West Brom plays host to children fighting radiation illness

Aug 21 2008 By Tony Deeley

YOUNGSTERS left with a legacy of illness from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster enjoyed a fun-filled day out in the West Midlands.

The party was treated to a trip to The Public arts centre at West Bromwich as part of their trip from Belarus, a fiormer Soviet republic.

The free day out included a tour of the venue’s gallery and an arts and crafts workshop led by artist James O’Hanlan, who helped the children create 3D tulips and pictures of flowers and trees.

The visit was organised by Chernobyl Children’s Project, a charity which brings children to the UK for recuperation.

Spokesman Sheila Askew said: “The visit gave the children a very hands-on and interactive experience.

“The arts and crafts workshop was great for those children who didn’t speak English.

“The generosity of the families and traders in Sandwell helped these children from Belarus recuperate and have fun.”

The Public’s project manager, David Clarke, said it was a delight to see the children from Belarus enjoy their day out.

“We were really keen to get involved with such a worthwhile charity and I look forward to many more years of supporting the Chernobyl Children’s Project.”

Belarus received about 70 per cent of the radiation from the world’s worst nuclear disaster in April 1986, which resulted in children being born with deformities and cancer.

Holidays in Britain allow the children to breath clean air, drink clean water and eat sueing fresh food to boost their immune systems.

The Public has been dogged by controversy since opening earlier this year amid claims it was becoming a white elephant.

Last weekend, Euro MPs and Sandwell councillors joined the Arts Council England in demanding assurances over the venue’s prospects.