In the summer of 1999, Anton Honchanka, then 11 years old, embarked on a journey from his hometown in Belarus, seeking respite from the lingering effects of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

His arrival in the United Kingdom coincided with a period of significant national events, including a total solar eclipse, a major political reshuffling by Prime Minister Tony Blair, and a music scene topped by popular singles. Anton was among the many children evacuated from Belarus as part of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline (CCPL) program. This initiative provided medical aid and humanitarian support to over 56,000 children from areas affected by the nuclear catastrophe in neighboring Ukraine, where a reactor explosion had released radioactive material across Europe.

Thirteen years after the disaster, with radiation concerns still present, Anton viewed his departure for the UK as a "new adventure," although he acknowledged it was a difficult decision for his mother to make. The CCPL program played a vital role for parents in Eastern Europe concerned about their children's health. Anton's experience highlights the long-term impact of the Chernobyl disaster and the international efforts undertaken to support affected children.

A woman stands at the front of an old classroom with a chalkboard behind her. Children, including Anton, sit at tables watching her.

Dimtry on the left wearing an old Liverpool football top. Two boys in pyjamas sit on the right of him. There is a table on the right with cereal boxes.

A man and a woman close up shot of them smiling with some trees behind them.

Anton sits on a boat with the Amoss family. They are all wearing life jackets and there are people stood behind them with the masts sticking in the air from other boats.

Anton central in a blue t shirt. He is flanked by three boys, a girl and a woman. They are stood on a rock with the sea and coast behind them.

Victoria is standing by a stone wall on a Greek street, with blonde hair and wearing a white vest top.

Anton in a white t shirt stood with two boys. One is on his shoulders holding onto his head. The other is standing by his side with a blue t shirt on.

A park with yellow grass and surrounded by green trees. There is a path for pedestrians and cyclists winding around the grass.

Anton wearing a blue t shirt on the left. There are several other people smiling at the camera as they sit down at a dinner table. There are green and yellow napkins on plates.

A flooded house with dirty water visible on the downstairs hallway.

A park with yellow grass and surrounded by green trees. There is a path for pedestrians and cyclists winding around the grass.