Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 06/08/2010 14:22

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are once again pulling out all the stops to support children who are continuing to be affected by the tragic events which took place in Chernobyl in the early hours of 26 April 1986. An explosion in one of four nuclear reactors at Chernobyl power station is still having repercussions to this day.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have been helping the Chernobyl children for a number of years; inviting them to Cornwall and raising funds to assist paying for their flights and providing them with fun filled days out.

As Phil Cooper from CFRS explains: “CFRS works with the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity and began getting involved as a lot of the children who were coming over were from firefighter families and it was felt that with this link, it would definitely be a good charity for us to support. Both the children and their families are always so grateful for what we do and every year the local fire stations in Belarus send gifts to display at our stations here.”

This year a group of children have enjoyed a day riding the waves down at Lusty Glaze in Newquay, a day at the Eden Project in St Austell, an evening at Callington Community Fire Station and speed boating in Padstow followed by an afternoon at Crealy Great Adventure Park.

Phil says: “During their stay, we provide them with items that are not easily accessible, yet are fundamental to their overall health and wellbeing such as vitamins, toothpaste and brushes, soap, shampoo and clothes. We are also grateful to local businesses who donate toys and other gifts for the children that their families would never be able to afford.

This year CFRS has been visited by 4 girls; Ira, Alina, who has suffered from leukaemia, Luba and Luda; and 7 boys, Artem, Alex, Artem, Dema, Vlad, Kiral and Alex. The group were accompanied by Nastia who enjoyed taking part in all the activities and events which were arranged and organised by many of the crews at the Community Fire Stations, as well as many other fire service personnel who contribute by speaking to local businesses, organising fundraising events as well as making sure each of the fun days out runs as smoothly as possible.”

Information regards: Plymouth Sunflowers

The Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity was set up in 1991, since then, approx 50,000 children have come various areas of the UK for recuperation.

The Plymouth link of Chernobyl children’s Lifeline, also known as Sunflowers; bring approx 10 to 15 children every year. These children live with host families for four weeks during the summer.

The Sunflowers link raise money through various fund raising events to bring children to Plymouth for a 4 week recuperative holiday during the summer - by doing this the children are out of the contaminated radioactive environment they permanently live in and in turn decontaminate. It has been medically proven by scientists that it takes 2 years to build up the dangerous levels of radiation again. By coming to England for the 4 weeks - it gives them an extension on their lives by 2+ years! This is obviously priceless.

The families do not get paid to host the children; the only payment they receive is the warmth in their hearts.

Sunflowers are always looking for host families, back-up families or any help with fundraising events. For further information, please contact link chairman Graeme Ash on 01752 519529 or visit the website at www.ChernobylSunflowers.co.uk