ENNISKILLEN Castle was illuminated purple last Monday, April 26, to mark 35 years from the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council joined with other bodies worldwide as the United Nations marked international Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day in 2016, on the then 30th anniversary of the 1986 nuclear disaster.

As part of last week’s day of commemoration locally, the Strule Arts Centre was also illuminated purple.

Every summer for the past 26 years the Fermanagh and Omagh branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Appeal has funded groups of children whose health is directly affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to stay with local families.

Jane Weir, Chernobyl Children Appeal Fermanagh and Omagh branch Chair, said: “Even though the world’s worst nuclear disaster occurred 35 years ago, these children who weren’t even alive when it happened still suffer life-limiting health issues because of it.

“The children not only suffer from poor health, but come from extremely deprived backgrounds.

“These annual respite visits have immense, proven health benefits for the children. The children that are aged between seven and 14 each stay with a family in the Omagh and Fermanagh area for up to three weeks.”

However, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the children from Chernobyl are unable to travel to Fermanagh this summer, with their visit last year also cancelled due to the pandemic.

Addressing this issue, Jane said: “Regrettably, this is due to the Covid-19 restrictions that are in place in both Belarus and the UK.

“We are so bitterly disappointed for the children that were due to visit, but these are extraordinary times and we cannot risk the children’s already fragile health.

“We hope and pray that they will be able to visit in 2022.”

The visits to Fermanagh are important in order to help better both the children’s quality and length of life, Jane said.

“There are some things that we take for granted in Omagh and Fermanagh that the children benefit most from during their visit – uncontaminated food, air and water.

“Not only is it [the trip to Fermanagh] a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience for the children, it also benefits their health immensely by reducing radiation levels and extending their lives.

“It is also an enjoyable but very humbling experience for the host families.”

The charity fundraises for the visit every year and are generously supported by various organisations, including the Council and local businesses who provide educational outings, health care, eye care, and clothes for the children.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the charity, contact Jane at 07519 665 089, or see the CCA Omagh and Fermanagh page on Facebook.