THE HORRIFYING conditions of Ukrainian orphanages have brought renewed appeals for help from an East Lancashire male nurse.

Deano Christodoulou, a social therapy nurse at Blackburn's Park Lee Hospital, has just returned from Kiev and Odessa with harrowing pictures of the grim conditions of the orphans.

Many of the children are suffering from deformities caused by the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Deano, of the Withnell-based International Aid Trust, was among a group of nine people who took out redundant equipment from Blackburn hospitals and other medical supplies.

Deano said: "The homes of the people are small and decrepit, the hospitals are crumbling and have no medicines, the orphanages are decayed with poor sanitation and ventilation, no medicines and little food. "The babies lie in row after row, crying in pain while the nurses, though frustrated by the lack of resources, work hard and are committed even though they have had no pay for months.

"In the mornings, staff beg for food to feed the many children who have been abandoned, usually at the age of three. They have terrible deformities and cancers and beg to be just held and loved.

"The smell of urine lingers on long after you have left the dark rooms."

Deano went on the trip with fellow members of the Christian aid organisation Ron Galliers, William Kerambrum, Bernard Smith, Myra Gerrard, Linda Rycroft, Colin and Jennifer Garne and Michelle Cocker.

The organisation is appealing for donations including furniture, medical and catering supplies, toys and clothing and anyone who wants to know more can contact Deano on 01254 262505.

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