Breda has had a special monument since Saturday: a fountain on the Grote Markt with which Tijn Kolsteren from Hapert is honored. Tijn is the 6-year-old sick boy who stole everyone’s heart by painting nails for Serious Request in 2016.
Mayor Paul Depla and alderman Tim van het Hof officially unveiled Tijns Waterplein, as the fountain is called, together on Saturday morning. This happened in the presence of Tijn’s family, relatives and friends. The fountain has the shape of the city coat of arms of Breda.
‘Tijn will never be forgotten’
According to Depla, Tijn has made an indelible impression on everyone. “We consider it an honor to link Tijn’s name to this water playground on the Grote Markt in Breda. Because it is a place for children. And because we will never forget Tijn and his action for the Glass House.”
Tijn’s mother Jolanda, together with her husband Gerrit and son Ries, said they were proud that Tijn’s name will always be associated with this special place.
“We hope that many people will come together here and keep the memory of Tijn alive.” She said that the Waterplein fits perfectly with “water rat and animal lover” Tijn. A place where children can play, animals drink and people cool off.
Tijn
The 6-year-old Tijn suffered from brain stem cancer and gained national fame when he and his father visited the Glass House in Breda in December 2016.
Father Gerrit told his son’s heartbreaking story. Tijn didn’t care about his illness and therefore wanted to paint as many nails as possible to raise money for the Red Cross. He even got his own spot in the radio DJs’ house to do this.
ALSO READ: Nail polish hero Tijn from Serious Request passed away at the age of 6