Monika
Country: Czech Republic/Netherlands
Bio:
Ironically, my proper climbing experience started after I moved out from home in the Czech
Republic to the flattest country in the world, the Netherlands. Luckily, we have a great
friends group, an amazing Boulder hall nearby and the Belgian rolling hills with some proper
cliffs are only 2 hours away! In my free time, I’m trying to finish my PhD and save the world
from the devastating consequence of antimicrobial resistance.
Challenge:
I’ll go back to my roots and hike 10 highest peaks in the Czech Republic with my family
and friends. Happy if you can join me!
Why:
Because there is no reason not to do it! It is very hard to change a long-rooted status quo.
Dialysis is one of them, and it urgently needs change.
Matt
Country: Poland/Switzerland
Bio:
Took Tugrul on his first 4000er, and haven't been higher since becoming a full-time
baby ski instructor. My motto on every alpine outing's descent is
“I wish we had skis.”
Challenge:
Dent Blanche (4000m), Dent D’Herens (4000m), and other peaks I see from my window every day.
Why:
I wouldn't miss accompanying Tugrul on his great endeavor for anything. Also doing
my part to keep him alive and not letting him solo everything.
Gerd & Louvisa
Country: Germany/Sweden
Bio: We ❤ Mountains!
Challenge:
We want to ascend 5 peaks in the Alps via glacier routes in the coming year.
Why:
Supporting the cause! Let’s help people with kidney failure.
Belle
Country: Netherlands
Bio: I am a Dutch girl that studies Earth & Environment and the mountains feel like my second home.
Challenge:
My idea is to add cumulatively the km's, height meters, and huts where I sleep this summer and try to get as many as possible!
Why:
Someone dear to me has been on dialysis so I know very well the struggle and the survival. Very happy to be involved in the project!
Instagram:
@belle_ht
@beeldenvanbelle
Matt
Country: UK
Challenge 1: Avalanche wall on Y Lliwedd in Snowdonia
Why: Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) was the first of the big 3 British mountains that I
summited and was where my first foray into mountaineering took place. Even though I've
traveled to other regions, my love for this area hasn't diminished.
Challenge 2: Multiple 4000m+ peaks in Chamonix
Why 2: I've known Tug since university and watched him rise above his struggles.
It's an honor to help make this cause a success.
Weichen
Country: China/Netherlands
Bio:
I'm an electrical engineer in Delft, originally from Beijing for an MSc at TU Delft. I started
climbing 6 years ago and found a huge passion for this sport. Climbing/outdoor adventures are
now part of my life.
Challenge:
Redpoint five 6b and 2 6c routes outdoors. My best outdoor redpoint is 6a, so
this will take blood, sweat, and skin!
Why:
I started climbing indoors, but once I tried real crags, I knew I had to keep doing this.
Nature is so much fun and beautiful, but it’s tougher than indoors. I'm struggling for a
good cause and to improve my outdoor skills!
Instagram: @weicnxu
Jules
Country: France/Netherlands
Bio:
Cycling is my sport, my means of transport, and my research subject. It’s a way of
discovering places at a slower pace and with all senses engaged.
Challenge:
Crossing the French Alps from north to south by bike this summer: around 800km
and 20,000m+ in 10 days. Let’s climb!
Why:
I believe in passionate people who strive to improve lives. Tugrul is one such
inspiration, but history shows us change isn't made by a lone cowboy—it's about
uniting and standing together to grow our ideas.
Jeroen
Country: Netherlands
Bio:
Assistant prof at UMCU and researcher at UTwente, working on microtechnology
for miniaturized artificial kidney systems.
Challenge: 100 km hike in Germany
Why:
It's unjust that dialysis has changed so little in 50 years and patients suffer in
obscurity. We have the technology to transform CKD treatment, but we need funding
and more research. With enough support, a paradigm shift is possible.
Anna
Country: Wherever life takes me
Bio:
Wherever I go, the outdoors calls to me—whether living or just passing through,
nature always feels like home.
Challenge:
Hike at least 5 hiking routes in Southern Germany.
Why:
I want to support the endeavor toward improving lives for other people!
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/84554042
Varun
Country: India/Netherlands
Bio:
I’m Varun, a researcher focused on human comfort, motion perception, and motion sickness.
I value patience, respect, and integrity. Aside from hiking, climbing, and snowboarding, I
also love tinkering with electronics, bridging curiosity and creativity.
Challenge: Climb Dôme de Miage and Aiguille du Bionnassay
Motivation:
“Now, when you are young and strong, is the time to climb mountains; beaches can be visited
anytime.” This shaped my approach: youth should be spent embracing challenges and pushing
limits. Each step in the mountains mirrors the journey of researchers striving for
breakthroughs. I commit to progress and making the most of my time.
Yanggu
Country: China/Austria
Bio:
I'm a research engineer in the automotive industry. I love mountains, so does my wife. That's why we moved to Austria to get closer to the Alps. We spend all weekends snowboarding during winter time, trying to be among the coolest on the slopes.
Challenge: For this summer, I'll challenge myself to get on at least a hike every weekend, hard (for me!). In doing so, I aim to bring my body weight to under 80 kg. The scale will tell!
Also I am planning to go to Georgia for some impressive hikes this autumn, so, lets see!
Why:
I anyway have this goal to become fit this summer. Why not make it a part of something bigger and inspiring, especially if it's initiated by my best ex-colleague? :D
Raghav
Country: India/Netherlands
Bio:
Filmmaker, Engineer, 28 y.o., always driven by creativity and exploration.
Challenge: Summit aiguille du Tour, my first peak in the Alps with Manoj
Why:
Supporting the cause and experiencing one of the Alpine peaks.
I’ll capture breathtaking visuals with a cinema camera!
Instagram:
@raghavsuresh_
@dutchman_films
Manoj
Country: India/Netherlands
Bio:
Photographer, volunteer, engineer, and Indian in NL. Inspired by adventure
photographer Jimmy Chin.
Challenge: First Aiguille du Tour, afterwards dekhlenge (“we’ll see”).
Why:
I want to capture Tug’s inspiring story and contribute with my own challenge to this cause.
Strava:
Strava Profile
Instagram:
@manojkantchalla
Sarah
Country: Belgium/Netherlands
Bio:
Born and raised in the Netherlands, I’m a TU Delft alumna with a PhD in Human-Machine Systems.
I’m fascinated by human behavior—both in research and in real life. Now living in Leuven,
working at Siemens, I study how people interact with technology. Outside of work, I love
running and cooking (though not at the same time… yet)! Moving to Belgium has been an
adventure, and now it’s time for a physical one.
Challenge:
For Climb Against Time, I’ll tackle Le Rocher du Bieley—a 12.5 km walk in the Belgian Ardennes,
known for its rocky paths and moderate-to-challenging inclines.
Why I Want to Take Part:
I’m joining to support the cause, challenge myself, and hopefully inspire friends to get involved.
This is my first real climb/walk in Belgium. What better way to start than with a meaningful goal?
Bilge & Kaylesh
Bio: We love a challenge!
Challenge: Climbing Breithorn, in the Swiss and Italian Alps, without ski lifts.
Why:
Supporting my brother in his mission to help end dialysis—why wouldn’t I?
Seeing his unwavering commitment to this cause is truly inspiring!
