YOUNG TRIBUNE
Friends of Chernobyl's Children Every year Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (Helpston & District) bring 30 children to Tribuneland for a respite holiday. They spend 2-4 weeks staying with local host families and attend an activity scheme on week days – and yes, I am always interested to hear from people who might like to host or sponsor a child! Two of our hosts have written about the difference it has made for the boys that they hosted. Shauna Donaldson has hosted Lonya throughout his visits with the charity. ‘Lonya's first visit with the charity was in 2015 he was 7 years old. Before his third visit his mum died suddenly and Lonya with his older sister were placed in foster care and his younger siblings went to live with a relative. That year he ran across the Scout Hut when we picked him up, I definitely gave and received lots of hugs during those 4 weeks. Lonya finished the 4 year program in 2018 since then we have invited him back for private visits - he is very much part of our family. This Christmas on his last night before flying home, we asked him what was the best thing about coming to England. Through google translate he said “getting a prescription for his glasses so that he could see." Yes, I did cry later that evening.’ Morag and Mick Sweeney, hosted a little boy who lived
in a wooden home in a highly contaminated area: ‘Andrei came into our lives in June 2016 as an extremely thin, shy, pale and very nervous little boy. He is our third Chernobyl child and has a very special place in our home and hearts. It never fails to amaze us how resilient these little people are and how brave their parents are. Andrei and 19 other children arrived in Helpston, clutching the Teddies the host families have sent to welcome them at the airport. In Helpston they meet their host families and the fun begins! Andrei arrived very tired but after a little while it was like he had always lived here. We had a simple meal of chicken and pasta on the first night. In Belarus the children have a very basic diet and it was a pleasure to introduce him to many new foods.. He really liked salmon but his range of vegetable was very limited, but he did enjoy potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn and gherkins and ate lots of fruit.
Andrei was not very interested in electronic games but loved Tom & Jerry, playing with toy cars, Lego, football and tennis in the garden. The 4 weeks passes very quickl. In addition to the play scheme we try and pack lots of exciting things into the available evenings and weekends. He loved the seaside, playparks, bowling, swimming spending time with our Niece and Nephews. It is a great pleasure to watch the children grow in confidence and see them getting stronger as they enjoy good food, fresh air and vitamins. Andrei was a delight to host., always ready with a big smile and a cuddle whenever we met our village friends. It is always sad when it comes to the end of their 4 charity visits, but we are left with many happy memories. We take comfort in knowing we have given this little man an insight to a better way of life and have helped to not only improve his health but the wellbeing and self-esteem of his family.’
If you would like to know more about how you can help then please contact Cecilia Hammond on 07779 264591 or focc_helpston@msn.com
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