Among many activities, excursions and health checks, the Totnes and South Hams link with the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline added reflexology to the list this year.

During the annual visit from children who have been affected by the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, CLL and South Devon Reflexology worked together to provide the children with respite from the relentless exposure to radioactivity.

With the opportunity to offer weekly treatments during their stay, it is hoped that the children’s immune systems will gain a much needed boost providing a stronger defence against infection and disease.

While treating clients with weak immune systems, Kirsten Alexander of South Devon Reflexology realised that the therapy may also be beneficial for the children from Belarus who often have ‘severely compromised immune systems’.

The boys and girls, aged eight and nine, “really enjoyed their sessions, and despite the language barrier were able to show their appreciation.”

Kirsten said: “Grateful thanks to reflexologists Penny MacFarlane, Liz Raeburn, Melissa Wolfs, Moira Laidlaw and Lucy Evans for making this project possible.”

Sue Wyeth, the Totnes and South Hams chairperson for CCLL said that the children’s visit in July was “great fun, especially with the fantastic weather we had this summer.”

The children enjoyed a month of activities such as learning to surf at Bantham and learning to swim at Bickleigh Farm, crafting, RIB riding in Salcombe, horseback riding at Erme Valley Riding, and much more.

However, it wasn’t all fun and games as the children had to tend to their health while they were visiting, too.

Sue thanked Pure Dental Care in Totnes for inspecting the children’s teeth for free - none of the kids needed an extraction this year “which was unusual, but good!” Five of the kids needed attention to their eyes, and the charity was able to send back a wheelchair and some crutches with the kids when they went home.

Sue said: “The month went by quickly, we all really enjoyed ourselves, and the kids went home happy and healthy.

“I’m so grateful to the Rotary Club for all of their support, the host families who were all great, and each and every business that reached out to offer help to the children as well.

“We’re already gearing up for next year because, of course, the radiation is an ongoing thing, and receiving the sincere thanks from the parents makes everything worthwhile.”

Every summer, a small number of children come and stay with local host families for four weeks.

The month-long visit to the UK provides them with this respite from the otherwise relentless exposure to radioactivity; something which is part of everyday life for those living in areas of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia still being affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear accident 32 years ago.

To support Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, contact Sue Wyeth on 01548 561783, or visit www.ccll.org.uk/totnes.