Harlequins rugby stars Karl Dickson, Sam Smith and Seb Stegmann are backing HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust’s new World AIDS Day campaign, Stand Up, Stand Out, and asking people nationwide to ‘show us their undies’ to support people living with HIV.

With 100,000 people predicted to be living with HIV by the end of this year,  the sportsmen are supporting Terrence Higgins trust this World AIDS Day, Thursday 1st December, to raise greater awareness about HIV and generate vital funds for prevention services and support for people living with the virus.

Karl Dickson said: “More and more people are diagnosed with HIV every year and we’re only going to tackle it if we start talking more about safer sex. Get your red pants on for World AIDS Day this year and support a brilliant charity so they can be there for even more people.”

Seb Stegmann said: “Get your kit off and show your support for Terrence Higgins Trust for World AIDS Day. It’s a fun way to do a good thing this December and every bit of cash donated goes to a great cause - supporting people with HIV.”

Sam Smith said: “Kick the stigma that still surrounds HIV into touch by backing Terrence Higgins Trust’s World AIDS Day campaign this December. It’s easy to take part and even a really small donation makes a huge difference.”

Take part Stand Up, Stand Out throughout December by:

• Standing Out in red underwear and donate £2 to Terrence Higgins Trust. Be as loud and proud as you like, showing just a hint of red over your jeans or a full ‘underwear as outerwear’ look. Get work colleagues, friends and family in on the act to raise vital funds for people living with HIV.
• Wearing your red ribbon with pride: Wear yours throughout December to remember those who have died with AIDS. Sell them to friends, family and colleagues to raise funds to support Terrence Higgins Trust and people living with HIV. Phone 020 7812 1671 to order your free box of red ribbons.
• Getting well ‘red’ about HIV: Separate the myths from the facts and find out more information about HIV to protect yourself and your partner- Terrence Higgins Trust’s Stand Up, Stand Out HIV Fastfacts are on: www.tht.org.uk/fastfacts

To get involved with Stand Up, Stand Out log on to: http://www.tht.org.uk/howyoucanhelpus/worldaidsday or contact Terrence Higgins Trust’s Community Fundraising team on becky.harris@tht.org.uk or 020 7812 1671

Follow the Harlequins players on Twitter: @samsmith_11 and @kdickson9

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