A police constable based at Newton Abbot police station will give up crime-fighting for two weeks to spend time as a volunteer in Belarus caring for orphans with special needs. All the children live in an area that has been affected by the Chernobyl disaster 20 years ago. PC Davina Joiner, along with 24 other volunteers, will take the 120 Belarussian children away from the orphanage for a much-needed holiday in an uncontaminated part of the Belarussian countryside. 'These special holidays have been set up by The Chernobyl Children's Project UK,' said PC Joiner. 'PC John Fisher, who is in my section, is behind the charity Chernobyl Aid Devon. He asked me to help out in some way. It's now 20 years since the disaster, and I felt I had to do something. I'll be leaving on August 9. 'I am really looking forward to going out there and looking after and loving these children, as it is the only time of the year they actually get to leave the orphanage. I am also preparing myself emotionally. 'Many have Downs Syndrome, autism or cerebral palsy.' PC Joiner, who has worked with children with learning difficulties in the past, never has a package holiday. Instead, each year she likes to help a charity. 'Every year I do something to help a good cause as I think it is easy to take life for granted. By doing something to help, it makes you realise how lucky you are, and I feel like I am giving something back.' She has to raise at least £250 for her trip to cover air fares. It would also help if she could raise a further £100 to pay for food and accommodation while she is in Belarus. 'I'd really like to raise £1,000,' she said. 'The extra money would go to paying for the children to go on holiday. It only costs £100 for each child to go to the camp.' At present she is learning basic Russian so she can communicate with the children on her trip. 'I have been sent a tape which has basic Russian phrases recorded on it, and I will be doing what I can so I can speak with the children,' she said. If you would like to make a donation to PC Joiner's trip, contact Newton Abbot Police Station.
