Andreas Papen has been working in the Retrack control center since June 2019, where he is responsible for dispatching the trains. However, just a few days after a stomach operation in October 2021, he suffered a stroke on the day he was discharged. What followed: Emergency surgery, intensive care, several weeks of rehab.

But giving up was never an option for Andreas – neither health-wise nor professionally. He has been back at VTG since January 2022. Initially with a job in the back office, which enabled him to gradually reintegrate into working life. “VTG created this position for me back then,” he says. “I am more than grateful for that!” And in January 2023, one and a half years after his stroke, Andreas was finally able to return to the control centre.

“Family, friends and also VTG have supported me during this time,” he says. “And now I want to give something back!” And that’s exactly what Andreas is now doing by running his first marathon in April 2024, during which he will be collecting donations for German Cancer Aid.

Andreas spoke to ON TRACK about preparing for the run and explained how his colleagues can support him in his endeavour.

Andreas, what prompted you to plan a charity run for German Cancer Aid, especially after you yourself have just recovered from your stroke?

Andreas: During my time as an ambulance driver, where I was able to accompany many sick people, some of them cancer patients and others on their last journey to a hospice, I saw how much voluntary institutions and organisations rely on donations. That’s why I decided to run a charity marathon back in 2016. At the time, a pulled abdominal muscle thwarted my plans, and later I had a stroke. But I never let go of the idea and now I finally want to realise it – also to give something back after my own illness.

How are you preparing for the marathon, especially considering your health history?

Andreas: In addition to sensible training that is based on my daily condition and not on a strict (time) schedule, my preparation also includes regular check-ups: How is my lung volume? What does the neurologist say? And, of course, I also go to physiotherapy regularly.

Memory training is also part of the recovery process after a stroke. For me, for example, that means regular English lessons. Overall, a change in thinking is required after such an illness: less stress, more listening to your own body. Of course, this also affects my running. Whereas I used to listen to music while I ran, I now consciously let my thoughts run free while I run.

The German Cancer Aid is a non-profit organisation that has set itself the task of fighting cancer, for example by providing a comprehensive range of advice and information.

However, the foundation invests the majority of its donations in research projects, making it the most important private funder of cancer research in Germany.

> More information on the work of the foundation can be found at krebshilfe.de

What is your personal goal for the run and how can your colleagues support you specifically?

Andreas: My personal donation target is EUR 1,500. As already announced on VIBES, I will donate EUR 421.92 myself. If I run the marathon in under four hours, I will round it up to EUR 500.

As for my colleagues: first and foremost, I am of course delighted when people donate diligently, because every contribution counts! But apart from that, they can also help by raising awareness of the issue – for themselves and for others. That the topic of cancer is unfortunately present for many people. But also that there are many committed people, e.g. at the German Cancer Aid, who help to ensure that patients come out of it well.

Do you plan to launch similar charitable initiatives in the future, and if so, which topics or organisations are particularly close to your heart?

Andreas: In addition to helping the homeless, the topic of hospices naturally springs to mind. As a former ambulance driver, I naturally remember certain journeys with patients that still touch me deeply today. Especially when it comes to children, it’s a bitter thing. That’s why I would like to support the children’s hospice in Stade, an outpatient hospice service for children and young people, with my next charity run.

Is there anything else you would like to pass on to your colleagues?

Andreas: I would like to thank all my colleagues who have either already donated or will do so in the future!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my Team Lead Ralf Rieper, Remco van Staaijeren and VTG for their support during my recovery!

You can support Andreas’ charity run for German Cancer Aid with a donation until 15 May 2024. Information is available on the donation page: spendenaktion/papen-laeuft.de