Chernobyl child returns to Donemana

Little Dasha Atalki comes from a village still polluted with high levels of radiation in Belarus, site of one of the world’s worst ever nuclear meltdowns.

Dasha is 10 years old and this is her third year to spend a month at Maurice and Margaret Britton’s home at Berryhill Close in Donemana.

“Every year Dasha is healthier, has a better appetite and is speaking more English. She keeps in touch by phone from one year’s visit to the next year’s visit,” said Gwen Smith, public relations officer with Donemna Presbyterian Church.

Meanwhile, Maurice and Margaret Britton have thanked friends, relatives and fellow members of the church for all their donations and who helped with the Bowling Club’s Fun Day in March. The money raised went to The Chernobyl Children’s Fund, which brings these children to Ireland.

The couple have also thanked their friends, neighbours and everyone else who entertained Dasha and took her to various events and venues during her latest visit to Donemana.