An annual David Bowie fundraising night for HIV / sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is to celebrate its 11th anniversary at The Water Rats in London on Saturday, June 24 from 6pm.
The event, which has raised £50,000 for the charity over the last decade, returns to London this June with live music from Kevin Armstrong (Bowie/Iggy), The Bowie Contingent, Paul Henderson solo acoustic, Monica Frank, Clare Hirst (Bowie Live Aid) and Molly Barnes.
On the night there will also be an auction and a raffle of Bowie collectable memorabilia.
Liz Cooper, who organises the event with friends, said: “I first heard of Terrence Higgins Trust in the 1980s after I saw that awful advert with the headstone about HIV/AIDS. A friend at the time was a nurse who’d studied HIV in Uganda, then returned to work in London with HIV patients, so I knew a little about the virus.
“I chose to start fundraising because of my friend Jim who passed away, and to keep him in our memories. Sadly he wasn’t treated very well, the stigma at the time in the 1980s was shocking due to ignorance.
“The first Bowie event was a one off to raise some money. Jim was a big fan and there was a David Bowie exhibition on at the time so I thought “let’s get a group together”. It went so well that the following year everyone wanted another one, and the annual event was born!
“My top tip is that every little helps, you can change someone’s life by fundraising, it’s not as difficult as you think. I’m not an event planner and it takes a bit of hard work, but it’s fun (especially the adrenaline on the night!). To raise money is a great feeling – anybody can do it, with a little time and organisation.
“Seeing people enjoy themselves and bidding in the auction is amazing, as well as to have the support from Jim’s family. A personal message from David Bowie himself when he was alive was pretty extraordinary!
“I stay motivated by always having a goal – the first year was £2,000 and the aim of everyone having a great time while remembering Jim. I never ever thought in my wildest dreams we would raise £50,000 over the years!
“It’s very humbling to think that through this event everyone has come together and bought a ticket that has helped change someone’s health and their lives. It’s such a good cause, to think that transmissions of HIV in the UK could be stopped by 2030 is mind-blowing.”
11th Annual David Bowie fundraiser for Terrence Higgins Trust takes place at The Water Rats, 328 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8BZ on Saturday, June 24 from 6pm.
For tickets, CLICK HERE
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