Looking Back – Brighton AIDS Memorial
Brighton AIDS Memorial
Thursday 10th September 2009
After many years of fundraising, a sculpture created by Romney Mark Bruce was finally unveiled in Brighton yesterday by David Furnish, Sir Elton John’s partner.
This unique and in my own personal view, beautiful, emotional and dignified work of art stands proud in New Steine Gardens. For the people of Brighton and Hove, along with its millions of annual visitors there is now a place where all those who have had HIV / AIDS touch their lives, can go and feel connected.
It is a place to come to when you want to be with your thoughts, a place of peace and of love. Like many cities around the country and the globe, Brighton’s diverse and cosmopolitan community was ripped apart by HIV / AIDS. Despite stigma, hatred, violence and destroyed lives yesterday marked the day when all those were and always will be remembered.
Tainted Blood were officially invited to take part in the candlelit vigil and the reading of the names. This was to represent all those who lost their lives through contaminated blood and blood products, as well as representing the Haemophilia community.
I am truly honoured to have been able to take part in this extremely moving event. I would like to publically say a huge thank you, for the invitation. To all of the fundraisers who have worked tirelessly, the wonderful artist Romney Mark Bruce, Brighton and Hove City council and all those who took part in the event.
Although I did not personally know any of the people, whose names I read out, my thoughts were with all of those who have lost their battle and for all those who like myself continue to fight. The feeling of love from every community across the entire city was so strong last night you could almost touch it.
REALBrighton presents the unveiling of the UK’s first AIDS Memorial in New Steine Gardens in Brighton, sculpted by Romany Mark Bruce and officially unveiled by Elton John’s partner David Furnish.
To see the BBC South East today report here is the link.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/8298512.stm
Mark Ward
