Belarusian Youngsters enjoy adventure activities at Tittesworth Water with Peak Pursuits

After a morning of scrambling and scaling the heights of The Roaches, children from Belarus affected by the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster cooled off with an afternoon of paddlesports at Tittesworth Water courtesy of Peak Pursuits.

Under the guidance of Peak Pursuits’ instructors Tim Price and Helen Flynn fifteen children from across Belarus, accompanied by their interpreters, doctor and host families enjoyed a day of adventure in the fresh air of the Peak District.

It is 24 years since the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine but the effects of the radiation are still being felt across the region. Neighbouring Belarus was one of the worst affected countries and many children and young people have a variety of health problems which include cancer, diabetes, digestive problems and birth defects.

The Chernobyl Children’s project is a charity which brings children and teenagers to the UK for respite breaks to help boost immune systems. Eating uncontaminated food, breathing clean air and having lots of fun have proven health benefits for several years after they return home.

The Buxton and Longnor area of the Charity specialise in hosting children with diabetes. The group are staying in the Peak District for one month and Peak Pursuits were delighted to welcome them to their Tittesworth Water centre.

For further details of the charity and the great work it does please visit www.chernobyl-children.org.uk .

“Language was no barrier to fun today and everyone enjoyed themselves in kayaks and canoes at Tittesworth Water. Even the sun came out!” says Peak Pursuits instructor Helen Flynn.

The photograph shows a group of Belarusian children being launched onto Tittesworth Water under the guidance of Peak Pursuits’ Helen Flynn.