12-year-old bikes 110 kilometers despite his own condition and raises over 12,000 euros for charity

Key Takeaway

Twelve-year-old Thijs Theunissen from Beek received a Youth Ribbon for cycling 110 kilometers to the Glazen Huis in Den Bosch. Despite living with a rare hip condition since age four, he raised over 12,000 euros for the Spieren voor Spieren foundation.

Sometimes you hear a story that just makes you stop and think: that kid is incredible. Thijs Theunissen, 12 years old and from Beek, is exactly that kind of person. He cycled 110 kilometers from Beek to the Glazen Huis in Den Bosch and raised more than 12,000 euros for Spieren voor Spieren (a charity supporting children with muscle diseases). 🚴‍♂️

The remarkable part? Thijs himself has been living with Perthes disease, a rare hip condition, since he was four years old. Yet he chose to push through for other kids dealing with muscle diseases. The whole idea was his own.

Together with his dad Paul, he trained for four months to complete the ride on December 22, 2025. His determination earned him a well-deserved Youth Ribbon, presented by child mayor Len Kuypers.

What makes this story so special:

The initiative was 100% his own idea
He trained for four months with his father
Despite his own physical challenges, he chose to help others
His mom, brother, and a family friend nominated him

Mayor Christine van Basten-Boddin shared her pride: ‘Thijs shows how much difference one person can make with perseverance and the will to do something meaningful for others.’

Perthes disease mainly affects boys between ages 4 and 10 and disrupts blood flow to the head of the femur, causing bone to crumble and deform. This makes a 110-kilometer bike ride not just physically demanding but a genuine medical risk that Thijs consciously accepted to help other children facing their own battles.