It seems hard to believe that thirty years have passed since the Chernobyl Disaster shocked the World.
On 26 April 1986 an explosion at at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in The Ukraine released large quantities of radioactive particles into the atmosphere. These spread over much of the western USSR and Europe, even reaching parts of the UK.
The effects on the people and environment were devastating and remain hidden behind a wall of secrecy. In fact the full impact may never be totally revealed.
Those hit worst were the young children in the surrounding areas, forced to grow up and to live in the highly toxic environment left behind. Even those being born today will suffer from the effects of radiation and social depravation caused by the accident.
Last year we published an article about Herne Bay, East Kent Freemason, Daniel John, whose wife Charlotte runs the local branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Life Line. This is a charity that seeks to help families in Ukraine that were affected by the 1986 nuclear disaster.
Click here to read more about the Chernobyl Children’s Life Line (Herne Bay Link).
In February, Charlotte, Daniel and their youngest son Alfie, returned to Borodyanka in Ukraine loaded with cases full of equipment to distribute over there. Included in their baggage were eight large cases, musical instruments, clothing for hospital staff and a double buggy, much of which had been generously donated by people who were touched by the plight of the people still suffering from the after effects of the disaster.
Click here to read an account of the trip in Daniel and Charlotte’s own words.
With the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster approaching in April, a service will be held at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday 26th April 2016, at 7.30pm with Guest Speaker Lt Colonel Igor Pismenskij.
Chernobyl Children’s Life Line invites you to attend the service to mark this significant anniversary. Please RSVP by 7th April 2016 with the number of reserved seats required by post or by using the contact form.
Chernobyl Children’s Life Line 30th Anniversary Service, 33 Station Road, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5QJ