some photo's

Here are some photos from my Ukrainian journeys.

Cycle trip. 1992.

I decided to cycle from Cumbernauld,Scotland to Euro Disney in France. I set off in August 1992 when I got to Manchester my bicycle was stolen from outside a shop. I lost all my clothes, maps
and other items which were in my saddlebags. Fortunately a stranger saw my jacket which on the
back had " cycling cumbernauld to eurodisney to help children " when he discovered my plight he immediately offered me a loan of his bike to complete my trip. He was a fireman and paid for me to
have a meal and accommodation a really great guy. Later on in Staffordshire a car ran into me, but
after an ambulance took me to hospital for a check up I was on my way again. After more incidents I arrived at Euro Disney near Marni de Valley in France, however my request to take a couple of photo's inside was turned down by Euro Disney staff. I was disappointed with their decision but I could do nothing so I set off for Scotland. In Manchester I handed back the bike,and got a bus back to Cumbernauld.

When it all started.

On 26th. April 1986 there was an explosion and fire at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station in Ukraine. At this point in history Ukraine was part of the U.S.S.R. The Radioactive Legacy has been inherited by future generations.
I along with millions of people all over the world watched the dramatic pictures from the Chernobyl region. I tried to imagine what it must have been like for the families involved in the evacuations ( when they eventually started ) a political smokescreen was taking place. The brave firemen, soldiers, power station workers were all heroes, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice. The memory of this event and its aftermath still effects thousands of children and should not be forgotten by the world.
In April 1987 I held my first Chernobyl Vigil in George Square,Glasgow, Scotland to remind people about the world's biggest nuclear power station disaster. I have held a vigil every year since in the same place. As time past I wondered how I could help Chernobyl victims, what could I do except hold my annual vigil.
I thought what could I do to raise money to help, if I raised any money, how could it be used. I could not speak the language and I knew nobody in Ukraine or Russia. Anyway first things first, a money raising idea was needed. My hobby was cycling, how about a sponsored cycle run. The planning began.

Ukraine, Mallin pictures

This is a photo from Mallin hospital.
Sharing some traditional Ukrainian dishes with
some Doctors and nurses.



This is Bohdan Sobolevski the baby
abandoned in Malin hospital. His Mother now has him back at the village.His future is uncertain.

STV Showing my last visit to help children in Malin Hospital, Ukraine.

At the end of October 2008 STV. Presenter/Reporter Debi Edward with cameraman Danny Livingston accompanied me on my eleventh visit to Ukraine.

The Doctors at Malin hospital childrens Dept. were happy to see me returning with some medical supplies and money to help the children's Department.

Dr.Victoria Baclanova who is in charge of the children's health went with me to buy new beds, medicines from the local pharmacy ( in Ukraine if parents cannot buy medicines,bandages or similar items then their children cannot get better)

Watch the first report here

Watch the second report here