Congleton Pride holds vigil for World AIDS Day

Congleton Pride invited members of the public to join a short vigil on World AIDS Day, Monday 1st December.

The group lit their candles under umbrellas on a wet night in the Community Garden and spent some time together in reflection. Across the road, the Town Hall flew the World AIDS Day flag.

Participants, including the Congleton Pride team and members of the public, gathered to hear the Rev Murray George reflect on the impact of HIV and AIDS on people all over the world, and the discrimination and abuse many have faced as a result of their diagnosis.

Over 44 million people worldwide have died of HIV/AIDS related illnesses and an estimated 40.8 million people are currently living with HIV, making it one of the largest global public health issues in recorded history. 

Around 113,500  people in the UK are currently living with HIV, but research has shown that almost half feel shame about their diagnosis due to the ongoing stigma they experience. 

In Cheshire East, HIV rates are lower than average overall, but this means that outcomes may be worse because late diagnosis is a problem. Those diagnosed late are ten times more likely to die within one year of diagnosis than those diagnosed promptly.

The Rev Murray George of Congleton URC spoke of the impact of HIV/AIDS, saying:

“After, many years where progress has been made in the worlds response to HIV it feels now that many support services are being put on hold and funding stopped. Many communities across the world face increased risk and diminished assistance.

“However, despite the threats and challenges hope remains. There is still much determination, resilience and innovation in communities who strive to bring about an end to AIDS.

“On this World Aids Day, we remember all who have died as a result of this disease. We recognise the global inequalities in the treatment and care of those living with and dying from AIDS today.

“We give thanks for significant improvements in diagnoses and treatments that have contributed to saving the lives of many people. We honour the courage and passion of campaigners and activists who continue to work in the face of stigma and bigotry.

“We pray that the hopeful target of zero transmissions of this disease by 2030 may still be met.”

Town Councillor and Pride member Kay Wesley thanked the Rev George, saying:

“We live in a world where great progress has been made both in HIV treatments and in LGBTQIA+ rights. But today we see that both are under threat.

“In many parts of the world it is still illegal to live as your true self. In addition, we see international funding to combat HIV through major players like the World Health Organisation being cut, with potentially devastating impact. We will continue to be vigilant in lobbying for better healthcare and fighting for equality.”

Readers can get in touch with Congleton Pride...

on Facebook: @CongletonPride

or at: www.congletonpride.co.uk. 

Congleton Pride Trust formed in 2018 with the mission to make LGBTQIA+ people feel welcome and safe to be open and celebrate who they are in Congleton, and to help the community as a whole understand LGBTQIA+ and stamp out prejudice. Congleton Town had its first Pride event in July 2019 and subsequent Congleton Pride festivals in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Pictured - The group gathers in the rain to listen to Rev Murray George, right.