Page 13 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • July 2009 13
Swindon help welcomed in Belarus
Dentist Brendan Ball was uncertain how his offer of assistance would be received when he visited Belarus at the end of May, but he was met
with smiles and flowers from patients and an open invitation to return from dental professionals.
Athis Freshbrookclinic, Brendon see him. The trip coincided with the "1 was quite over-
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hasrovided free check-ups and end ofterms eechda and,because whelmedb the warmth AND NORTHERNIRELANU
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treatment for dozens of youngsters Gin had l lost her voice,h , he called d of the reception." " 4 p/ I,
ounp sters
from Belarus during their respite to address the school with fraternal Over thesummerfam- 1,_
visits to Swindon organised by greetings from Swindon, before be- ilies in the Swindon are, 1 .
Chernobyl Children's Lifeline ing presented with a large bouquet will be hosting nearly Ali r . , :
(CCLL). of flowers. children from Ozarichi
Having first travelled to Ukraine "The support Swindon families who will receive dent dl e t F
in 1999, and made several tripssince have given children from Ozarichi and medical checkup
with dental equipment and sup- is greatly appreciated there; Gin is and enjoy a wide range
plies, as well as providing training, worshipped. Adults and children of group and family
Brendon wanted to see where his have huge respect for what she activities.
charity Smile Menders could help is doing to coordinate trips to www.swindon.ccll.org.uk
in Belarus. Swindon. RiSlit, friends to the east
With introductions made by
Gin McGiffin, chair of CCLL in
Swindon, Brendon was able to meet
dentists in Swindon's unofficial • • •
twin town of Ozarichi.

Gin, Brendon, Tanta Ronlanska
n'ith Lenin's statue in Ozaraclii
"The clinics were much better
than I anticipated," said Brendon.
"The main equipment was in place
but disposable items were in short
supply. And as in the Ukraine the
emphasis is still on treatment rather
than prevention."
Talks with officials went ex-
tremely well and Brendon's offer
to take a mobile clinic to the area
was gratefully accepted. "They
were super; there was none of the
antagonism or suspicion that I've
come across in the past."
Youngsters who had been treated (dl 1111011
by Brendon were also delighted to MAKING TOMORROW A BETTER PLACE