My name is Hanes and I am an asylum seeker from Ethiopia.  I was a political activist in my home country.  My father was imprisoned and killed by the ruling party, and two years later I was detained and tortured by the police because of my campaigning.  Fearing for my life I fled, seeking asylum in the UK.

However, like two thirds of asylum seekers, I was refused sanctuary.  I was told to go home but was not deported.  Instead I was left destitute with no right to work or to claim benefits.  I was forced to sleep on the streets and struggled to survive.

Then I was referred to the Boaz Trust, who gave me a safe place to live.  They also gave me food, clothing and toiletries, and helped me to access healthcare.  They provided English classes and other activities to help me to integrate into the community.  I also got involved in their campaigning and awareness-raising work.  I spoke out about my experiences of the asylum system.

Last year I was detained by the Home Office who tried to deport me.  But my country refused to have me back and I was released again two months later.  Still they refused support and I turned to the Boaz Trust once again.

I hope to receive leave to remain in the UK soon so that I can work to support myself and build a life here.  I have only survived over the last few months because of the work of the Boaz Trust, and I am so grateful for all they have done for me and many other asylum seekers in Greater Manchester.

On 16th May 2010 I will do the Great Manchester Run to raise money for Boaz.  Please sponsor me so that they can continue their life-changing work.

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