A Ukrainian refugee working in one of York’s top hotels has been given a scholarship to continue her studies in the city.

Mariana Kachun has been impressing staff and management at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa since joining the hotel two years ago as a kitchen porter aged 17 and working her way up, now becoming Chef de Rang.

Mariana was a finalist in the inaugural HAY Hospitality Awards on Thursday, which saw her win the rising star award, at the ceremony at Radisson Hotel York.

The application for her award moved the judges when they learned that Mariana sought refuge in the UK after escaping the Ukrainian war.

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She was hoping to return to Ukraine and pick up her studies in nursing, but her university has since been bombed and destroyed.

It made the award judged determined to do more to help.

Brendan Paddison, Associate Professor at York St John University and one of the HAY judges said: “As a judging panel, we were incredibly moved by Mariana's story. Mariana has had to make significant sacrifices because of the war in Ukraine. During the judging process we learned that Mariana was halfway through her degree when her university was bombed. 

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“At York St John University, we believe in the transformational potential of education and our ethos is built on providing access to educational opportunities. 

“We are delighted to offer Mariana the opportunity to join York St John University to complete her degree studies.”

Adam Wardale, Chair of HAY said: “Hospitality is an industry for everyone from all walks of life, a key aim of HAY is to champion the people at the heart of our hotels and find ways to open up opportunities for those who deserve it most. Through our collaborations within the community, we’re delighted to have been able to pull this together for Mariana and we can’t wait to see the amazing things she will go on to achieve.”

Lionel Chatard, Director & General Manager at Middlethorpe Hotel & Spa submitted the nomination form for Mariana.

In his submission, Lionel praises Mariana for her “hard work, lovely smile, positive personality” who is also “very hard working” amid many other plaudits.

 

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He said afterwards: “The inaugural HAY awards ceremony was a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many talented people who form our teams and the positive impact they have on the success of our businesses.”

“Not only are we thrilled and proud of Mariana receiving a gold award, but we are very moved by the kindness and generosity displayed by York St John University represented by Brendan Paddison in granting her a scholarship."

Lionel added: “Mariana is a true ‘rising star’ and we couldn’t be more proud, watching her shine and progress her life goals and passion.”

Mariana called the award ceremony ‘very emotional.’

She said afterwards: “I was pleased to watch my colleagues from Middlethorpe Hall and many others working within the hospitality industry, be recognised & receive awards for their hard work and passion.

“I was personally thrilled to be awarded the ‘rising star’ award and I am grateful to the team for their continued training and support since I joined Middlethorpe Hall, after I was evacuated from Ukraine at the time of the Russian invasion.

“Earlier this year I was shocked to be informed that the University I was intending to return to had been bombed and I was heart-broken that I would not be able to continue my studies.

“I therefore would like to express my gratitude to Brendan Paddison and to York St John University for the golden opportunity and generous gesture of a scholarship.”

She added: “I am very excited at the prospect and look forward to resuming my studies as I intended to, but in a different country.”