CHILDREN from the town destroyed in the world's worst nuclear accident are hoping to spend a magical Christmas in Lancaster this year - with a helping hand from kind-hearted Citizen readers. Members of the Lancaster Chernobyl Children's Project (CCP) have started on a massive fund-raising drive to bring 14 Ukrainian youngsters to the city for recuperation. Organiser Pat Fuller explained they needed to raise at least £4,600 for the air fares alone, as well as cash to reclothe the Ukrainian youngsters, aged between eight and ten.

"When they arrive here they usually possess one change of underwear and little else except the clothes they are wearing. We try to provide good quality new and nearly new clothing for their harsh winter climate. But to do this we depend on the generosity of our supporters."

In August project workers looked after 20 pupils from one of the poorest schools in Belarus and next May they have invited 20 mothers and children with cancer to stay in the city. During the holiday youngsters recuperate receiving dental and eye treatment to build up their strength and immune system.

"It is believed that the children receive up to two years benefit from their stay in Britain," added Pat who explained that they needed lots of donations to make all this possible.

"Obviously it is a costly business to get them here and for that reason we have to organise fund-raising events, sponsorship and raffles," she added.

The CCP would be grateful for raffle prizes, donations, bring and buy items, good quality clothing (6-8 years) and people to support their dances and quizzes. If you can help, ring local co-ordinator David Lowe on 832526.

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