Chernobyl disaster evacuee 'forever grateful' to Welsh family who took him in
Summary
Anton Honchanka was one of many children evacuated from Belarus after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. In 1999, at age 11, he came to Wales as part of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline program, where he lived with host families who supported him during his stay.Key Facts
- The Chernobyl disaster happened in 1986 in Ukraine, releasing radioactive material across Europe.
- Children like Anton from Belarus were evacuated to improve their health due to radiation exposure.
- The Chernobyl Children's Lifeline program brought over 56,000 children to the UK for medical and humanitarian aid.
- Anton arrived in Wales in 1999, living first with one host family and then with Peter and Linda Amoss in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
- Despite language differences, Anton and his hosts formed close bonds through shared activities like playing and shopping.
- Anton returned to Belarus after a month but remained grateful and remembers Wales and its people fondly.
- His story reflects ongoing challenges in Belarus during a time of political control and economic difficulties.
- 2026 marked 40 years since the Chernobyl disaster, a reminder of its lasting effects across Europe.
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