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Every hour, one Belgian dies as a result of sudden cardiac death. 


Professor Bart Loeys sets out on a meaningful journey, walking the GR5 in the fight against sudden cardiac death.

 Support him in his cause. 

HEART HIKE

Every hour, one Belgian dies as a result of sudden cardiac death.

"On April 1st 2025, my wife, Frederike, and I are leaving for a three-month hike. We start next to the North Sea and follow the GR5 long-distance path to the Mediterranean, meaning 2150 km, 3 million steps, and 100 days of walking, all with 1 mission: Support for sudden cardiac death research!" Prof. Bart Loeys 

The ultimate aim of this research is not only to unravel the mysteries surrounding hereditary causes of sudden cardiac death, but also to develop effective treatments. Once we discover why one person becomes very ill and another doesn’t, even though they have the same genetic defect, we can develop personalised treatments. By using 'aorta-on-a-chip' models, the differences can be better investigated, in order to ultimately explore innovative solutions. Using the study of aortic stem cells, researchers aim to improve genetic predictors of clinical outcomes and gain a deeper understanding of variability. This provides an excellent target for treatments. To achieve this, 40 cell lines need to be set up. Each stem cell line costs 12 000 euros, meaning that financial support is essential to continue this promising research into hereditary causes of sudden cardiac death and aortic dissection. 

HIKE foto Bart

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Join the Hike

Do you also love hiking?

The GR5 route stretches from the North Sea to the Côte d'Azur in Nice.

You can walk parts of it yourself, get sponsored, and support the Heart-Hike of Professor Bart Loeys.

Feeling ambitious? Get your company involved and take on a beautiful route or distance together as a team in support of the research.

Would you like to join Bart for a day of hiking?

You can!

Contact us to discuss further details via uzafoundation@uza.be or call +32 3 821 41 97.

START

Thursday April 3

Today we waved Prof. Bart Loeys and his wife Frederike Carton goodbye for the start of their impressive HEART-HIKE.
This moment was special and emotional. The lab was officially transferred to Maaike Alaerts, Aline Verstraeten and the entire cardiogenetics team. They will continue the research while Bart is on his way.
In addition, our hearts went out to Tom, who died of sudden cardiac death 3 years ago and who once dreamed of the GR5 himself. Bart and Frederike are taking his picture with them on their journey, so that he can symbolically walk along.

GR5 kaart

GR5

From the North Sea to the Côte D'Azur in Nice.

  • 100 DAYS
  • 3 million steps
  • 2150 KM
Uitwuif speech
Uitwuif speech
Bart samen met familie Huys
Uitwuif speech Bart Loeys
familie Tom Huys Hartstocht

HEART-HIKE update April from 3 untill 23

 

HEART-HIKE update – from UZA to Les Crots, One step at a time with a warm heart

On April the 3rd, after a warm farewell moment at UZA, Bart and Frederike left for Ouren in Luxembourg - the start of their impressive hike along the GR5. By now they are well on their way and reached Les Crots, with 198 km in their legs and a backpack full of experiences.

In their backpack they carry not only provisions and sleeping gear, but also a photo of Tom and Laurent, two extraordinary and uncommitted men with a passion for hiking and cycling challenges. Both recently died unexpectedly of sudden cardiac death. Their memory travels with them, quietly but powerfully present on every stage of the hike.

The journey started with short daily stages and the company of fine people like Johan (Tom Huys' brother), his plus son Seppe, some friends ánd Frederike's dad. Along the way, walking days alternated with moments of rest - much needed to recover, write stories and enjoy the sunshine.

 

They went through the fairytale Mullerthal, visited the impressive castle of Vianden, and in the meantime crossed the border from Luxembourg into France. An unexpected moment in Schengen refreshed their knowledge of Europe, and in Metz they discovered how surprisingly beautiful unknown towns can be.

The trip is full of little adventures: from a bitten knee (with an artistic local bandage) to hilarious misunderstandings at the French bakery. The combination of nature, encounters, cultural stops and symbolic butterflies in their backpacks makes this trip not only physically, but also emotionally rich.

Thanks to the support of friends along the way (like Sven who took over the backpack) and your encouraging messages, their hearts remain light and their motivation high. Bart indulges in planning, while Frederike provides the necessary cultural spice along the way. Together they are a top team on the way to their final goal, with each step marked by connection, remembrance and hope.

