On Friday Leeds students marked the third year anniversary of what has become one of the most devastating and bloody internal conflicts of recent history.

A host of Leeds Union societies including LUU Save the Children, Friends of Syria from the Leeds University Union and LUU Oxfam joined together to organise the gathering which showed unity and solidarity, characteristic of the multiculturalism that exists in Leeds.

In light of the anniversary, a global vigil took place to show support for the victims. Leeds demonstrated their support by holding a vigil of hope for Syria.

The event took place at Leeds Art Gallery and raised over £150, excluding additional donations to the Leeds Friends of Syria group. As well as donations of essential items such as clothing and blankets, the vigil’s organisers also provided postcards to write ‘letters of love’ to Syria’s children, who have and still are enduring extraordinarily tough conditions in order to survive.

Nicholas Wren