A charity which brings children affected by Chernobyl to Fife hopes the impact of the recent hit television series will boost support for its work.
Chernobyl Children’s Life Line Fife Link has brought around 200 youngsters from contaminated areas of Belarus to the kingdom over the last 20 years.
Holidays to Scotland boost the health, wellbeing and immune systems of youngsters who live in deprived parts of Belarus close to where the world’s worst nuclear accident happened in 1986.
However, a dwindling number of host families has meant fewer children have been welcomed in recent years.
HBO and Sky’s Chernobyl drama series has renewed interest in the explosion at the Ukraine nuclear plant and raised awareness among a new generation.
Jacqueline Niven, secretary of Fife CCLL, said: “When people ask me about CCLL they often say they don’t remember it or think it must be fixed as it is not on the news anymore.
“So the TV programme has brought the disaster to a new audience.
“I found the programme hard to watch.
“Children are still affected, kidney, liver and thyroid problems being most common.”
Jacqueline was only 11 when reactor number four exploded and remembers hearing of the impact across Europe, even in Scotland.
For the last six years she has welcomed children from Belarus into her home, and later this month will host another three.
The Fife branch started in 1999 when three children came to visit and in 2002 the late Rev John Scott became involved. His wife Cath only retired as a volunteer earlier this year.
Usually more than a dozen children come but in recent years the number has halved due to the lack of host families.
Jacqueline said: “Many of the children live in areas of deprivation.
“There are also a lot of socio-economic issues that come with this, poor housing, unemployment, alcoholism, single-parent families, etc.
“Many families work long hours in poorly paid employment and rely on extended family.
“Many of our children have never visited the dentist or visit infrequently. Many have never been to an optician.
“Coming to Fife gives them a sustained period of fresh air, fresh uncontaminated food, opportunities to be outside at the parks and beaches.
“This boosts their immune system for two to three years.”
Dental and eye appointments are sandwiched between fun days out and activities.
Trips to the beach are particularly popular among the youngsters whose homeland is landlocked.
Volunteers also ensure they go home with new and nearly new clothes, vitamins, toiletries and other supplies.
It costs between £600 and £800 per child for flights and visas alone.
Jacqueline said: “We are always looking for new host families but also different ways to fund-raise or sponsor an activity whilst children are here.”
The charity can be contacted via its website (http://www.ccll.org.uk/fife/index.php) or Facebook page, Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline – Fife Link (https://www.facebook.com/CCLLFife/).
The Angus area has also reached out to youngsters living with the legacy of the plant disaster, with the charity placing youngsters with host families there every year.
Children of Chernobyl benefit from Fife trips
Inna, 12, came from Belarus to Fife three years ago and stayed with Jacqueline Niven and her family.
She recently developed scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, and now wears a brace.
Having already visited, she does not qualify for a second trip with Chernobyl Children’s Life Line.
However, Jacqueline’s family raised funds to bring her as a sponsored child.
Inna will stay with the Nivens and two other youngsters from her area this summer.
Jacqueline said: “Ideally, swimming would be of benefit to her but there are no local pools where she stays.
“Although her scoliosis won’t be improved by her visit, a further visit would enhance her wellbeing and immune system.
“Hopefully, she will be able to participate in our activities before any further deterioration.”
Another Belarusian returning with the charity will be the group’s leader Ina.
A teacher at a school in Stolin, she visited Manchester as a child.
She has such a strong relationship with the families who hosted her that they were invited to her wedding last year.