HEART-HIKE update April 23 - May 28

From Les Crots to Goumois

🗺️ From Les Crots to Goumois – Heart Journey in Motion🔥

From the vast, colorful landscapes around Nancy to the rugged beauty of the Jura: this stretch of the GR5 was one to remember.

🌸 In the endless forests, nature took the lead. Frederike had full-on conversations with flowers and plants, while the birds offered a nonstop concert. They passed old, often abandoned villages where the remaining residents generously pointed the way (accurately or not) and shared their stories.

🎂 Every day was a logistical puzzle: where are there still open shops, how do we fit bananas in the backpack, and which local toothpaste works best for sensitive teeth? But there was also joy: charming little museums, castles in romantic ruins — and tarts. So many tarts. Especially wild blueberry ones.

⛰️ In the Vosges, there was plenty of climbing — and just as much laughter. Frederike calls herself the downhill-tripping champion, so Bart often handled the descents while she took charge of the climbs. “Our little legs are carrying us to new heights — still no protests so far.”

🏰 During rest moments, they almost felt royal, surrounded by castles of gray granite and pink sandstone. The nights came quickly after days full of nature, silence, and surprising encounters.

🏃‍♀️ Their stamina grew — as did the realization of how intense this journey really is, physically and mentally. From Ribeauvillé to Thann, from Belfort to peaceful Goumois, the same feelings returned again and again: gratitude, wonder, and deep connection.

💬 Heart Journey brought them to the edge of the Jura, where they needed a short pause: “A muscle in Bart’s leg is asking for rest, but giving up isn’t in our dictionary.” From peaceful Goumois, with the gentle sound of the Doubs river in the background, their greetings were soft but full of strength.

💙 Heart Journey isn’t a straight line — it’s a movement, carried by people, by nature, and by countless small, powerful moments.

 

Update Heart-Hike - 865 KM - 55 days

Hartstocht slecht weer
Hartstocht lunch
Hartstocht chateau
Hartstocht Maaike

HEART-HIKE update May 28 - June 18

From Pontarlier to Bonneville, every steep step counts

🌧️ After three days of hiking through the Jura, Bart and Frederike arrived in Mouthe — also known as the “Little Siberia” of France. The rain that had been building up for ten days poured down all at once. Thankfully, after that downpour, they were able to enjoy the trail again. In a local inn, they warmed up, dried their gear, and discreetly dug out dry socks from the bottom of the backpack.

🛌 Rest day = Planning day
Their rest day turned into a strategy session for the next two weeks. While socks, underwear, and hiking boots hung out to dry, Bart’s lower leg got careful attention. So far, no pain — so onward to more wildflower meadows, muddy paths, and the occasional cow pie.

🏔️ The transition from the Jura to the Alps is drawing near. In Lausanne, by Lake Geneva, it hits them: Three months ago, reaching this point on foot was just a dream. The Alps now stand ahead — and yes, they look pretty tall. But they’re ready. The Vosges and the Jura were conquered, and so will be the mountains to come.

🦋 They've never seen so many flowers and butterflies. The closer they are to nature, the calmer everything feels. Tourist spots bring tension — but grass brings peace. Sometimes the thinking runs so deep that Frederike forgets to look for the red-and-white GR trail markers. Thankfully, Bart always waits patiently at each turn.

💧 Practical & poetic
Starting tomorrow, Frederike’s taking over the water filter — bottled water is heavy business. And by a small mountain spring, she realizes: happiness is finding cold water at the perfect moment.

🏕️ Since entering the Alps, they’ve met more and more cheerful GR5 hikers. No gloomy solo wanderers, but warm, temporary trail companions. In the mountain refuges, they eat, laugh, and sleep together — creating a shared sense of journey. A quiet pilgrim spirit is growing. Everyone instantly understands each other’s foot pain and complex shoe hacks without needing much explanation. It builds a bond — high up in the hills.

⛰️ In the days ahead, they’ll stop counting kilometers and start counting hours and elevation gain. The climbs are steeper, the connection deeper. Resting is also training — a wise lesson remembered from Bart’s sports medicine days.

Until the next pass, step, or summit. 🥾
Each day brings them closer to the finish line — and to the people who find meaning along the way.

To be continued...

HT tussenstap 3

Update Heart-Hike - 1.121 KM - 76 days

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