Appeal for holiday hosts

HOST families in South Devon are being sought to help increase the lifespan of children still suffering from the world's worst nuclear disaster more than 20 years ago.

When a reactor at Chernobyl exploded in 1986, the radioactive fallout was 90 times greater than Hiroshima.

Most of the radioactive fallout landed on Belarus, where more than two million people, including youngsters, still live in contaminated land.

A South Devon organisation has been providing holidays in the area for hundreds of children to give a respite from relentless radiation.

It is estimated a month eating nourishing food, resting and breathing the clean air of our area can add up to two-years to their life expectancy by boosting their immune system.

Another 10 children will be flown over by the Teignbridge and Torbay link of the Chernobyl Children Lifeline charity next April, and an appeal has gone out for local families who will offer board and lodge.

"We have been bringing young people aged from nine to 11 over here for several years, and it is very rewarding because it not only improves their health, but is something they remember for the rest of their lives," said committee member Graham Smith.

"The host families will be allocated two youngsters, so they will not be lonely, and we arrange a full programme of activities and outings and carry out all the necessary legal checks.

"There is no need to over indulge or spoil them, allowing the youngsters to enjoy the comforts of your home makes a very special holiday.

"Hosts will not be on their own as there is a full support network to help with any problems."

The selected children could have had cancer and are now in remission, or live in one of the heavily contaminated areas. Some come from orphanages.

It costs the charity up to £400 to fly over each child, with the money coming from fund-raising events.

Mr Smith said it would take around 400 years to rid Belarus of contamination.

He added: "The impact on the children is beyond comprehension. The rise in childhood cancers is phenomenal. Leukaemia tumours and thyroid cancers are rife.

"Ninety per cent of the children have been contaminated. They are ingesting so much contamination."

Anybody interested in hosting, helping or just wanting more information about the group, should call Graham or his wife Rosemary on 01626 779398.