On October 11, 2025, the Alliance for Pulmonary Hypertension launched the inspiring “Wheels of Hope” campaign, following Czech cyclist and chef Lukáš Jakovec as he embarked on an extraordinary journey across Europe to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation—all while cycling through some of Europe’s most challenging terrain.
Key Numbers
- 81 days on the road (October 11 – December 31, 2025)
- Approximately 7,500+ kilometers cycled (about 92 per per day on average)
- Route: Eastern Coast of Italy, Sicily, Western coast, Sardinia and Corsica, heading North towards the coast of France
- Dozens of communities reached with the organ donation message
Route Highlights
Starting from Udine, Italy, on October 11, 2025, Lukáš’s journey took him along Italy’s stunning Eastern Adriatic coastline, through Sicily’s dramatic mountains (including a climb up Mount Etna to 1,980m), across to Corsica’s wild landscapes, and around Sardinia’s rugged terrain. From sea-level beaches to mountain passes exceeding 1,000 meters, every pedal stroke carried purpose.
Meetings That Mattered
Throughout his journey, Lukáš met with patients living with pulmonary hypertension and lung transplant recipients, who offered shelter and support, sharing their stories and spreading awareness:
- Day 7 (San Benedetto del Tronto): Visited Meri, a lung transplant recipient
- Day 14 (Fasano): Met Angela, a patient living with pulmonary hypertension, and visited her family’s olive oil mill
- Day 28 (Sicily): Met Filippa, a patient living with pulmonary hypertension
- Day 57 (Pisa): Visited Alessandro 23 years post double-lung transplant patient and a mountaineer who reached base camps of K2, Nanga Parbat, and Everest—“living proof that transplantation opens doors to extraordinary possibilities”
- Day 73 (Cagliari): Met with Marika, a patient living with pulmonary hypertension and other associated co-morbidites
Quotes from Lukáš:
- “During my journey, I visit people who have had transplants or are battling lung illness. That kind of motivation pushes you forward even when your legs say enough”.
- “I would like to expand this idea to more cities and countries in Europe, because every help can save a life.”
- “Moments like this remind me (referred to a visit to a patient) why I’m doing this trip – for everyone fighting this disease.”
- “The more places I reach, the more people hear about my mission – to spread awareness about organ donation”
- “This journey is about more than kilometers. I ride to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation. Sometimes one decision can save a life.”
- “Stories about raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation, about helping others, and about the importance of people supporting each other. Because you never know when you or your loved ones will need help. One good decision can save a life.”
- “Twenty-three years after a lung transplant, and Alessandro still has more energy than half the cyclists on the road. His story boosted me more than any espresso ever could.”
The Human Side
Beyond the statistics, Lukáš’s journey revealed the extraordinary kindness of strangers—restaurant owners offering meals, families providing shelter, mechanics fixing his bike on holidays, and countless individuals contributing to his mission. Each encounter reinforced the campaign’s message: that community, compassion, and the gift of life matter.
The Lighter Side of the Journey
While the mission was serious, Lukáš’s adventure was full of memorable moments that showed the unpredictable joy of life on the road:
- Day 3: Accidentally triggered a security alarm while sleeping—the kind owners let him stay anyway
- Day 9: Encountered devilish thorn bushes that left 20+ holes in each inner tube—three hours of patching ensued
- Day 19: Evicted from his first camping spot, then attacked by mosquitoes at the second spot
- Day 22: Five huge dogs charged at him on the road—police escort required when fifteen more appeared below!
- Day 29: Climbed Mount Etna with 55kg of gear, legs burning but spirits high!
- Day 31: Attempted surfing in Sicily—spent most of the time riding waves on his belly, but the laughter was endless
- Day 34: Construction workers left coffee and cookies as “cycling room service” by his tent
- Day 35: Woke up at midnight to find two giant dogs cuddling him for warmth
- Day 43: His bike crank fell off twice in one day—fixed it with a hammer like a true road warrior
- Day 66: Discovered that poncho + downhill + strong wind = accidental paragliding
- Day 68: Found ŠKODA taxis everywhere in Corsica—Czech pride on a French island!
- Day 70: His plan to sleep at the airport failed when he discovered it closes at midnight
- Day 79: A local immediately recognized he was from Czechia—apparently Czech cyclists have a reputation!
Looking Ahead
The Wheels of Hope campaign continues into 2026, with Lukáš heading to the North of Italy along the Western coast and then France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium… towards his final destination in Prague, Czech Republic in June 2026. Every kilometer brings the message of organ donation awareness to new communities, inspiring conversations about this life-saving gift.
Join the Movement
Organ donation saves lives. One donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of dozens more through tissue donation.
Follow Lukáš Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/wild.lukaaas/ – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-jakovec-091160389/
Learn more about the campaign on the dedicated page at this link
Contribute to the campaign with a donation to Lukas
- €10 sponsors one day of food
- €70 sponsors one week
- €300 sponsors one month
- Any amount helps keep him pedaling and spreading the message of hope
Your contribution doesn’t just feed a cyclist—it fuels a movement. Every euro donated helps Lukáš continue his journey, reach more people, spark more conversations, and ultimately save more lives through organ donation awareness.
- Lukáš Jakovec
- BAN LT863250031416695014
- BIC / SWIFT kód
- Revolut21
- Revolut Bank UAB
- Konstitucijos ave. 21B, 08130
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Korespondent BIC
- CHASDEFX
THANK YOU!
