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Christmas 2005 |
Children from Belarus will once again have a chance to enjoy Christmas in Ashtead thanks to the generosity of local residents.
Sasha, Alina, Alina and Yulia during their last visit
While Chernobyl lies outside Belarus' boundaries, prevailing winds meant that 90 per cent of the country was contaminated when the nuclear reactor exploded in 1986.
The Coton family became involved in the charity after seeing an article in a local paper. Lesley said: "It advertised a meeting in Reigate. We went along and it took off from there. We hosted our first two children - Dasha and Tanya in 2001."
Since then, children have stayed with host families in and around Ashtead every summer, and now youngsters are coming over for Christmas. Many come from extremely deprived backgrounds, and most do not speak any English, but the trip provides them not only with a holiday of a lifetime but also respite from the continuing radio-active contamination.
Lesley continued: "Local businesses have been fantastic. Rayner opticians provide free eye tests and local dentists provide dental checks. Marsdens Nurseries are offering them a pot painting session; Chobham Riding for the Disabled Association have offered rides; Epsom Pizza Hut have invited them to make pizzas, and we have received complimentary tickets for them to attend Zippos Circus at Dorking Halls."
More information www.midsurreylink.org or phone 01372 741228.
See also Other Links deserving a special mention - Chernobyl Children Life Line etc
Windy: For border backgrounds and much, much more