To Belarus With Love

He will be joined by his friend John and, together, the pair aim to raise as much money as they possibly can for the Chernobyl Children Lifeline charity, through sponsorship and donations.

Fergi said: "I can t believe how quickly everything has happened. I ve been so overwhelmed with everyone s generosity."

It all started when Fergi mentioned to his pals at The Locomotive pub in Littlehampton that he fancied driving to Belarus.

Barman John Bodsworth asked to go with him and fellow drinker Patrick Munnelly, who works as a team leader for Chernobyl Children s Lifeline, suggested Fergi use the trip to raise funds.

It all escalated from there and, although John says it was "one of those drunken moments" when he asked to go along, he says he s now very excited and can t wait to go.

Not only will Fergi and John be raising money for the charity but they will also be carrying out voluntary work in Belarus once they are there, for as long as their visas allow them to stay in the country.

The pair will be carrying out essential repairs to farm equipment in order to keep the farmers growing food.

Fergi explained: "The farmers simply can t get new tractors or even the parts a lot of the time, so that s where we come in."

If you would like to sponsor Fergi and John, please send cheques made payable to Chernobyl Children Lifeline to: Fergi Chilvers, Belarus sponsorship, c/o The Locomotive, 5 Terminus Road, Little-hampton, BN17 5BS.

If you would like to help with the Chernobyl Children Lifeline, either as a host family or supporter, or you would like to find out more, please write to: Chernobyl Children Lifeline, 60 Arundel Road, Littlehampton, BN17 7DF.

You can also visit the website at www.chernobylchildlifeline.org

The full story can be found in the Gazette, February 7.