Monday, 06 February 2012 13:17

On Monday, 13th February, the 2011 Dublin Rose of Tralee Escort, Darragh McGrath from Malahide will travel to Belarus to volunteer in the Adi Roche aided Vesnova Children’s Mental Asylum. Darragh will be accompanied by Tara Talbot, the 2011 Rose of Tralee and 12 other Roses and Escorts from last year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. The Chernobyl Children International (CCI), brings aid and medical assistance to hundreds of children in Belarus that were affected by the Nuclear Tragedy in Chernobyl 25 years ago. Darragh told the County Leader: “I’m really looking forward to the trip. Through the Rose of Tralee festival, I’ve made great friends and it’s not everyday a group of friends get the opportunity to go to Chernobyl together. I’m looking forward to giving these kids some friendship and help them enjoy the precious one to one human contact that they are so deprived of.” Adi Roche, CEO, CCI will accompany the Roses and Escorts on the trip, “The group of Roses and Escorts travelling to Chernobyl are an inspirational group of young people. Through their generosity, many children will benefit. Chernobyl has not gone away and its enduring legacy is that almost 2 million children and adults continue to live in a contaminated and forgotten land. Please remember them by supporting the Roses and Escorts at their events.’’ The Roses and Escorts will make the long journey out on Monday, 13th February and will return five days later. While there, they will attend the official opening of a new home built by Irish Volunteers for older girls. The group have been busy fundraising for the trip with many events held in each of the participating countries. They hope to raise over €20,000 which will go directly to assist the children.