YEAR 9 students at St Ives School were given the opportunity to meet with a real hero on April 22 when the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline charity brought Petr Makarenko to the school.
Mr Makarenko talked to students about the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 and its ongoing effects, something students have been studying in their humanities lessons.
At the time of the disaster Petr Makarenko lived in Pripiat and worked as a fireman at the plant. He was called in the morning after the disaster and worked as a liquidator cleaning up the contamination in the aftermath of the disaster.
After five days he was sent to hospital with radiation sickness where he was given a month to live. Thankfully he made it through.
He spoke, through a translator, to students about his experience. He thanked all of those who support the charity which brings children over to Britain so they can recuperate from the radiation poisoning that they still suffer today 27 years after the explosion.
Both Petr and his translator were impressed by the extent of students' knowledge.
They also praised Year 9 students for not only their beautiful behaviour but also their intelligent questions.
