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.
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