Mayor to light a candle for World Aids Day (From Haringey Independent)

Mayor to light a candle for World Aids Day

7:37pm Tuesday 27th November 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

Red balloons will be released and candles lit at a commemorative service in Wood Green to remember those who have died from Aids.

Haringey Mayor Sheik Thompson will light the candles in Central Library Square, joined by MPs Lynne Featherstone and David Lammy for a minute of silence, followed by a balloon release tomorrow to raise awareness on World Aids Day.

Jude McMahon, event co-ordinator, said: "The issue of Aids seems to have been put on the backburner which would not be a problem if instances of infection were decreasing, but they are not.

"We need events like this to remember those who have died and to remind people that Aids is still here and there is no cure. Perhaps people have become complacent in thinking that combination therapy drugs can cure Aids, but it only slows it down."

The event, starting at 4pm, is a joint initiative between Positive Rainbow Haringey, a voluntary group that aims to tackle the stigma attached to the disease, and Speaking For Ourselves, which provides support to people with HIV across the borough.

Alan Tabby, of Speaking For Ourselves, said: "It is important events such as these here in Wood Green bring people from diverse backgrounds together to raise awareness of HIV in an international, national and perhaps, most effectively, in a local context."

• Print
• Email
• Share