Can you remember the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in April 1986? The people of Belarus can, and are suffering more than ever from the legacy of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.
Richard Street MBE was a guest at our Club meeting on 27th October 2021 and he gave a gripping and emotional talk about the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster which took place 35 years ago on the population of neighbouring Belarus.
The Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity supports the children who are living with long-term issues directly related to the explosion. The prevailing wind at the time of the disaster drove 75% of the radioactive fallout south to Belarus, situated only 12 miles from the site. 90% of the country was affected.
Scientists estimate that it will take 400 years for contamination in Belarus to reduce to acceptable levels, and 1000’s of years for it to disappear completely.
In the meantime, 2 million live in contaminated areas, with no access to “clean” food. People still cultivate their land, herd cattle and eat the contaminated produce of their labours.
The picture (left) shows Link members meeting Col. Andrei Mizko in March 2020. He is one of the last surviving helicopter pilots from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster
The Group welcomes children to the UK on much neeeded convalesence breaks from the terrible contamination that affects their lives.In 23 years they have offered help to over 500 of these unfortunate children.
Chenobyl Children at Chesterfield FC 
Chenobyl Children at Bolsover Castle
During the COVID Pandemic the charity was able to supply much needed PPE and other goods.
The charity’s work and objectives can be seen in detail on their website at https://www.ccll.org.uk, and Richard Street can be contacted through the local website at https://www.ccll.org.uk/pinxton-eastderbys