IT was a day they never thought they’d see, writes Tim Hughes. The woman who has become a symbol of hope for democracy in their homeland, beamed with delight as she shook the hands of Burmese supporters who gathered to see her arrive in Oxford. Aung San Suu Kyi’s return to the city in which she sudied and lived with her husband, the academic Michael Aris, follows a remarkable journey for the Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent so many years under house arrest in Rangoon - remaining a thorn in the side of the brutal military regime. To the delight of those who packed into Catte Street, in the shadow of the Bridge of Sighs, the visit of the woman they call ‘The Lady’ also coincided with her 67th birthday. And they greeted her arrival by waving signs, hand-painted protraits, flowers and a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday. “This is an amazing day!” said Maung Myoo Myint, originally from Bago, near Rangoon. He had traveled from London with his wife Mimi Han and eight-year-old daughter Monica - who gave Daw Suu Kyi a story she had written for her. “We were very excited,” he added. “She is a symbol of peace not just for Burma but for the world. We are very proud of her - and it is a great honour for Oxford.” “We never thought she would be here,” added Mimi, who presented the woman they call Daw Suu with flowers, “We had to see her for ourselves.” As word came that Ms Suu Kyi was on her way, the crowd hushed, then erupted as her entourage pulled up at the steps of the Sheldonian. Refugee Hdein Lin, 45, wearing a Burmese sarong-style longyi and red bandana with the peacock sympbol of Daw Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, climbed the quad railings, raised a fist and shouted freedom slogans. He was rewarded with a huge smile from his heroine as she walked past. “I am very happy to meet our legitimate leader!” he said. The dissident had been a supporter of Daw Suu kyi at the time of the 1988 uprising - which resulted in the deaths of many thousands on the streets of Rangoon. He had gone into hiding, before escaping across the border to Thailand, where he claimed political asylum and flew to London. He added: “It is very emotional. "I had not seen her since 1988. I am so happy. I prayed for this.” Students Pyae Phyo, Kyaw Hein and Htin Aung, all 25, had traveled from Southampton and London in the hope of getting a glimpse of their national hero, who had been held prisoner for most of their lives. The three democracy supporters said her recent election to the Burmese parliament, and this visit to her former home city were important milestones on the progress to freedom for their long-suffering countrymen. “It’s a fantastic day,” said Pyae Phyo. “We all wanted to come and give our wishes to the Leader; we’ve never had the opportunity before." The men had painted signs - one depicting Ms Suu Kyi’s face. “Change is beginning to happen in Burma, but it is very slow,” said Kyaw Hein, who left Rangoon 10 years ago. “We have seen improvements, but there are still lots of restrictions. We will know for sure after the 2015 elections.” They were joined by a 26 year-old Oxford Brookes University student, called Mo (many Burmese exiles remain reuluctant to give their real names, fearful of reprisals from the all-powerful ruling junta). She said: “Today is really great. It’s so exciting to see her. she is so brave and everybody loves her. "I’d never thought I’d see her here.”