The nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl disaster may currently be more popularly in known for a dramatised version of the explosion.
However, 18 youngsters from Belarus who continue to live with the daily effects of radiation exposure are currently in Moray to get respite from the after-effects of the catastrophe.
Harmful rays continue to beat down on the homeland of the children, who are aged between seven and 12, causing their immune systems to become weakened.
Every year a hand-picked group travels to the north-east for a month of fresh air and medical checks while staying with host families, some of whom are welcoming the same child for the fifth time this year.
Yesterday the youngsters got a tour of Buckie’s life-saving lifeboat and were put through their paces in a kick-boxing session before competing in a sports event at Portessie Primary School.
Clare Cotton, coordinator of the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (FOCC) group in Moray, said: “Before the TV programme people would say ‘Chernoybl, is that still going on?’ but there are people who are continuing to live with it every day – and will continue to do so for generations.
“There are not just the effects from the contamination but also the social effects. Everyone has had a family member affected by it, whether it’s with serious health problems or worse.
“When I got to Belarus I can see straight away which children have been here – you can tell from the way they stand and their confidence.”
The group in Moray is just one of 26 FOCC branches across the UK which welcomes hundreds of children from Belarus every year.
It is estimated that about 70% of the toxic poison released from Chernobyl following the 1986 explosion fell in Belarus with the border just six miles north of the Ukranian plant.
Host families have remarked that within days of the children completing the 24-hour journey to Moray from their homeland they look “less grey” having escaped the radiation.
Elaine White, who is hosting a child at her Craigellachie home, said: “Once I saw Yana’s picture I couldn’t say no to having her stay.
“She’s been here for three weeks now and has been so enthusiastic and effervescent – she’s so grateful and thankful for everything.”
Mike Coull, owner of Buckie’s Time restaurant who organised yesterday’s activities in the town, added: “The staff have been donating their tips to the charity, they’ve raised £500 so far. It’s brilliant to be able to give the kids these types of memories.”
