Recovery from wheelchair and fear of bird flu: this is what happened this week

A miraculous recovery from a wheelchair, severe flooding on holiday and fear of bird flu: these are the five stories you must read this week.

Sofie Ebben (29) from Sint Agatha rose from her wheelchair against all expectations after an accident with horses. A documentary follows her special recovery process, from wheelchair to independent life. After two years of rehabilitation, she can now walk again, work and even open a restaurant. Read Sofie’s story here:

The family of Kim van Geffen from Schijndel narrowly escaped heavy flooding during their holiday in Slovenia in 2023. The trauma of that night was processed with a meaningful tattoo at knee height. Right up to where the water stood. Read her story here:

The province of North Brabant is struggling with the use of pesticides and the balance between health, agriculture and nature. Deputy Marc Oudenhoven is working on a plan to reduce use, paying attention to both concerns about health risks and the interests of farmers. You can read the whole story here:

Jack and Ellie van Ginneken from Zevenbergschen Hoek deeply sympathize with the residents of Moerdijk who have to leave their homes. They themselves were forced to move at the end of the 1990s for the construction of the high-speed line. They share their experiences and tips for the affected Moerdijkers. Read their story here:

Brabant poultry farmers are very concerned now that bird flu is hitting hard again. Multiple outbreaks in a short period of time lead to strict measures. Poultry farmer Jan Verhoijsen from Someren advocates vaccination, but encounters international trade barriers. You can read the whole story here: