On April 26th, 1986 there was an explosion at a nuclear power plant at Chernobyl, on the border between Ukraine and Belarus. Many tons of radioactive materials were thrown into the air. Some of these were carried around the world, but 70 per cent of the radioactive substances blew north over the population of Belarus. Today the effects are still being felt.

Each summer Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK) brings around 400 children to Britain for a recuperative holiday. Some children may come from the most contaminated parts of the country, whilst others are living in tiny rural villages, sometimes just a few miles from the Chernobyl plant.

Many of the children brought to the UK are in remission from leukaemia or cancer. Holidays abroad are vital for them, particularly those in their teens, when many fall ill for a second or third time, and the death rate is very high. Doctors in Belarus say that these holidays boost the children's immune systems for at least two years, helping them to resist, or recover from serious illness.

We want to raise funds for the group of children coming to the UK in August. Please sponsor us for our fun run (5km) on 19^th April. We’ll be running in costume – as a set of Russian dolls!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: 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.