A 12-YEAR-OLD leuk- aemia sufferer is receiving medical treatment in west Wiltshire after readers responded to a story in the Wiltshire Times.

Ekaterina Shashkova comes from a poverty-stricken village in Belarus affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The youngest of eight children, doctors believe she may only have a few years left to live.

She has been brought to England by Westbury-based charity Chernobyl Children In Need for a month's stay, which will boost her failing immune system.

The charity does not normally bring children over for rest holidays, but made an exception because of the youngster's ill-health.

The charity raised the £500 needed to fund the trip after Wiltshire Times readers responded to a story in January. Ekaterina has had her teeth repaired and cleaned by a dentist and will be having a medical check-up before further treatment in Belarus this summer.

CCIN chairman Adrian Walker said: "Thanks to donations by a number of Wiltshire Times readers the cost of her flight and expenses were covered in full.

"She has also received clothes and toys.

"Although she is at present suffering major thyroid problems her general condition has started to improve slightly.

"She is already putting on a little weight and getting some colour back in her cheeks thanks to three good meals a day," said Mr Walker

Readers wishing to sponsor children like Ekaterina can ring CCIN for an obligation-free information pack on (01373) 858584.