A MYSTERY benefactor has donated boxes of sports clothing to children whose health was devastated by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The 12 youngsters, from Belarus, who are about to spend a month with families in Salford, all have damaged immune systems. Belarus is one of the regions worst affected by the radioactive fallout from the 1986 power plant explosion.

This is the third year the group has visited the same families and the M.E.N. is again supporting the fundraising efforts of the Salford branch of the Friends of Chernobyl children's charity.

The visits include recreational and medical activities and dental and eye checks. Combined with a month away from the radiation, they have a dramatic effect on their health and life expectancy.

John Ogden, minister at Mount Chapel on Eccles Old Road, said: "The children will be overwhelmed by this generosity. They don't have many clothes and we always send them back with a suitcase full of warm clothes for themselves and their brothers and sisters, plus a year's supply of vitamins.

"The boxes include T-shirts, tracksuits, trainers, bags and other clothes, it's fantastic.

"The children are all nine years old this year. They visit each year from the ages of seven to 11. The first year it was difficult to get a smile out of them, but they're very happy now when they are here.

"It costs about £9,500 to bring them here, so donations are always welcome."

Anyone who would like to donate should send an email to john@ogdenws.co.uk Tweet