A Leeds charity worker is preparing to take on a huge personal challenge.
Kasia Granek, 26, from Woodhouse, will begin a trek the Himalayas on February 8 in a bid to raise £2,000 for the Stop Hate UK charity.
She has chosen the cause due to personal experiences of hate crimes.
Kasia, who was born in Upper Silesia in Poland, says she has experienced verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, offensive language, discrimination and being refused service during her time in England.
Her experience of hate crimes led her to work for the charity as a volunteer helpline operator and undertake this challenge to raise funds.
“There’s nothing worse than people’s indifference. There’s nothing more embarrassing than being stood at the bar waiting to be served and being ignored because you speak English with the Polish accent,” she said.
“You have to be firm and confident, and even though sometimes you’re abrasive to people, it’s the only way to make them realise you’re no worse than anybody else.”
About this particular challenge, she said: “It has always been on my ‘things-to-do-before-I-die’ list. It’s a big challenge, both physically and emotionally. I like pushing myself to the limits, facing challenges, getting to the edge and a step further.”
“I have never been so excited and scared in my entire life so I can’t wait to see what it’s going to be like in Nepal.
“Volunteering for Stop Hate UK is really rewarding, you feel you do something important and bring something back to the community. I also got to meet some amazing people who truly believe in what they do.” Visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/kasiagranek.
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