He may no longer control his body, but he still controls his dreams.
… and to prove it he will complete a triathlon, on 7 April, in Kraainem!
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On Friday 7th April 2023, at 5 p.m., in Kraainem, Patrick Demoucelle, 58, will take on an incredible challenge: a triathlon. A real triathlon, with three differences:
- the challenge will take place indoors.
- Patrick will cycle the 40 km of this Olympic discipline on a stationary bike; he will run the final 10 km using an elliptical cross-trainer; and, rather than swim the first 1,500 metres, he will row them on an rowing machine.
- Patrick Demoucelle has been living with Parkinson’s disease for 18 years.
This incurable disease worsens over time and strips patients of control over their own bodies. Patrick, who at the time of his diagnosis was a vice-president at global strategy and management consultancy Bain & Company, is no exception. Except that he has spent the last 18 years fighting back. Together with his wife Anne-Marie, he created the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity to support, notably financially, scientific research to find a cure. Together with Anne-Marie, he hosts conferences and seminars to promote what they call “the positive reaction to a professional or private setback”. And, he takes on one physical challenge after another, such as the 20 km of Brussels or a part of the Cycling for Hope tour, 1,200 km by bike between Brussels and Gordes, in Provence.
On 7 April, he will DO-IT! A ‘Distance Olympic Indoor Triathlon’. His motivation above all is to “demonstrate that you can lose control of your body without losing control of your willpower and self determination”. And to prove it, Patrick has set himself this incredible, fabulous and extraordinary challenge. To inspire all those who have Parkinson’s. To inspire everyone in fact.
A notary public will be present at the challenge – which has no fundraising objective – in order to officially observe and validate it. Patrick Demoucelle has been preparing for this for a year, coached by Jean Cornet, a close friend and experienced athlete.
Parkinson’s disease progressively destroys the neurons in the brain that are essential for movement. It generally occurs after the age of 65. The causes of this disease are not known for certain and it is still incurable. According to the World Health Organisation, it currently affects more than 8.5 million people worldwide, including more than 40,000 in Belgium. And the WHO predicts that the number of patients will double in the next twenty-five years.
