The appeal launched last November to provide children, suffering as a consequence of the Chernobyl disaster, with a therapeutic holiday has raised almost £3,000. Raised mostly through folk in Saundersfoot, but also involving people across South Pembrokeshire and even as far as Swansea, the money is being delivered this weekend to a camp in Belarus.
It will cover the expenses of 60 youngsters who will benefit from clean air, reasonable food, exercise and some medical treatment if they need it. Past experience shows that three weeks in such a regime leads to a tremendous improvement in a child's resistance to other ailments. Some 180 children are catered for each time throughout the summer (June to September).
Mrs. Yona Pusey will also be taking a teddy bear, children's clothing and an enormous greeting card from the toddlers in a Swansea playgroup whose carers raised £300. She hopes to report on her visit in a future Tenby Observer. Meanwhile, on behalf of the suffering children, she renews her thanks to all who have so generously supported the fund.
Until now the only reliable way of ensuring the money arrives at the camp has been for her to take it in the course of a visit to Belarus. She is actually there this weekend to speak at a Women's Conference in her capacity as President of the European Baptist Women's Union. Recent registration by the local authorities means that future gifts can probably be sent by bank transfer. EBWU are committed to supporting the camps for at least one more year so additional gifts from Pembrokeshire can be forwarded.
Pictured outside The Cavalier Restaurant with Yona (holding the card) are proprietors Simon and Vicky Goodwin (holding the teddy bear), who hosted a chicken and chip supper, and also Madge Wills and Phillipa Thomas, representing the local WI.