Walk of Light Parade marks World AIDs Day in Chester

Walk of Light Parade marks World AIDs Day in Chester 

By Claire Henderson Friday 30 November 2012  

A ‘Walk of Light’ parade and remembrance vigil is taking place in Chester to mark World AIDs Day. 

The walk will begin from the Cross at 4pm on the 1st December 2012 and will end with a vigil at the Amphitheatre in remembrance for the loss of lives through AIDs and a celebration of hope. 

Lights are available for the walk for a small donation. The donations go to Body Positive Cheshire and North West, to improve the quality of life for people who are affected of living with HIV and AIDs.  

The event is organized by the newly formed Lions’ Pride Steering Group. The group consists of Cheshire West and Chester Council, University of Chester, Chester Students’ Union, Cheshire Constabulary, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation, Body Positive Cheshire and North Wales and LGBT Youth North Wales. 

Paul Marsh, Director of Services at Body Positive Cheshire and North Wales said: “The event for World AIDs day is an opportunity to join people worldwide in the fight against HIV and AIDs, to show support for people living with HIV and pay tribute to those who have died.”  

There are more than 90,000 people living with HIV in the UK with a quarter of those unaware they have the virus. “There are no specific symptoms caused by the HIV or AIDs, which is why it is important to be tested,” said Mr Marsh. It is simple and pain free to be tested and an earlier diagnosis enables medical support to be given sooner. 

Medication has advanced dramatically since the early days and as a result of medical developments and advances people living well. 

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Equality and Diversity Champion, Councillor Razia Daniels said: “World AIDs Day is celebrated all over the world and Cheshire West and Chester Council is happy and proud to be working alongside its partners in organizing this local event.” 

The highest number of HIV cases in Cheshire are found in Cheshire West and Chester. Body Positive Cheshire and North Wales provides a holistic service, which enables people living with HIV to access medical and social care services together.