Rugby stars don red boxers in order to ‘Stand Up, Stand Out’
Rugby stars and celebrities have lent their support to a campaign which urges the public to help support people living with HIV by wearing red this December.
Harlequins rugby players Karl Dickson, Sam Smith and Seb Stegmann slipped on red boxers for Terrence Higgins Trust’ Stand Up, Stand Out campaign on World AIDS Day.
They join other celebrity supporters including Stephen Fry, Graham Norton and Dermot O’Leary.
Statistics released this week predict that 100,000 people will be living with HIV by the end of this year.
Scrum-half 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.”
THT is asking the public to show just a hint of red over jeans or opt for the “underwear as outerwear” look with a donation of £2.
The campaign aims to generate funds for prevention services and support for people living with the virus.
Supporter Graham Norton said: “This World AIDS Day I’m putting on my most glamorous red underwear to support a wonderful charity, Terrence Higgins Trust.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
X Factor presenter and radio host 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?”
