All systems go for the Stop Aids Revolution!
(25 November 2002)Celebrities, VIPs, academics, faith leaders and HIV/AIDS activists from around the world are all set to come together for the ride for a lifetime on the British Airways London Eye on Tuesday 26 November at 6.45pm. The STOP AIDS REVOLUTION - organised by the Stop AIDS Campaign and made possible by the generous assistance of the British Airways London Eye - seeks to re-connect the British public, senior UK decision makers and key influencers with the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
In the first event of its kind, celebrities such as Bianca Jagger, Beverley Knight, Andrew Lincoln, Gail Porter, Michelle Collins and film director Mike Leigh, and a host of other stars will partner with members of parliament from the UK and abroad, senior faith leaders, academics and high profile supporters to push the simple message that the world can afford to STOP AIDS; the world cannot afford not to.
The BA London Eye has generously given the Stop AIDS Campaign the use of the entire landmark for the night. In each and every capsule, guests and event attendees will hear first hand how HIV/AIDS is wrecking the lives of millions of people in developing countries. After the flight, everyone will make a personal pledge in answer to the question: what will you do to stop AIDS?
Once all the individual commitments are made, everyone will embark onto the Silver Sturgeon - owned by Woods River Cruises - which will be moored at the London Eye pier on the River Thames for a reception at which festive mulled wine will be served. Personal pledges will then be made public, helping to kick-start renewed action to help stop AIDS.
Bianca Jagger commented:
We have to build an understanding of, and support for, HIV as a development issue that matches that of debt, famine and natural disaster. Across our world today, 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Many high profile figures will make their own personal pledges on November 26th, but each and every one of us has the ability to do something to help STOP AIDS.
David Sharpe, General Manager of the Eye explains the reasoning behind the support given to the Stop AIDS Campaign:
We are very pleased to provide an imaginative space in which to generate fresh debate and help highlight this very serious issue.
Editors' notes
- For further information please contact Adam Bowers in the VSO press office on 020 8780 7265 or email adam.bowers@vso.org.uk
- The Stop AIDS Campaign is a new and unprecedented initiative of the UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development. Launched on World AIDS Day 2001, the Campaign works to raise awareness in the UK about the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and campaigns for urgently scaled up international action.
Its members are: Acord, Action Aid, African HIV Policy Network, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, Elton John AIDS Foundation, George House Trust, HelpAge International, Help the Aged, ImpACT AIDS, International HIV/AIDS Alliance, National AIDS Trust, Oxfam, Save the Children, Students Partnership Worldwide, Tearfund, UK Network of Self Help HIV and AIDS Groups, UNICEF UK, VSO, World Vision and Youth Against AIDS. Stop AIDS Campaign website
