The 66-year-old cycling fan who was hit by Johan Vansummeren during the Tour of Flanders, will be paralyzed for the rest of her life. More than seven months after the accident, her husband has talked about the incident for the first time because his wife is unable to do so. On top of all the miseru, the medical treatment has cost more than 10,000 euro but they have not received a single penny in compensation. "I am not a millionaire," he says.

When his wife woke up from her coma after nearly a month, a heavy burden fell off Philippe's shoulders. Again he had reason to hope.

"The next day I had a conversation with an anesthetist. She told me that Marie-Claire had suffered severe trauma but that everything would largely be good again," he tells Het Laatste Nieuws. That prediction proved to be false. Two weeks ago, the heavy verdict fell: Marie-Claire's condition will never improve. The right side of her body is completely paralyzed and the woman will have to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life. She is aware of that but unable to speak herself.

"She talks like a two-year-old. She tries to explain things with gestures."

His wife now needs help all day and will continue to require support. In the hospital, he has learned how to feed her, assist her on the toilet and put her to bed. It is not only a heavy burden for him, it is also difficult for Marie-Claire. Before the accident, she was known as an energetic, active woman. 

Furthermore, the financial concerns are getting bigger. As it is still unclear who is responsible for the accident, the family has still not received any money from insurance companies. For the same reasons, they can not count on any support due to Marie-Claire's invalidity.

"However, I have a certificate from the Federal Social Security that makes it clear that she is severely handicapped, but everything is blocked until a decision is made in the criminal case. Nevertheless, it is certain that my wife will be heavily reliant on others for the rest of her life. It is unbelievable."