Palina Yanachkina grew up near Chernobyl and after the nuclear disaster had exceptionally high levels of radiation in her body. Her future looked bleak - until a holiday to Ireland changed everything. Palina now lives with John and Fiona Quaid in Limerick, Ireland. Palina is almost 20 years old and about to complete her first year at the University of Limerick. Palina did a recent interview with BBC World Service. To listen in to the interview, please email info@chernobyl-ireland.com for a copy of the file.

You can also read an excerpt of Palina's Story from the Guardian article as follows:

The Guardian, 5th May 2008: 'I am studying industrial biochemistry and hope to one day work in a lab researching cures for diseases. I haven't ruled out doing a medical degree later so that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor. I have been in Ireland for three years now and it's becoming harder and harder for me to go back to Polesseye. My last visit was a year ago and I try to go annually. My parents and brother have a phone now, and every time I ring they tell me that yet another young person I know has died of cancer. One day, I hope to return to Belarus and help those who haven't been as fortunate as me. My Irish family gave me the one thing every child deserves, and that is hope. I see it as my duty to pass that on'.