Hi,

Thanks so much for taking the time and consideration to visit my fundraising page. As you've been kind enough to have a look, here's some information....

Chernobyl Children's Project UK is a wonderful charity which works to support and improve the lives and opportunities of children and young adults most affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear explosion in the Gomel region of Belarus, a beautiful country bordering Poland and the Ukraine.

The region was devastated by the explosion and remains contaminated with radiation today.  Following the disaster, many children were born with radiation-induced physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties and rates of cancer and leukemia have risen exponentially, almost certainly as the result of radiation contamination. Many children were passed into the care of orphanges in the region and have quite limited opportunities.

I can't quite find the words to do justice to the tireless and valued work of the charity here which includes respite holidays in the UK, medical care and ongoing support in the region, so here's their website: www.chernobyl-children.org.uk.

Amongst many other projects, the charity provides a summer holiday for the children and young adults in a sanatorium, a cross between a health spa and holiday camp. This gives the children and young adults an opportunity to have fun, enjoy activities they would not otherwise usually access and receive some health care in a much-less contaminated area of the region giving a much-needed boost to their immune systems. Which is where I come in...

I'm returning to Belarus this summer to volunteer with the holiday as well as spending some time at Zhuravichi Children's Home with the children, many of whom have profound or multiple disabilities or autism and are unable to join the summer holiday this year.

So I'm wondering if any of you lovely people would like to support this much-valued work

Last summer I saw just how far donations can go and how great the contribution to the children and young adults' lives is. They appreciate and embrace their summer holiday enormously and spend much of each year remembering last summers holiday and looking forward to the next. 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Chernobyl Children's Project (Uk) gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Every amount - however seemingly small - makes such a valued difference and is really sincerely appreciated, Marianne xx