Chernobyl children enjoying four-week recuperation visit to Portsmouth clean up litter on Southsea seafront

Four children are halfway through four weeks of rest, recuperation and fun activities while they stay with Jo Cullimore and Nita Hebberd from Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline Portsmouth Link.

The group come from Borodyanka, near to the exclusion zone surrounding the site of the 1986 nuclear accident where they are still affected by radiation, and there are 88,000 children on the waiting list for a trip to the UK from Ukraine and Belarus.

Ivanna Haievska, 11, said: ‘It’s such a great opportunity for us to improve our health and have access to a different culture. It’s like a step to my future.

‘I’m fascinated with everything, the people and charity, and now I think about the different things which I can do for other people who will probably need my help.’

Jo has been hosting these visits for eight years, and has taken the latest group on various fun trips including Marwell Zoo, Northney Farm, Flip Out Portsmouth and Portchester Castle.

She said: ‘The more I do it, the more I want to do it. It’s not easy because of visa rules but we just have to fight through it.’

A visit to Southsea seafront saw the group picking up litter from the beach - which they love to do, as keeping the community clean is a big part of their culture.

Jo said: ‘They’re really proud of their community so they want to be proud of our community as well.’

The project relies on donations, the children arrive with a little backpack with not much in it and go back with two suitcases.

Teacher Svetlana Balabas said: ‘It’s a great project, it’s such a great opportunity for them. Jo and Nita are so kind, they give these children a part of their soul.’

Nita added: ‘Once you do it, it’s just so worthwhile. They fill your hearts, they’re part of the family.

‘I don’t know if we could do it without the spirit of great friends, churches and the community who donate to us. Not only small financial donations but good quality clothes and toys.’