Nine years ago, my Mum was reading the local paper when she saw an appeal for a family to host two young girls from the Chernobyl disaster area for four weeks. I was thirteen at the time and my sister eight. Little did we know that from the moment we met our first two girls, our lives would never be the same. This year we are due to host our 20th and 21st child; however, it will be no less rewarding than the first year. Each child is different and all bring a special something to our family.
On 26th April, 1986 the fourth reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant exploded, and the subsequent radioactive cloud reached as far afield as Canada and China.
That first time we knew very little about the disaster, or about the children’s plight. Like many others, we assumed that after all this time there were no longer any issues. We could not have been more wrong!
Belarus was the region worst hit by the Chernobyl disaster. 75% of the fallout landed on its territory, and its effects will last for thousands of years to come. Medical experts tell us that this month of unpolluted food will improve the children’s immune system and, on average, add 2 years to the life of every child we can bring. I have personally visited Belarus and know how much the 800,000 children need our support.
Since that first year we have came a long way as a family. I am now the chairperson of the Havant and Waterlooville Link. In 2013 we brought 12 children.
In order to bring just 12 children, we have to raise a minimum of £7,500 every year: A moment that hit home that very first year was when I had to show an 11 year old how to eat an ice cream cornet. This year I was moved by the sight of a small girl hugging a chest of drawers - we had just told her its contents were for her to keep.
The children arrive with nothing – so all year we collect second hand clothes for them.
We are always grateful for all donations of children’s clothing for them.
Last year one of the boys was so overwhelmed by his clothes, that he asked if he could swap some for a coat that his two younger sisters could share as they had no winter coat (it is regularly -20c). Needless to say when he went home, he found he had two warm winter coats for his 6 and 8 year old sisters.
This summer we have another 12 children already booked for their much needed respite trip; they arrive for four weeks on 18 July.
We also need to borrow (or hire at minimal cost) a 15 seat minibus to transport the children on their daily trips. We welcome all help and ideas.
I will be the first to admit it is not always easy being involved, but the fun and laughter outweigh the challenges.
If you would like any more information on the Charity and the work we do visit our website www.ccll.org.uk or find out about our upcoming events on facebook Chernobyl Children's Life Line- Havant and Waterlooville Link. You can also contact me on 07598 792021 Natalie