Children Of Chernobyl Come To Kids Klub Summer Camp, Suffolk, UK

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 17 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PST

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Kids Klub summer camp activity centre in Suffolk hosting a day of activities free of charge for twenty two children whose lives have been affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Twenty two children whose lives will forever be affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 will be arriving in Suffolk on 24th August from Belarus. The 4 week long trip has been organised by the Mid Suffolk link of the national charity 'Chernobyl Children's Life Line'.

As part of their stay, Kids Klub are in the privileged position to be able to offer a day of activities free of charge for the children on 16th September. Kids Klub, a summer camps holiday provider predominately based in Suffolk have provided activity days for Children of Chernobyl for the last few years. Not only will the children have the opportunity of trying something new but they will be breathing in clean air and getting plenty of exercise. The children, all aged 8 years will have an action packed day of climbing, kayaking, circus skills and horse riding at the Kids Klub children's activity centre at Finborough Hall, Great Finborough.

The children will be staying with host families locally and will enjoy a variety of activities and days out, mostly through the kind donations of local businesses. It is believed that a month away from the contamination, eating nourishing food and breathing clean air, may significantly increase their life expectancy by as much as two years by giving their immune systems a chance to recover.

We are inviting local press to Finborough Hall on 16th September to see for themselves the wonderful opportunity that the CCLL are giving the children from Belarus and how much the children enjoy their time in the UK. Any coverage relayed to the general public will only help raise awareness of the disaster that the effects have left behind and will also hopefully encourage people to donate to this very worthwhile charity

"For each child taken to the UK they are returned two year's life. We are the hostages to the hazardous aftermath of radiation and the future of our very race is threatened with extinction, as our children, our gene pool is seriously ill. In the midst of this tragedy, we have been given hope by the people of the UK. Thank you for supporting the lives of our children." Dr Zolovok, Director of the children's hospital for the Soligorsk region.

The issues affecting the Children of Chernobyl cannot be cured with money. It has been estimated that it will take 400 years for the area to be clear of contamination. However to give these children the opportunity of increased life expectancy the charity relies on donations and volunteers. It costs around £600 to bring a child to the UK for a four week respite holiday and all money donated to the charity goes towards these costs. Over 40,000 children have been brought the UK so far.

'As a Charity, Chernobyl Children's Lifeline's reason for being is not relief of poverty or holidays for poor children. It exists because of the difference we can make to the lives of children growing up with the long term health effects of the Chernobyl Disaster which no amount of money can correct. Only time will see the end of the contamination and for many hundreds of years to come this is time these children do not have. All these children are affected regardless of whether they have satellite TV and a flushing toilet or a cow in the back garden and an earth closet.' Elizabeth Parker, Link Chair Mid Suffolk Children of Chernobyl Life Line.

Please find more information on Kids Klub summer camps here and for more information on the day, please contact Ben Sinclair.

To host a child, donate clothes, toys or money or for more information on the charity please contact Elizabeth and Kevin Parker on 01449 760343, email enquiries @ ccllmidsuffolk.org or visit http://www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk.

Chernobyl Children's Lifeline