The Chernobyl explosion occurred on the 26th. April, 1986. Initially the effects were played down by the Soviet government of the time, but soon the tremendous increase in the number of children's thyroid cancers and other radiation related diseases in Belarus and the Ukraine could not be hidden. Chernobyl is in the Ukraine, near the southern border of Belarus which, because of the prevailing wind, received 70% of the fallout.

This map of Belarus, shows the most heavily contaminated areas and the relative position of Chernobyl in the Ukraine. Closer to the reactor site there is now an exclusion zone that will exist for hundreds of years.

Chernobyl Children Lifeline was started in 1992 by Victor E. Mizzi in Haslemere, Surrey. The aim of the charity is to raise funds to bring Belarussian children to the U.K., for recuperation and convalescence in an environment free from radioactive contamination; and to recruit caring families who are willing and able to accept two children into their homes for a period of two weeks. The charity organises two days of activities each week, but the childrens' living expenses are borne by the hosts, as the charity is unable to make a contribution.

Just a month away allows the children's immune systems to recover and enables the children to avoid the debilitating colds and infections, which normally affect them each winter. Obviously the chances of survival for children who have suffered from various cancers or leukaemia will be greatly improved.

All the money raised by the links is used for the transport costs, such as airfares, insurance, airport tax and to provide group leaders/ interpreters who accompany the children during their visit. This adds up to about £300 per child.

The organisation rapidly became a National registered charity, with branches known as Links scattered across the U.K. from the Channel Islands up to Scotland.

The Derby Link sprang from a meeting organised by Ruth Williams in October 1991. There are now over 100 links and the number of children brought to the U.K. nationally has increased from 10 in the first year to 1,600 in 1997. By the end of 2004 a total of over 39,000 children have been brought to the UK for a break.

One of the earliest organised activities was an afternoon's canoeing on the River Derwent at Darley Abbey provided by Hydrosports. Just look at that smile; these experiences are remembered by the children forever. The good food, clean air and healthy environment also make a difference to their health forever.

As a registered charity we also have a number of secondary aims:

The 1000 Families project, is designed to enable British people to give regular financial aid to families which have lost the main bread winner as a result of radiation related diseases, and to foster direct contact and friendship between the people involved.

We use funds which are raised separately to provide medical care for children in Belarus, and to support hospitals and orphanages.

Finally we want to thank every person and every company who have helped these children, some of whom now have children of their own.

Thank you

Ruth

Help us to help the children suffering from radiation