A special event marking two years since the Syrian uprising began is to be held at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street on 25 March, exploring the true extent of the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Organised by Gill Newman, wife of the Bishop of Stepney, Syria: A Personal Response will bring together well-respected speakers with front line experience of the conflict to provide first-hand accounts of the ongoing crisis.The event is the latest part of Gill’s ongoing work to raise awareness of Syrian conflict.
In November last year Gill involved churches in Stepney in fundraising activities, raising raise almost £10,000 for British charity Hand in Hand for Syria’s Winter Appeal. She also travelled to Syria to visit the refugee camps and hospitals in January this year and has since raised over £7,000 to purchase bags of paper, pencils and crayons for children at the Atmeh Camp school.
In addition to hearing Gill’s experiences, attendees will hear from Paul Conroy, the war photographer who was badly injured in an attack in Homs in March 2012, in which his colleague Marie Colvin was tragically killed; Martin Fletcher, The TimesForeign Correspondent who reports regularly from the conflict zones in Syria, and Iman Mujahed who organises and delivers aid with Hand in Hand for Syria.
Commenting on her campaigning work, Gill Newman said:
"I believe strongly in the saying, ‘One person can’t change the world, but you can change the world for one person’. The responses we make will all be different but, no matter how big or small, they are all important and will make a difference."
The event will be held at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8AU from 6.30pm. Those wishing to attend can apply for tickets online or contact Gill Newman direct on 020 8981 2323.
