"A beacon of hope": Emotional vigil held for 31-year-old Leeds murder victim Fawziyah Javed

By Daniel Sheridan
Published 4th Feb 2022, 19:14 BST
Updated 4th Feb 2022, 19:16 BST
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A mother-to-be who died in tragic circumstances last year has been remembered during poignant vigils held in both Leeds and Edinburgh – on the day her baby son was due to be born.
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The Leeds vigil for 31-year-old Fawziyah Fawziyah Javed was held in Millennium Square on Friday night, with flowers and candles laid in tribute.

Fawziyah had been on a short break to Edinburgh from her home in Pudsey when she died following an alleged incident on Arthur's Seat in September.

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The Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI MediaThe Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI Media
The Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI Media

Her husband appeared in court that month after being charged with her murder.

Kashif Anwar, 27, made no plea as he appeared in private during a short hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

More than 50 people turned out in Leeds for the emotional vigil, which was organised by Coun Al Garthwaite.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Coun Garthwaite paid tribute to Fawziyah.

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The Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI MediaThe Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI Media
The Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI Media

She said: "I really wanted to help [the family] organise this event.

"Fawziyah made such a contribution during her life. She worked with so many charities."

Coun Garthwaite revealed plans for a plaque to be placed in Headingley - where Fawziyah grew up - in her memory.

Fawziyah was described as a "star" and a "beacon of hope" by her friend Sue Buckle, who spoke movingly with anecdotes of their time together.

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The Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI MediaThe Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI Media
The Leeds vigil was held in Millennium Square on Friday night (February 4) with flowers and candles laid in tribute to 31-year-old Fawziyah Javed, who died in September. Pics: Tony Johnson/JPI Media

She told the YEP that "right from a child", Fawziyah was "an inspirational person".

"Today is the day her baby boy would have been due", Sue said. "She was four months pregnant.

"The news of her death came as a total shock to us all. Her parents are broken. It is so sad."

Many of Fawziyah's family and friends climbed the steps of Leeds Civic Hall to place flowers and candles down in front of pictures of Fawziyah from throughout her life.

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One picture, in the centre of the collection, showed her baby scan.

Another showed her graduation from a University of Sheffield Law degree, which Fawziyah undertook as she wanted to "make an impact on the world".

Many speakers addressed the crowds of emotional family and friends, recounting memories of Fawziyah.

Osman Gondal is the chief executive of InTouch Foundation, a community based effort to address the plight of homeless men and women on the streets of Yorkshire.