Taking the family on holiday into the mountains or to the sea is something that many Wolves fans take for granted – but for people with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the challenges involved are often impossible to overcome. “When I personally got to experience that feeling of vitality and mobility while on holiday, I had the idea of helping other ALS patients do so too – so I contacted [VfL ambassador] Roy Präger,” said Krzysztof Nowak Foundation spokesperson Philipp Hanf, who has ALS himself.
This is where VfL Wolfsburg come in. Through the Krzysztof Nowak Foundation, ALS patients will be able to book the ‘ALS-Wölfe-Mobil’ – a specially converted Volkswagen Caddy equipped with an all-terrain electric outdoor wheelchair, manufactured by Permobil. The caddy and wheelchair offer ALS patients and their relatives a new quality of life – temporarily at least – with all costs paid by the foundation.
“Facilitates social engagement”
“I’m pleased that we’ve finally got this project off the ground and can introduce the ALS-Wölfe-Mobil,” said Präger. “It gives people a completely new way of getting around and facilitates social engagement for those affected by this terrible disease.” After spending 18 months working out how to implement the idea, Präger and Hanf were delighted to be able to present the ALS-Wölfe-Mobil at VfL’s home match against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.
