Today, NPO 3FM kicks off its action week, Serious Request, with radio DJs Wijnand Speelman, Barend van Deelen, and Sophie Hijlkema entering the Glass House in Zwolle to raise funds for Metakids. The event aims to support research into metabolic diseases in children.
Located at Rodetorenplein, the Glass House will host live radio broadcasts throughout the week. DJs will work in shifts while abstaining from solid food, subsisting on juices, and playing songs in return for donations.
The initiative has strong local support; Anne Riemersma noted the enthusiasm of Zwolle’s businesses. Metakids focuses on metabolic diseases, particularly deadly among children, and aims to advance research for a cure.
Local school De Twijn is actively participating, with students affected by these diseases. They are fundraising through bottle collections and a school market.
More than €1 million has already been raised, with initiatives like Speelman’s marathon contributing significantly. The event also features performances, starting with Rondé, who composed this year’s theme song.
Other acts include Kane, Franz Ferdinand, and local talents. Since its inception in 2004, Serious Request has been held annually by NPO 3FM, except for a brief change in format from 2018 to 2020.
Last year’s event in Nijmegen raised over €7.5 million for ALS research.
Source: NOS