Ryan Tubridy and Ali Hewson at Liz and Noels Chernobyl Lunch at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge,Dublin
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Chernobyl survivor opens heart and shares story at Liz and Noels Chernobyl Lunch
Liz ODonnell and Noel Kelly host star-studded fundraiser in aid of Adi Roches Chernobyl Children International
Friday, 09 March, 2018: Liz and Noels Chernobyl Lunch the annual fundraiser hosted by Chernobyl Children International (CCI) Board Directors Liz ODonnell (RSA Chairperson) and Noel Kelly (Businessman, Talent Manager) has played a pivotal role in helping the charitys Cardiac Programme reach a level of sustainability to stand alone.
Thats according to CCIs Voluntary CEO Adi Roche who said many of the children who born in the region, with congenital heart defects such as a condition called Chernobyl Heart wouldnt live beyond their sixth birthdays without life-saving open heart surgeries that CCI funds for impoverished families.
Well known figures from Irish Broadcast and Entertainment industries came out in force to show their support for the charitys event. Broadcasting legends Pat Kenny and Mary Kennedy, journalist and broadcaster Dave Fanning, Liveline host Joe Duffy, Emmy award winning Baz Ashmawy as well as rising star Doireann Garrihy are just some of the guests who supported the event. The reigning International Rose of Tralee Dr Jennifer Byrne was also in attendance having recently returned from volunteering in Belarus with the Irish charity.
Each year the event is supported by the full voluntary Board of Directors of CCI, which is chaired by Peter Lacy and includes Ali Hewson as well Chernobyl survivor Julie Shynkarenka.
Speaking at the event was Anna Gabriel who, at the age of 4, was rescued by Adi Roche and Ali Hewson and later adopted by the Gabriel family from Bandon, Co Cork. In 1992, Adi and Ali travelled to a baby orphanage in Minsk, Belarus where they met and fell in love w