A group of children from Chernobyl visiting Wirral for a month’s respite will take part in a new fun run as part of their trip.

The group of 21 children, who are aged between eight and 13-years-old, are staying with host families across Wirral as part of a special visit organised by the Chernobyl Children’s Life Line charity.

The children’s fun run is on Sunday, 28 June, and covers a choice of three distances – 1K, 2K and 3K. The new event, organised by race organisers BTR, will take place on The Dips on Coastal Drive at the seaside resort.

After being contacted by the charity, BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell approached Bubbles World of Play at New Brighton’s Marine Point and invited them to get involved. Without hesitation, the Bubbles team agreed to sponsor the group of children to take part in the 1K fun run, followed by lunch and a play experience at the children’s adventure centre.

The trip has been organised by the Wirral branch of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line. The children have travelled from Belarus, which received 70% of the radioactive fall-out from the explosion in 1986.

Each year, the charity needs to raise £15,000 to fund the visit, which covers flights, visas, transport and activities. Most of the monies are raised through the charity’s shop on King Street in Wallasey. During the visit the children will also receive dental treatment and visit the opticians.

Peter Collard, Manager of Bubbles World of Play commented:

“When BTR approached us about the group of children visiting from Chernobyl, we were only too delighted to help. We’ll be cheering on the youngsters as they enjoy their run, then we’re looking forward to welcoming the group for an afternoon of fun and games – and our mascot Bubbles the Panda Bear cannot wait to meet them.”

Sue Riley, Wirral Joint Chair of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, said:

“It’s going to be fantastic to see the children take part in the 1K fun run. They have such a difficult life at home in Belarus, that seeing them take part in activities which make them smile is such an important part of their visit. A month in the UK at this critical time in their lives increases their life chances by boosting their immune system.”

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events in Liverpool City Region. Its growing portfolio includes the Mersey Tunnel 10K, Port Sunlight 10K/5K, Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon, BTR Liverpool Santa Dash, and 52-mile BTR Tour Of Merseyside (six races over seven days).

BTR recently won the title of Event Of The Year at the Wirral Tourism Awards 2015 for the Wirral Half Marathon/10K.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell added:

“Each year our children’s Mini Santa Dash and 1K Port Sunlight fun run prove extremely popular as part of our main races, so we feel that it’s important to now give youngsters a fun run event of their own. It’s going to be an excellent family event with activities taking place alongside the fun runs.

“We are delighted to have joined forces with Bubbles, who are kindly sponsoring the group of children from Chernobyl to take part. I am sure the children will thoroughly enjoy the event, especially when they are presented with their medal for taking part.”

The times for the fun runs are 1K at 10am; 2K at 10.45am; 3K at 11.30am. Adults can accompany children round the course but cannot take part.

The entry fee is £8 per child per fun run distance. All children will receive a medal and goody bag. Entries are open, visit www.btrliverpool.com for more details.