A GROUP of Belarusian children has enjoyed a four-week holiday in Solihull, thanks to the Chernobyl Children’s Project.
The 12 children (six boys and six girls), aged between 13 and 15 and who are all in remission from cancer, travelled with a doctor and an interpreter and stayed in pairs for the first fortnight with a group of host families, then moved to a residential school for two more weeks.
The aim of the Chernobyl Children’s Project is to provide the children with a holiday of a lifetime, during which they enjoyed fresh air and healthy food, which helps to repair their damaged immune systems.
During their stay, they visited Stratford Butterfly Farm, Shustoke Sailing Club, went swimming and met the Mayor of Solihull Stuart Davis.
The mayor told the youngsters about the workings of Solihull Council and gave them a tour of the council chamber and mayor’s parlour.
The mayor said: “Through no fault of their own these children have to suffer the long-term effects of living in a radioactive environment. It has been a pleasure to welcome them to Solihull so that they can enjoy a much-needed holiday.
“I would like to thank the Chernobyl Children’s Project and the volunteers for their hard work in enabling this trip to happen, and the wonderful experiences they have arranged for the children.”
The disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in April 1986 left generations from the nearby population with cancer and other radiation-related illnesses.
