Chernobyl Childrens Life Line

On Sunday 1st August we returned to Gatwick Airport with the group of 23 children who had been with us from Belarus for a 4 week respite visit. The time had gone by so very quickly. Having arrived with nothing but the clothes they stood in we returned to the airport with 23 children, 2 interpreters, 18 trolleys and 72 pieces of luggage! Over 20 of the bags were destined for the Childrens Cancer Hospital and Baby No 1 Orphanage in Minsk and they, together with the families of the children who have been with us have asked me to pass on their grateful thanks to everyone in the Community who has supported them.

The donations of simple medicines given by local residents meant a great deal to the people of the villages, during the Swine Flu epidemic they did not even have access to a simple aspirin so the gifts of basic first aid items that we take for granted mean so very much to them.

The children enjoyed a packed program during the month and again, our thanks must be given to all the local people who have supported us and without whom these visits would not be possible. In particular I would like to mention Bloomfields Football Club who provided our day centre facility, NM Community Council, E & V’s, Needham Lake Wardens, Stowmarket Lions, Uvedale Hall and Kids Klub of Finborough all of whom provided great days out for the children. In addition Des Stott and Gill Gearney Dentists and Needham Opticians provided health care services for the group, again, all without charge. In the next few days we hope to have our website updated with links to photographs of the visit and a montage of some of these will also be on display outside of our Charity Shop in the High street of Needham Market. On the subject of the Charity shop we are really in need of volunteers to help man the shop. Even if you do not want to commit to a regular slot but feel you could do the odd 3 hour session please do get in touch. We are a very friendly lot, there are always two people on duty and the Tea, Coffee and Chat is always flowing.

If you think you may be interested in becoming involved with the Charity, either as a Host or generally supporting the children’s visit please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you, Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk