Hospice week at Cafe

Local Polish folk-singing group Amershamki serenaded customers at Amersham’s Cafe Africa last Saturday, as part of a fund-raising programme for young victims of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Although it is 23 years since the accident happened, many young victims who were irradiated but managed to grow into adulthood, have passed on serious health problems to their offspring. Some children are severely disabled while others are terminally ill and the country which seems to have inherited the worst of the problem, Belarus, has welcomed much-needed voluntary international help to cope with it. The British-based Friends of Belarusian Children’s Hospice have been involved in raising funds and helping in other ways since 1999. There are now eight establishments run by Belorus Children’s Hospice throughout the country providing palliative care for the children and support for their families.
Café Africa in Chesham Road, is a ‘not for profit’ establishment which specialises in serving either local, ethically sourced or fairtrade products and supports all local charities. November has been dedicated to Friends of Belarusian Children’s Hospice which will be the recipient of this month’s profits.
Another fund-raising event on behalf of Friends of Belorusian Children’s Hospice takes place on Thursday 12 November when the renowned TV journalist Kate Adie presents a talk about her work. This includes covering some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts in the last thirty years. Entitled ‘Into Danger, Risking Your Life For Work’, the talk will be held in St Michael’s Church, Sycamore Road, Amersham starting at 7.30pm. Tickets at £15 from Waterstone’s, Sycamore Road or by phoning 01494 727409/726483/722899 or ann@friends-bch.org.uk