CHILDREN in remission from cancer have been enjoying a break from their home life near Chernobyl to stay with families in Alsager.

The six children and their mothers have travelled from the Gamel region of Belarus, north of the Chernobyl area, where most of the contamination from the nuclear disaster was blown in 1986.

In Belarus the incidence of brain tumours has risen five fold and thyroid cancer 24 fold since the Chernobyl disaster.

Most of the food the children eat is farmed from soil still contaminated by radiation affecting their health while they are only young.

The Crewe, Haslington and Alsager branch of the Chernobyl Children's Project UK brings youngsters to this area every summer to give them a chance to experience clean air and fresh food.

This year five mothers and an interpreter have been brought over as well because while the children are in hospital they must look after all their needs, from washing to feeding.

As the hospital could be hours away from their homes they often have to leave other children and husbands behind and it can be a stressful and difficult time for the whole family.

The mums and children have been on daytrips as well as enjoying swimming, picnics and barbecues and are heading off to Wales this week.

"We are always looking for host families because the children come over in July and August when people here are on holiday and it's a big commitment for them to give two weeks of their time," said organiser Pauline Highan.

"We have no problem with people supporting us but we do have trouble getting host families."

If you would like to get involved with the project and become a host family please contact Pauline on 01270 669109.

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