CHILDREN from Chernobyl spent a day “messing about on the river” in York.
The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Sue Galloway, was on hand to welcome 12 youngsters from the region devasted by the 1986 nuclear disaster, aboard the city’s community boat, Isara.
The vessel then set sail and offered the children a day of fun-filled activities such as arts and crafts and cooking.
The children are staying with host families in Selby for their month-long stay in North Yorkshire.
The visit, organised by the Chernobyl Children’s Project, is designed to allow respite for their immune systems. Although the disaster took place in 1986, the radiation fallout it caused was 100 times greater than Hiroshima and more than 20 years on is still affecting a second generation children.
Barnitts sponsored the trip on the Ouse and de’Clares Deli provided picnics for the children.
Kathryn Smith, who helps run trips on the Isara, said: “With the financial support of Barnitts, we are delighted to be able to give these children the benefits of this life-enhancing activity.”
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