12:01pm Thursday 11th March 2010
By David Mills
A CHARITY is looking for families to host children whose health has been affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
Every year Concern for Chernobyl Children flies youngsters from Belarus to the UK, who were born near to the Chernobyl nuclear plant which exploded in 1986.
Radioactive fallout from the explosion was 100 times worse than the combined Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs dropped at the end of the Second World War.
After around 190 tonnes of contaminated dust were thrown into the atmosphere from the plant in the Ukraine, 70 per cent of it fell on neighbouring Belarus.
The after effects of the explosion has led to increased cases of thyroid damage, chest infections, eyesight and respiratory problems, cancer and anaemia among the people who live in the area around Chernobyl.
This summer about 25 children aged between nine and 13 from Gomel, which borders the Ukraine, are coming to the UK for a “health break”.
But a similar number of families are needed to host their month-long stay.
Publicity officer Mary Jones said: “It doesn’t matter what age you are to be a host family as long as you think you can cope with a child.
“It’s so rewarding to think you can change a child’s life forever just in one month.
“The children are over here for a health break.
“The time they are here builds up their immune system for two to three years.
“Their immune system is rock bottom because of nuclear radiation, their bodies are having to fight that all the time.
“Everything they grow on the ground is contaminated to a certain degree.”
During their stay the north Kent-based charity takes the children on two excursions a week such as sightseeing trips to London or visits to the seaside, to give the host family a break.
All costs are funded by the 17-year-old charity, which needs to raise as much as £20,000 each year to give the youngsters their holiday.
Money is raised through events such as sponsored walks and fairs.
All host families must pass CRB checks.
To find out more call Mrs Jones on 01634 251967 or visit chernobyl.org.uk/concern.html
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