(26 May 2016) Diego Vallati’s special trip has started yesterday. The septuagenarian rider from Pavia started his bicycle journey to Kiev, passing through Chernobyl. The trip, which promotes the Humanitarian Organization Soleterre – Strategies Of Peace, has the objective of creating a symbolic link between two daily realities that is the struggle to provide the right care and increase the survival rates for children affected by cancer: Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia and the Hospital of Kiev. Soleterre has been active for many years in support of children affected by cancer with an active programme in 6 countries, including the Ukraine, affected by the worst nuclear accident in history 30 years ago: April 26, 1986 the reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant broke, with serious consequences on the health of the population which unfortunately continue to this day. The cyclist will gather drawings of hospitalized children in the oncology and hematology department of San Matteo in Pavia and bring them to the children in the pediatric oncology department of Kiev Hospital and will return to Italy with drawings by hospitalized children in Kiev for the children of Pavia. In addition, Vallati will report back his reached milestones through social media using the hashtag #ilviaggiodiDiego. “This year’s celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster led us all to address at least one thought to all the people who have suffered greatly because of that sad event – says the cyclist about his journey – but we run the risk in all celebrations / commemorations is that we think about it one day and then nothing for the rest of the year. There are associations, doctors, private citizens who constantly voluntarily dedicate themselves to alleviate the effects of that huge misfortune. For this reason I have to thank the Soleterre Foundation who offered me the opportunity to make sense of my journey, beyond my passion for cycling, My admiration goes to all those who are committed every day in supporting this work, each within their own capacities and possibilities. But all I know is pedaling. And this is what I have to offer. ” (Red)
