A blood donation scheme which started as a “positive protest” is still going strong almost a decade later.

Andrzej Rygielski was so concerned about the negative reaction he and fellow Poles were getting in Kent, he decided to take action.

In an effort to gain the respect of locals, he launched a campaign where he and his fellow countrymen and women give blood.

Each August thousands of volunteers across the country donate in local NHS centres.

The 61-year-old has faced hostility and abuse since moving to Minster, Sheppey, 19-years-ago.

Andrzej described the “persecution” he has experienced throughout his time in the UK.

The shop manager has had stones and apples thrown at him and says he has faced “trauma” from other assaults.

His car windows have been smashed and his tires slashed - hostile slogans have also been written on walls.

Despite this, he said: “Respect cannot be forced, but it can be earned - that’s why I wanted to show Poles have big hearts and can always be relied on.

“We started the campaign to demonstrate Polish people here contribute to the country, not only with work, but also, we give something from our hearts because I think it’s a beautiful thing to help others.”

The campaign has worked with many people won over.

He added: “The reaction of the local community was very positive, and many people told me they had no idea what I had gone through.

“We came to the United Kingdom because we had a legal option to do so, not because we wanted to take anything away from anyone.

“Despite agreements with the EU, which were signed by British politicians, we were still treated as intruders by the local community.”

He believes it is important to have discussions about racism and xenophobia because ignoring the problem “won’t make it disappear”.

The PolishBlood campaign, which was publicised by a newspaper popular with Poles, saw around 3,000 people take part back in 2016.

Throughout the pandemic, fewer people were donating due to the fear of infection but there are hopes the campaign will continue into the future.

Andrzej added: “We are proud of our ancestors who gave their lives in the Battle of Britain, and like them, we want to give what is most precious — a gift that saves lives.”