Chernobyl Children's lifeline calls for host families in Newark for summer holiday programme

A charity that sends groups of children from Ukraine and Belarus on holiday to England is looking for host families in Newark.

The Newark and Sherwood branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline is asking for more host families for their summer programme, which would allow them to increase the number of children they can accommodate.

The charity is partnered with a village in Belarus, the area surrounding the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.

The programme runs from July 28 to August 17 and the children will be from nine to 11.

Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline organises a full programme of events, including a day at the seaside, rock climbing and camping in Derbyshire.

Helen Rushby is on the charity’s committee and has hosted for the last three years.

She said: “All you need is a spare room, a car to take the children to the activities, and be willing to feed them for the time they are here and make up packed lunches for the outings.

“We all support each other and have a great time.

“My son has kept in touch with the boys we have hosted and coming here for a holiday has made such a difference to their lives and hopes for the future.”