THE local branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline held a wellness event at the Truffle Salon on Camden Road on July 14.
The hair and beauty salon opened its doors on a Sunday to raise money for young victims of cancer and blood disorders in Eastern Europe.
The country Belarus received more than 70 per cent of the radioactive fallout from the explosion at the nuclear reactor in what was then the Soviet Union in 1986.
More than 50,000 children are affected and suffer an increased incidence of thyroid cancer, bone cancer and leukaemia.
The charity’s West Kent organiser, Anastasiya Day, is also seeking host families who will welcome the childen into their homes for a
four-week period over the summer.
They benefit from these stays because their immune system has a chance to recover and alleviate their symptoms. The breaks also support parents or carers, who are often siblings.
The charity, which was set up in 1992, also seeks to improve conditions for children in the cancer hospital by providing equipment and daily essentials, as well as medicine and clothing in the community.
At the event, beauty therapist Amy Deakin was offering manicures, Anastasiya gave holistic Ayurvedic massages, and Hollie O’Callaghan from Hollie’s Little Cakery made cupcakes.
Sarah Gorman, Creative Director of the Camden Road fitness and wellbeing centre SPN (Soul Power Nutrition), supported the fundraiser and offered to take children in remission next year.
“We have raised money to bring one child next summer, and we have four host families willing to take children in remission, which is lovely,” said Anastasiya.
“I’m still looking for people to fundraise for us, and sponsors, too, who would be willing to fundraise for us throughout the year.”
The branch has now set up a website where you can find out how you can help by volunteering or acting as a host, at ccllwestkent.co.uk
