Sarah Day from Chernobyl Children's Lifeline with Ashford firefighters Spencer Wood and Michael Pitney

by Tim Collins

Two firefighters will be travelling to Chernobyl thanks to a mystery donation of £200 from a kmfm listener.

Michael Pitney and Spencer Wood from Ashford fire station were hoping to visit the Ukranian city of Korosten, whose firemen took part in the rescue mission after the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986.

They aim to provide training and modern British fire protection suits in what is hoped to be the first of many visits.

Thanks to donations from Kentish Express readers and members of the public, the pair had already managed to raise £800 to help pay for their trip and fund charitable causes in Chernobyl.

Mr Wood decided to contact Kirstyn and Webbo – hosts of kmfm's breakfast show – to put out an appeal to push the total over their £1,000 target.

And within 10 minutes of broadcasting, a mystery donor walked in through the doors of the Kentish Express's office with a handful of cash.

Sue Sharp, who was manning the front desk, said: "I was totally amazed. That someone could be so generous is fantastic.

"He just walked in, handed over the money and walked out again.

"When I asked him his name, he said 'It's for charity, so I'd rather not give you it.'"

• For the full story, pick up a copy of next week's Kentish Express, out on Thursday, December 29.