Chernobyl children enjoy trip of a lifeline thanks to all-round effort

By cduffin claire duffin cduffin@derbytelegraph.co.uk

BUSSINESS and families from across Derbyshire have joined forces to give children whose lives were affected by the Chernobyl disaster a break in the city.

Twenty-two boys and girls have come to the region for a month, staying with host families in Derby and Burton, in a bid to help their damaged immune systems.

The city's branch of UK charity Chernobyl Children Lifeline has organised a range of activities, including trips to Blackpool, Conkers discovery centre in the National Forest and a fun day at McDonald's.

The youngsters, from Belarus – which received 70 per cent of the radioactive fallout from the explosion in April 1986 – will also be getting their teeth examined and eyesight checked during their stay.

Brian Kite, vice-chairman of the Derby branch, said: "The support from families and business in the area has been first class, second to none.

"We couldn't do it without them. All the youngsters have something wrong with them but this trip makes a big difference."

As a result of the Chernobyl disaster, thousands of children in the area are born with, or go on to develop, thyroid cancer, bone cancer and leukaemia.

Their stay in the UK, where they can breathe clean air, boosts their immune system and, in some cases, can increase their life expectancy by two years.

Members of the Chernobyl Children Lifeline have been bringing children to the area for the last 18 years. They raise cash, helped by Swadlincote Lions, to pay for their flights and travel, but rely on the generosity of local firms for activities.

On Sunday, the youngsters had the chance to try balloon modelling, graffiti art and cartoons at McDonald's at Markeaton Island. The art day was organised by Speight of the Art, a charity set up after the death of presenter Mark Speight.

The children have already been to Snibston Discovery Park and will later this week swim and play football at Repton School. They have also been invited for tea at the Pirelli Stadium, where they will watch Burton Albion play.

Yesterday, they went to a special viewing of a Russian film at Derby's Odeon cinema.

Retired teacher Chris Smith, who has been hosting children for the last two years, is this year looking after 10-year-olds Bogdan Shlyakhto and Lyubomyr Kacho .

"It is a fantastically rewarding experience," said the 57-year-old of Stapenhill, Burton.

"The children are so grateful and so polite, and you can notice a difference in their health in just the four weeks they are here. But I think I get just as much out of it as they do."