9 acts of kindness showing Leeds people uniting with Ukraine over last 12 months on war outbreak anniversary

It has officially been a year since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine.

Published 24th Feb 2023, 11:45 BST

The UK fell silent at 11am today to mark the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the conflict, which has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians. Leeds is one of the many cities to have shown solidarity with Ukraine - taking in refugees, raising funds and even delivering essentials to the border.

Here are nine acts of kindness shown by the people of Leeds 12 months on from the beginning of the Russian invasion.

Jack Abrahams of Kippax walked up and down the stairs in his home 1,691 times - the equivalent of the distance in miles between Leeds and Kyiv - to raise funds for the British Red Cross Ukraine appeal.

1. Tackling the stairs

Jack Abrahams of Kippax walked up and down the stairs in his home 1,691 times - the equivalent of the distance in miles between Leeds and Kyiv - to raise funds for the British Red Cross Ukraine appeal. Photo: James Hardisty

Oksana Sugak and her son Patrick fled Ukraine and moved in with hosts Kavitha and Dave Kirby and their children in Horsforth. Oksana said: "For me, it's a really unusual experience to have such a community, such kind, sympathetic people around me. My host family are amazing, they help me with all issues."

2. Warm welcome for Oksana and Patrick

Oksana Sugak and her son Patrick fled Ukraine and moved in with hosts Kavitha and Dave Kirby and their children in Horsforth. Oksana said: "For me, it's a really unusual experience to have such a community, such kind, sympathetic people around me. My host family are amazing, they help me with all issues." Photo: Tony Johnson

Elsie Ormiston and her classmates at St Margaret's C of E Primary School covered the equivalent of the 1,370-mile distance between Horsforth and the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv by various means such as running and cycling. Over £1,500 was raised and donated to charities helping children from Ukraine.

3. A challenge for children

Elsie Ormiston and her classmates at St Margaret's C of E Primary School covered the equivalent of the 1,370-mile distance between Horsforth and the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv by various means such as running and cycling. Over £1,500 was raised and donated to charities helping children from Ukraine. Photo: James Hardisty

On March 6 2022, people took to the streets of Leeds city centre to protest against the war.

4. Anti-war protest

On March 6 2022, people took to the streets of Leeds city centre to protest against the war. Photo: Simon Hulme

Leeds band FridayNightLights launched a charity single and benefit festival to raise money for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, a country they have previously toured. Vocalist and guitarist Rik Ansbergs said: “The people of Ukraine have embraced us so much and I wanted to give something back to them. I couldn’t just sit and do nothing."

5. Charity single and benefit festival

Leeds band FridayNightLights launched a charity single and benefit festival to raise money for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, a country they have previously toured. Vocalist and guitarist Rik Ansbergs said: “The people of Ukraine have embraced us so much and I wanted to give something back to them. I couldn’t just sit and do nothing." Photo: Tony Johnson

Leeds businessman James Baker, alongside his friend Mike Harding, made 4,000-mile round trips to deliver aid and help refugees and pets flee. James said: "We’re shocked and horrified by the unfolding conflict in Ukraine. So much so, that we’ve decided we cannot just sit by and watch this happen, and feel moved to help as best we can."

6. 4,000-mile round trips

Leeds businessman James Baker, alongside his friend Mike Harding, made 4,000-mile round trips to deliver aid and help refugees and pets flee. James said: "We’re shocked and horrified by the unfolding conflict in Ukraine. So much so, that we’ve decided we cannot just sit by and watch this happen, and feel moved to help as best we can." Photo: James Baker and Mike Harding

Leeds Ukraine Russia