Chernobyl children begin to see things very clearly
Adam Hewitt • Published 30 Jul 2010 09:30
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Sasha Stesepaniuk has his eyes examined by Specavers senior optometrist Ravi Bhardnaj
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CHILDREN contaminated in the lingering aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster are breathing Reading's cleaner air on a month-long recuperation trip.
The four girls and four boys, aged 10 to 11 from Belarus, are staying with 'link family' Chris and Julie Liebert and got free dental checks and had their sight examined at Specsavers in Friar Street.
Mrs Liebert said: "We've also taken them on day trips, including to the seaside. It was the first time they had ever seen the sea and they were absolutely delighted and amazed.
"It's been a brilliant time, a really nice bunch of kids and the dentists and opticians have been just fantastic.
"They got check-ups and free glasses, and the lady interpreter got help with her sight as well."
The Lieberts, from Wokingham, have hosted groups of children every year since 2003 as part of a scheme organised by Chernobyl Children's Life Line to help those young people still affected by the 1986 nuclear power station explosion.
The children are staying in Berkshire until tomorrow (Friday), when they move on to stay with another family in Guildford.
The charity says the uncontaminated environment in this country boosts the children's immune systems.
Don Watts, director of Specsavers in Friar Street, said: "Access to eyecare is something we take completely for granted in this country.
"Unfortunately, this is not the case for the majority of these children and as a result, their education can be severely hampered.
"We're thrilled to be able to provide this service as quality eyecare is a luxury many of these families cannot afford."
For more information about Chernobyl Children's Life Line, go online and visit www.ccll.org.uk/thamesvalley
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 30 Jul 10
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