A group of more than 20 Belarussian children and their helpers enjoyed a free day out at Oakwood Theme Park this week.
The youngsters are spending a month with families in New Ross, County Wexford and travelled over to Pembrokeshire for the day courtesy of Stena Line. The event has been organised by the New Ross Chernobyl Children's Project and aims to provide the youngsters with an unforgettable holiday and the chance to spend a little time away from their contaminated homeland.
Oakwood Theme Park's marketing manager, Stephanie Churchard, said: "The Chernobyl Children's Project is a fantastic charity and we were only too happy to arrange a free day out at the park for the youngsters.
"It's the least we can do and seeing the fun and enjoyment they all got out of their visit has provided some very rewarding and memorable experiences for all the staff here," she added. Since its establishment in 1991, Chernobyl Children's Project International (CCPI) has delivered over £55 million in direct and indirect humanitarian aid to the Chernobyl region. CCPI aims to restore hope to the people of the Chernobyl-affected region.
The 'Rest and Recuperation' scheme gives children affected by the fallout of the Chernobyl explosion the opportunity of a holiday away from the debilitating environment in which they live. In the summer, when the dust causes radiation levels to rise, it is important for as many children as possible to leave their contaminated homeland for a few weeks of fresh air and clean food.
Doctors in Belarus say that this boosts the children's immune systems for at least two years, helping them to resist, or recover from, serious illness.
It can also significantly reduce the amount of radioactive caesium which has built up in a child's body.