A FARM based in Catherine-De-Barnes welcomed Chernobyl teenagers all in remission from cancer to meet the animals.
Newlands Bishop Farm, which opened its doors to the 12 teenagers from the area around the scene of 1986’s nuclear disaster in the then Soviet Union – along with their interpreters and doctor.
While at the Family Care Trust ran farm they played games, had lunch and found out about life on the farm.
Daniel Adams, manager at the Family Care Trust, said: “We’d like to thank all the local organisations and people for coming along to help make our guests feel welcome, as well as the CCP Solihull volunteers and host families who always work so hard to make the holidays for the Belarussian youngsters as enjoyable as possible.”
The Solihull branch of charity Chernobyl Children’s Project (CCP) UK flew the teenagers over.
Over the summer the teenagers spent two weeks with host families and a further two weeks in residential accommodation.
Also on their schedule were a trip to Tudor Grange swimming pools, climbing the Malvern Hills and visiting Warwick Castle.
For more than 20 years the CCP has welcomed Belarussian youngsters to Britain for holidays, as doctors say a four-week break can boost the children’s immune system for at least two years, helping them to resist or recover from serious illnesses.
The children were not born when the nuclear reactor exploded 33 years ago, leaving the area highly contaminated to this day.
Kath Ruane, Solihull group co-ordinator said “Thank you to everyone who helped this year, including Knowle and Dorridge Rotary who have supported CCP for many years and The Family Care Trust, which hosted a very enjoyable afternoon at Newlands Bishop Farm.
“As well as the health benefits a holiday in the UK provides a huge psychological boost, so the children return home feeling healthier and happier, we hope they remain well and live long and happy lives.”
