Fophotography

{1st July 2010}

So what does FOCC do? Here’s an explanation from the Co-ordinator of FOCC Mid Sussex, Sheila Nash:

FOCC Mid-Sussex is a branch of the national charity, Friends of Chernobyl’s Children founded in Lancashire by Olwyn Keogh in 1995. We welcomed our first children to Sussex on 2001. We aim to support children from the Mogilev area of Belarus, much of which had been devastated by radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster on 26th April 1986.

We bring disadvantaged children between the ages of 7 to 12 years for a month’s recuperative care every summer for 5 consecutive years. We hope that the fresh air, good food and fun and loving care that they receive here will substantially support their immune systems and help them to enjoy healthier, longer and fuller lives, with the hope for a better future.

As for the day at Ferring and Findon, all the children and adults alike had a wonderful time. I think it encapsulated just what I aim for when planning the programme of activities – plenty of fresh air, just the kind of things kids should be enjoying, the beach and games together and Jo made everyone so welcome at her home and fed us all so well and the whole day didn’t cost a penny with Jo’s wonderful hospitality and my volunteer drivers providing the transport. Once again, huge thanks to all involved.

Here’s Jo’s point of view:

I first found out about FOCC from a friend in Edinburgh. She had a friend who had been a host to a number of children and I was intrigued. I looked up the FOCC website to see what the charity did and just thought what a fantastic idea it is. I met with Sheila, who runs the local branch and was really inspired by the work the charity carries out. However, geographically I was too far away for me to act as a host, but I still wanted to get involved. So Sheila and I settled on organising a day where the children could go to the beach in the morning and then come to my house for lunch, and then a treasure hunt and a game of rounders in the afternoon. I roped my neighbour Anne into helping with the sandwiches, I couldn’t have done it without her!

The children were a little shy at first, but soon found their feet posing for photos and playing on the hammock. I’d asked Funmi & Adrian to come along and take some photographs as I’ve seen their work before and wanted someone to catch the children having fun, without being too posed – although I do think we have some potential models in the group!!!

I’m extremely pleased with the photos. Funmi and her husband, Adrian just melted into the background and took some great ‘action’ photos, especially during the rounders session. They really captured on film what turned out to be a wonderful day and will be a lovely memory for all concerned.

We were thrilled when Jo asked us to cover a charity event that she was hosting for the Mid-Sussex branch of FOCC. The children, their interpreters, volunteers and coordinator started their day at Ferring Beach in Worthing before coming to join Jo, Adrian & I at Jo’s gorgeous house in Findon in  Worthing. Jo and Anne had laid out picnic areas in her garden. After lunch, everyone headed to the nearby Green to take part in the treasure hunt, which was promptly followed by a very exciting game of Rounders. All the kids presented Jo with a gift to show their appreciation after Jo gave each one their goody bags. Some of the images from the day are shown in the slide show. Enjoy!