HIV sufferer to host stigma-busting fundraiser
AS one of Britain's longest sufferers of HIV, Cheltenham's John Percy knows better than anyone what it is like to live with the disease.
Now he is hoping his charity auction extravaganza will encourage more people to talk about HIV without the stigma that comes with it.
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message: From left; Adam Barlow, John Percy, Mock Mayor of Barton Delroy Ellis and Chris March, manager of The Westgate.
The 51-year-old has teamed up with staff at Gloucester's gay bar The Westgate to host the event on Saturday. September 29 at 7.30pm. It will raise money for an HIV respite centre in Cornwall.
Mr Percy contracted HIV 32 years ago.
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He said: "Being HIV positive comes with a lot of stigma, especially when it comes to getting a job. I hope that we can help to address that."
His event will see top prizes such as a hotel stay and meals out auctioned off.
Barton's mock mayor Delroy Ellis will be bringing a team of poetry readers, an 11-year-old break dancer and live music and singing to keep the crowds entertained.
Comments
by honslknjklyt
Saturday, September 22 2012, 7:26PM
“The t-shirt HIV positive is hardly going to get support. Not from me anyway.
What is this doing in cheltenham pages when it shows gloucester, he is from Cheltenham yes but this shows Gloucester too.”
by Haw_Haw
Saturday, September 22 2012, 12:24PM
“One wishes to be charitable to this fellow, but there is a feeling his inability to secure employment has more to do with him telling anyone and everyone who will listen about his personal situation. And of course, there is a certain stigma with being HIV positive, rather like being in the same area as someone with TB.
Still, he seems to have carved out a life of sorts on the back of his fervent self publicity...”