A Legacy of Compassion: The Quarmby Family’s Journey with Chernobyl Children
Forty years ago, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster left a lasting impact on Europe, particularly on Ukraine and neighboring regions. In the aftermath, many families in the UK stepped up to provide respite for children from the affected areas, offering them a chance to experience life away from the shadow of radiation.
Jill Quarmby, who has been involved in this effort for over eight years, recalls how the idea began. Her family arranged trips for about 60 children from Mogilev in Belarus, an area heavily affected by radioactive contamination. “It was just heartbreaking to hear what these children were going through,” she says. “How could you not be part of it? How could you not want to help children?”
The Quarmbys brought the children to Ruston Parva, a small village nestled at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds between Driffield and Bridlington. This community became a temporary home for many children seeking relief from their difficult circumstances.
A School Assembly That Changed Everything
Beth Knoth, now 41, remembers a school assembly that took place in 1999 when she was 14. The discussion focused on the plight of children affected by the Chernobyl disaster. “The example used were the children of Chernobyl,” she explains. “Hearing that children could possibly only live until the age of 21 was really quite distressing.”
This moment inspired Beth to take action. She approached her parents, and together they decided to get involved with the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children charity. The family set up an East Yorkshire branch of the charity and worked tirelessly to raise funds for the trips.
First Impressions and New Beginnings
When the first group of 16 children arrived in East Yorkshire, Jill recalls their initial appearance. “They all looked very pale. They looked grey, they had dark circles under their eyes.” Many of the children were not used to eating nourishing food, and some even hesitated to eat the apples given to them.
Among the children was seven-year-old Olga Staravoitova, who now lives in Lebanon with three sons. Over a video call, she shared her memories of the trip. “Belarus is a nice country. We went to school as normal kids. OK, it was a hard time. But I had luck to visit England, be with an amazing family.”
A World of New Experiences
Olga described her first impression of England as a “wonderland.” She was excited to see new buildings, meet different people, and learn a new language. She recalls trying new foods, visiting the school, doctor, and dentist, and feeling a sense of joy that she still remembers.
During the visits, Jill arranged packed schedules for the children, including trips to the beach and theme parks, health checks, and new clothes to take back to Belarus. However, the main goal was simply to give them fresh air to breathe and clean food to eat.
Lasting Memories and Generosity
The generosity of local people played a crucial role in making these trips possible. “You can’t begin to name how many people were so kind, very thoughtful,” Jill says. Olga stayed with the Quarmbys for five summers before being joined by her sister, Ekaterina, also known as Katya.
Now 28, Katya lives in Belarus and keeps a photo of the Quarmby family as a cherished possession. Although neither sister was born during the disaster in 1986, she believes it affected their lives. “It’s not just the health issues,” she says. “It’s also had maybe financial consequences.”
A Magical Experience
Katya recalls her time in England as filled with joy. She remembers visiting a fire station, seeing a giraffe at a zoo, and enjoying Cadbury chocolate. One of her most vivid memories was when Rob, a dentist, fixed a chip in one of her front teeth during her last trip to East Yorkshire when she was 10.
The trips were usually arranged for a month over the summer, but Katya and Olga also participated in two group visits over Christmas. “Everything seemed to me really magic,” Katya recalls.
A Lasting Impact
The charity funded the final trip at Christmas in 2007. Jill says raising money became more difficult each year, but they continued to support the children until they were 18. When asked about what difference they think they made, Jill and Beth are very humble.
Beth says: “Obviously there were lots of health benefits for them, coming to be with us for that month each year. [Then] the language. They really picked up on English to the level that was incredibly inspiring. The relationships that were formed with the family, knowing that there’s people out there who care…”
Conclusion
The Quarmby family’s efforts have left a lasting legacy. Their compassion and dedication have provided countless children with a chance to experience a better life, and their story serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and generosity.
