Respite for children of Chernobyl

12:31pm Wednesday 12th September 2001

Eleven fortunate girls swapped the harsh wastelands of Belarus for leafy Barnet this week as they began a month-long spate of recuperation.

The youngsters, who have all been exposed to radiation following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear explosion, were brought to the borough by the Southgate branch of Chernobyl Children's Lifeline.

"The girls are from assorted areas of Belarus and aged between ten and 12. They are all either in remission from cancer or leukaemia or have lost a sibling from the condition," explained Mike Trup, organiser of the visit. The children arrived last week and will be over here for a month, staying with local families.

"They have a great time but more importantly the pollutants in their bodies are being restricted by up to 50 per cent from only being here four weeks," Mr Trup added.

Belarus is still reeling from the after effects of the nuclear explosion in neighbouring Ukraine, and only one in ten children born is classed as healthy. Although the children do not speak English very well, they travel with an interpreter and some of the charity's members speak Russian.

The girls have many days out planned for their stay including visits to the London Eye, London Zoo, The Aquarium and they have also visited L.A Fitness in East End Road, Finchley, for some free swimming and fitness training.

To find out more about Chernobyl Children's Lifeline please call Mike Trup on 020 8886 9746.