The Friends of Chernobyl's Children (Isle of Man)

Charity Information

Name: Friends of Chernobyl's Children (Isle of Man) - Registered Manx Charity No. 768.

Local Co-ordinator: Norman Rivers, 16 Birch Hill Grove, Onchan.

The following information from the charity's brochure highlights the valuable contribution being made to help the victims of Chernobyl:

" In April 1986 the Chernobyl nuclear power station in the Ukraine expelled 190 tons of highly radioactive uranium and graphite into the atmosphere. The reaction has resulted in 2.2 million people being subjected to permanent radioactive contamination of varying density. Many of the children in the area are suffering the effects of radiation and the average life expectancy is 32. It is expected that in the next 15 - 20 years, over 40,000 children in Belarus will contact cancer of the thyroid. Others will suffer health problems including goitre disorders, diabetes mellitus, disorders of the blood and blood producing organs, mainly in the form of anaemia and bone, bladder and kidney cancers.

Friends of Chernobyl's Children (Isle of Man) is a local charity whose objective is to bring children from the scene of the disaster in Belarus, to the Isle of Man for one month’s respite care each year.

The children, who are between 8 & 12 years of age, stay with local families and receive good food, dental & optical checks (and if necessary medical checks), and lots of tender loving care in a clean air environment. This will extend their life span by one year - a medical fact.

Twenty-three children came to the island in July 2003 together with two interpreters.

On their return home, we provide the children with clothing & footwear, medical supplies and other basic necessities. These practical gifts have been of enormous benefit to all the Belarussian families involved. The inclusive cost for the 2003 visit was in excess of £22,000. "

How can you help?

There is much that can be done, through both financial donations and practical assistance. Two friends listed below will be welcome to provide you with details about how you can help.

Please note that the opportunity exists for sponsor's logos to appear on both the boat and the Sponsor's page of this web site. As the sides of the boat's hull are 32 ft long by approx. 3ft deep there is plenty of room for logos. All proceeds from such sponsorship goes directly to the Friends of Chernobyl's Children (Isle of Man).