HIV and AIDS memorial garden unveiled in Leicester

A memorial garden dedicated to those who are living with HIV or have lost their lives to AIDS has been officially opened in Leicester.

The garden, beside Holy Trinity Church in Leicester, was funded by East Midlands Sexual Health, formerly known as Leicester Aids Support Services (LASS).

Organisers said the garden honoured those who died during the early days of the HIV epidemic in the city.

"We must never forget the brave souls who lost their lives in the early days of the epidemic, and those who stood by them," said Lee Brooker, former service user and employee of East Midlands Sexual Health.

Alistair Hudson, former chief executive of East Midlands Sexual Health, said he believed the garden was one of seven memorials to HIV and AIDS across the UK.

It is also hoped the garden will be a symbol of progress in the treatment of HIV.

"As we look back on this, HIV will be remembered as one of the greatest public health success stories in the last 100 years," he said.

"It informed the Ebola response and the Covid response. A cure will be the next major milestone."

The garden is one of six legacy projects supported by East Midlands Sexual Health, by funds raised from the sale of its building after it closed down in 2023.

Gavin Brown, chief executive of the Leicester-based Trade Sexual Health charity, said: "We organise a Red Ribbon Remembrance on World AIDS Day every year.

"In future years, we'll be gathering here on 1 December to remember the people we've lost but also to recommit ourselves to continuing to fight for the living and ensure an end to the HIV crisis."

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