Prof.dr. Frederik De Smet (far right) of the LPCM, Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine KU Leuven, receives the check for 36,000 euros on November 17, 2023 from several members of the ZoniënTrail core team, together with the daughter and husband of Veerle Hermans.
In the shadow of the majestic Sonian Forest, the 3rd edition of the Sonian Trail took place on November 5, 2023. A heart-warming initiative by the volunteers of the Zoniën Athletics Team in the enchanting grape region.
A Trail with a Mission
This year the trail was about more than just sports. The organizers decided to dedicate the proceeds to research into glioblastoma, a brutal brain tumor. A personal motivation drove them: the loss of Veerle Hermans, a dedicated member of the ZATeam who died from this tumor in September 2021.
Impressive numbers and Enthusiastic Participants
The ZoniënTrail 2023 started at the Bosuil in Jezus-Eik, Overijse, and offered various challenges, including the Start to trail 5 km, Trail for Veerle 15 km, and the challenging Zoniën Challenge 25 km. Walkers could choose from routes of 7 or 15 km. With 1,300 participants, the event exceeded all expectations.
The trail, shrouded in mud as befits a real trail, was kicked off by none other than Faroek Özgünes, VTM journalist. The event was a success thanks to the commitment and hard work of the core team of 6 people under the leadership of Els Ysebaert, and a team of 90 volunteers.
Generous Contributions and Tasty Rewards
In addition to the sporting achievements, participants were rewarded with 450 bananas, 555 slices of gingerbread, 500 waffles and 200 sandwiches. The result? Proceeds of no less than 36,000 euros, all intended for the Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine at KU Leuven.
Generous check presented to LPCM: 36,000 euros!
At the honoring of the champions of the ZAT Team Club Criterion on November 17 in Hoeilaart, professor Dr. Frederik De Smet from LPCM received the check containing the staggering amount of no less than 36,000 euros.
Frederik De Smet: “Thank you so much for this generous check. Your generous contribution will serve as a catalyst for new projects and will have a substantial impact on our ongoing brain tumor research. Your support allows us to explore new treatment methods. To improve the lives of those affected by this terrible disease. It is inspiring to see how a team such as the Zoniën Athletics Team, in addition to excelling on the sports field, also shows its commitment to important social issues.”
This trial was in honor of Veerle Hermans
Veerle was an ambassador of sport and of life, a fantastic daughter, mother, wife and sparkling friend. Her contributions as a member of the Zoniën Athletics Team since 2005, Start2run supervisor, member of the Huldenberg sports council, Professor of ergonomics at the VUB, author of the book My Happy Office 2020, member of the High Council for Prevention and Protection at Work and Welfare advisor of the VUB, will live on in the participants' and Zoniën Athletics Team members’ memories.