WESTBURY-based children’s charity, Belarusian Ray of Hope, has launched an appeal to try and change the lives of two six-year-old twins.
The charity, which raises money to assist children and young adults in areas of Belarus that were affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, needs to raise £6,000 for two purpose-built walking frames.
The twins, Christina and Polina, both have cerebral palsy and are currently unable to walk unassisted. They require constant care provided by their mother Oxana.
Belarus received over 70 percent of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear explosion in April 1986, and thousands of children have been born with disabilities or go on to develop diseases such as leukaemia.
With the walking frames it is hoped the twins will be able to learn to walk and achieve a greater level of independence.
Chairman Henry Leigh said, “Belarusian Ray of Hope was first introduced to Oxana and her family two years ago when their circumstances were that they lived with Oxana’s parents and grandmother. Oxana had given up working to help to look after the twins. Their flat was in a multi-story block, very small, and it was difficult for the family to go out.”
The charity established that Maclaren disabled buggies would be a great help to the family and, with another charity based in Wales, sent two out to them.
Henry added, “We had a video made of the twins and sent it to the David Hart Clinic in Keithley who confirmed the girls would be suitable to have one of their walking frames purpose made for each girl.
“This involves the family and an interpreter travelling to the UK and staying in Keithley for a week on each occasion and the cost of this is £6,000. Sponsors are being sought to fund this. The walking frames would make an incredible difference to their lives.”
Belarusian Ray of Hope has experience of David Hart walking frames already, as several years ago they purchased one for Valentina, another girl who had cerebral palsy. Valentina is now able to walk and is in full- time education, whereas previously she was only receiving two hours a week home tuition.
David said, “Valentina now says she can walk, having made that her wish when Anne and I first met her when she was five years-years-old. We had taken her a Maclaren disabled buggy.”
Recently Oxana’s family were given a new flat more suited to the children’s needs and Belarusian Ray of Hope is also looking for sponsors to help furnish the flat.
To find out more about Chernobyl Child and how you can help sponsor Christina and Polina call Henry on 01373 822 603 or visit www.chernobylchild.org.uk.
