FOURTEEN children who still suffer from the after-effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster will visit Warrington’s Daresbury Laboratory for an afternoon of fun as part of a four-week stay in the North West.
The youngsters from Belarus are aged 11 and 12 and will visit the Science and Technology Facilities Council laboratory on Thursday August 6 as part of a recuperative holiday organised by the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity. While at the laboratory the children will have the chance to see and taste ice cream made using liquid nitrogen and take part in other fun, hands-on science experiments, as well as finding out about space and astronomy courtesy of the mobile planetarium “STARLab”.
This is the third year that Daresbury Laboratory has hosted fun and engaging activities for the children from Belarus.
The children were born many years after the 1986 nuclear disaster but still have an increased risk of illnesses such as thyroid cancer as a consequence of living in such a polluted environment.
Chernobyl Children’s Life Line organises respite breaks to the UK to give the children a chance to live in a “clean” environment and eat uncontaminated food for a month. This four-week trip can increase their life expectancy by as much as two years because their immune systems have a chance to recover during this time.
Tony Buckley, Daresbury Laboratory’s head of communications. said: “The children have suffered a lot as a result of growing up in the shadow of the Chernobyl disaster, even though it took place many years before they were born. We are delighted to have the children here and to help create happy memories of their visit to the UK with our hands-on approach to science education. The enthusiasm of the children is really infectious.”
Ann McGuire, vice chairman of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline (Warrington and Burtonwood) added: “We really appreciate the opportunity for the children to visit the laboratory. Each year the children have had a wonderful time there and have enjoyed the day. Many thanks to all the staff involved in making the day so special for the children.”
During their stay the children have also visited Wales and the Lake District. They have also enjoyed many other activities including a visit to Everton Football Club and lunch with the Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington at the Town Hall.
FOURTEEN children who still suffer from the after-effects of the
Chernobyl nuclear disaster will visit Warrington's Daresbury Laboratory
for an afternoon of fun as part of a four-week stay in the North West.
Chernobyl children to visit lab
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
