British celebrities including Dermot O’Leary, Stephen Fry and Graham Norton back Terrence Higgins Trust’s Stand Up, Stand Out campaign to support people living with HIV this World AIDS Day, Thursday 1 December.

With 100,000 people now predicted to be living with HIV by the end of this year, the charity’s new campaign raises greater awareness of HIV and generates funds for prevention services and support for people living with the virus.

Dermot O’Leary said: “What could be better than getting your pants on, showing off a bit in front of your friends and colleagues and supporting a great cause at the same time? I’m sporting some red undies and donating £2 for HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust’s Stand Up, Stand Out campaign this World AIDS Day and would love you to join me! All funds raised go to supporting people living with HIV. Click onto Terrence Higgins Trust’s website to find out how to do your bit this winter.”

Graham Norton said: “This World AIDS Day I’m putting on my most glamorous red underwear to support a wonderful charity, Terrence Higgins Trust. They’ve got a great new campaign running, Stand Up, Stand Out, to raise greater awareness of HIV and generate vital funds to support people living with the virus in the UK. All you have to do to get involved is wear your red undies to work, donate £2 online and ask any adventurous friends, family and colleagues to do the same. With our support Terrence Higgins trust can continue to offer amazing services for people living with HIV as well as vital information and advice to help people look after their sexual health.”

Stephen Fry said: “Almost 20 people are still being diagnosed with HIV every day in the UK and it is an incurable and life threatening condition. Please join me in getting involved with Terrence Higgins Trust’s Stand Up, Stand Out campaign to support people living with HIV this World AIDS Day.

“Terrence Higgins Trust is a charity that provides brilliant services for people living with HIV as well as crucial information and advice to help people protect their sexual health and that of their partners. With your help this World AIDS Day they can be there for even more people who need them. Have a look at their website to see what fun things you can do to support. Even a small donation makes a really big difference.”

People can take part in 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

Stage and Screen