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Oxhill plays host to children from ChernobylTen children from the devastated area around Chernobyl in Belarus visited Redwings' Oxhill Rescue Centre in July as part of a month-long trip to the UK.The children are brought over from Belarus for a month every year by the charity Chernobyl's Children Oxfordshire & South Warwickshire, who believe that a month spent in the UK will add around a year to each child’s life, as it can profoundly boost their immune system. The trip also gives them a break from what can be a very difficult existence. As part of their trip this time, they spent the afternoon at Redwings’ Oxhill Rescue Centre, meeting the horses and ponies and learning more about them.
The area around Chernobyl never recovered after a devastating explosion ripped through its nuclear power plant 20 years ago. The surrounding area is still contaminated. There is severe poverty and terrible smog as well as many related illnesses, birth defects and disease. While in the UK the children are given a full health check including a trip to the opticians, doctors and dentists. When they go home, they are given a suitcase of clothes and goodies. “Redwings was very honoured that the children chose to come and visit our equines,” said Redwings’ Press Officer Nicola Markwell. “They were all at first a little timid around our bigger horses, but despite the language barrier they quickly opened up and there were soon smiles and horsey cuddles all round!” Redwings' Visitor Centre at Oxhill has more than 50 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys for visitors to meet, but the youngsters from Chernobyl only had eyes for one. “Will Scarlett, our ex-Police horse, was loved immediately,” explained Nicola. “He is a gentle giant and he came straight over to the fence to give all the children cuddles, then had a long roll in the mud - much to their delight!” “The children love to meet animals and spend time with them,” concluded Christine Barnett from Chernobyl’s Children. “It seems to act as therapy for them. During their stay in Warwickshire they also spent time at an animation studios creating their own cartoons, and they have also been horse riding at a local stables, an activity they loved.”
Whilst at Redwings the children were offered a ‘pony of their own’. The children were asked if they would like to adopt one of the horses and ponies and there was a unanimous decision: the super handsome Will Scarlett! If he could talk, no doubt he would say that he would love the children to come back soon and see him again. Information on how to visit Redwings or adopt a rescued horse, pony, donkey or mule can be on the Adoptions or Visit Us pages of this site, or by telephoning 0870 040 0033. If you'd like to know more about the charity Chernobyl's Children Oxfordshire & South Warwickshire, or would like to donate money towards helping to bring a child over to England, please contact Christine Barnett on 01327 361735.
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