Professor Pippa Catterall named Chair of AIDS Memory UK

AIDS Memory UK is a network that aims to honour and commemorate the memory of those that have lost their lives as a result of HIV and AIDS, linking the constellation of local memorials across the UK. They also highlight the profound impact of HIV and AIDS on the diversity of individuals and British society.

Their story began five years ago, when playwright and HIV campaigner Ash Kotak began the work to create a lasting memorial to those who had passed away of an HIV-related illness. He wanted to act as a reminder that the fight to end AIDS, and the stigma of HIV and AIDS, worldwide continues.

AIDS Memory UK aim to remember those affected in solidarity, not sympathy, and their Memorial offers fundraising and awareness-raising opportunities for HIV and AIDS causes. They have memorials in London, Bournemouth, Brighton, Edinburgh, Manchester, Oxford and Swindon.

Commenting on her role, Professor Catterall said: “The moving spirit behind the Trust is Ash Kotak. After he heard me give a talk about our recent report on Queering Public Space for Building Equality (the LGBTQ+ network in the Construction Industry) he reached out to me and said you’re exactly the kind of person we need on the Trust board. At the time I did not anticipate becoming chair. I was due to talk with Jonathan Cooper about my role on the board on 20 September. Regrettably, two days earlier, Jonathan collapsed and died of a stroke. Jonathan was an astonishing and much-loved man who achieved so much good in his all too short life. It is an incredible honour to take up this task and asked to help see this work through to completion in a way which would make Jonathan proud.

“The Trust has identified a site and is now starting on the planning process. Simultaneously, the hard task of commissioning the memorial and raising the funds to pay for it looms. I am under no illusions about the challenges ahead, but I relish them.”

Find out more about AIDS Memory UK.