Chernobyl children bring Christmas cheer to Ireland

MORE than 100 children from the Chernobyl region touched down in Shannon Airport yesterday to spend Christmas with host families across Ireland.

The youngsters, many from impoverished backgrounds in Belarus, have travelled 3,000 miles for much-needed rest and recuperation which will help them recover from a number of physical and emotional conditions.

The children are visiting as part of the Chernobyl Children’s Project international Christmas long-term care programme.

They will also have medical check-ups and treatment for a variety of illnesses related to the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The children, who come from orphanages and institutions where Christmas would normally be a bleak time for them, will spend their Christmas holidays in loving homes in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, Meath, Carlow and Donegal.

“These beautiful children will give so much joy and happiness to their host families,” said Chernobyl Children’s Project founder and executive director Adi Roche.

“Their stay in Ireland bears testament to the generosity of the Irish people and truly the spirit of Christmas will come alive for our families and volunteers who year after year host these children,” said Ms Roche.

“We thank them for their generosity and for embracing the children into their hearts, into their homes and into their lives at this very special time of year,” she added.