Future looks great for little Nadzeya

Nadzeya Bychouskaya (9) has corrective eye surgery at Royal Oldham Hospital by surgeon Mr Jonathan Lipton. Also pictured is Theresa Novotny.

A LITTLE girl from Chernobyl, who faced the stigma of a serious squint in both eyes, now has a bright future thanks to kind Oldhamers and the skill of a surgeon.

Treatment was not available at home for nine-year-old Nadzeya Bychouskaya, but through the Oldham branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, care was secured in Britain.

Oldham consultant Jonathan Lipton, an ophthalmic surgeon, was approached to carry out the corrective operation.

Mr Lipton, who is based at the Royal Oldham Hospital said: “Nadzeya had a squint in both eyes which amounted to a serious defect.

“We are able to carry out the odd operation subject to waiting lists not being too long for home patients. And this was the case.

“Now her condition has greatly improved and she should now be a much happier little girl.”

But Nadzeya would not have got the treatment but for the Oldham link of the Chernobyl Children Lifeline.

Local organiser Theresa Novotny said: “The Lifeline’s main aim is to help children affected by the world’s worst nuclear disaster. Over the past 15 years, the Oldham link of the charity has invited children from Belarus for rest and recuperation to improve their damaged immune systems.

“We hosted our latest group of eight in June. One delicate little girl had rather a bad squint.

“She lives in a small village and we realised that because of her home environment the chance to have treatment in Belarus was virtually nil.

“On her first visit to Oldham, Nadzeya turned out to be a girl with remarkable intelligence and determination.

“We wrote to Mr Lipton and he kindly agreed to see the child with a view to fulfilling her dearest wish of being just like other children.

“Now, thanks to Mr Lipton and all the people who have helped raise money for Nadzeya’s air fare, she is as pretty as a picture.”

The Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline can be contacted on 0161-633 4810.