
“Then I shed a tear,” she tells NH by telephone. “My children walked the last part with me, those are moments you will never forget. Those are new memories for later.”
Climbing the French mountain was also emotionally difficult for Bob. “A lot of candles are burning at the start, that was really impressive. Especially when I saw Sep’s name very large on the road in turn 13 in his favorite color, I broke. My son turned 13, so that was a very touching moment. His football shirt from Jong Holland also hung there.”
Binding
“It’s a fantastic event and very well organized, but nobody really wants to be here,” continues Bob. “A lot of people go up the mountain here because they lost someone to cancer. Despite the grief, everyone supports each other and we have fun. It is very binding in that respect.”
“We’re definitely going to have a party tonight at the campsite,” says mother Daphne, who is very proud. “Of course that’s part of it.”
The entire Alpe d’HuZes project is also part of the grieving process for her. “I’m also curious how things will continue when it’s all over. I’m sure this has a healing effect, we can continue with this.”
NH spoke to Bob and Daphne just before leaving for France, where they told about their deceased son Sep and their participation in Alpe d’HuZes: