YOU Clarins award: 'It takes drive to change this many lives.'

Pauline has been featured in the Daily Mail You Magazine as last year's runner-up, in the Clarins and YOU search for the Most Dynamisante Woman of the Year. Read the full article here.

Daily Mail You Magazine 16.01.2010

"DEATHS & CANCER FROM ACCIDENT STILL IN DISPUTE"
Doctors at the children's cancer hospital in Minsk, Belarus & Vilne Hospital,
east of Ukraine, are in no doubt that they are seeing unusually high rates of cancer, mutations, blood diseases, genetic diseases, internal organ deformities & thyroid cancer, up to hundreds of miles away from the Chernobyl nuclear power station accident which happened in 1986.  Infant deaths have increased 20-30%. 
But proving that these effects are caused by the world's greatest release of radioactivity is impossible as there have been no comprehensive, co-ordinated studies of the health consequences of the nuclear accident.  Belarus National Academy of Sciences estimates there have been 93,000 deaths so far & 270,000 cancers.  The Ukrainian National Commission for Radiation Protection have calculated 500,000 deaths so far.  But the International Atomic Energy Agency claim only 56 people have died so far & that 4,000 eventual deaths may be too high an estimate.

Guardian 11.01.2010

Alan and Pauline are pleased to announce the launch of the new website for Felsted Aid to coincide with the launch of the new name UK-AID.

The website was designed by Lisa Smith, local consultant for Activ Web Design. "It was a pleasure to meet Alan and Pauline and I am very pleased and excited to be working with them", said Lisa. 

Visiting Ukraine last year was a real eye-opener. I met children and families living with horrendous diseases, deformities and in poverty. These families were kind enough to open their homes to us and allow us to see the struggle that they face everyday, 24-7. Caring for a sick child is a full time job, without days off, any help from the government or respite care. This is why the centre is so crucial; it is a lifeline for these families.

This year was no exception, full of emotion and tears. We were introduced to some new families, who too rely upon the centre for support. One of those families have a daughter, Julia, who is fifteen years old, oblivious to her surroundings and permanently in a cot. To witness this was heartbreaking and something I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

I was so pleased to visit Igor (19 year old with the mentality of a young baby) again. I often think about Igor after first meeting him last August. All of his time is spent on a bed; his only access to the world outside is a window.   I often worry and threat about him because his mother has terminal cancer, his father is dead and I know the time will come when he is placed in an institution. Until then, Igor and his mother are receiving help from the centre, making their lives that little bit easier.    
I know first-hand what good the centre does for these families; it is vital. The aid that comes from the UK is greatly received and much needed, long may that continue.

Jenny