'It's the anniversary of our resistance - but we still need your help'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukStanding in Piccadilly Gardens holding a 'Stop Putin, Stop War' sign has become a normal Saturday for Martyn Chymera. It didn't used to be - a year ago today, Martyn was perhaps more likely to be spotted among the throngs of shoppers crowding into the city centre than organising a rally.
But his life - along with millions of Ukranians and their relatives lives - changed last February when Russian troops invaded Ukraine, resulting in a bloody war that rages on.
Since then, Martyn has spent every Saturday in Piccadilly Gardens showing his support for Ukraine. Today, on his 51st rally, he said that Ukrainians still need our support as much as ever. READ MORE: He was a teenage boxer who grew up in poverty - then an attack changed his life "We said in the beginning that this should never become normal," Martyn told the Manchester Evening News. "We never expected it would go on this long. "We're here because people need to keep Ukraine in their minds.
We must not appease Putin, and we still need your help." It's a small gathering, but a mighty one. Person after person took to the stage to sing traditional Ukranian music and read statements of support, many with the country's blue and yellow flag draped over their shoulders. "Glory to Ukraine!," one shouts, and is met with a cry of "Glory to the heroes!" from the crowd.
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