In 2010, an estimated 91,500 people were living with HIV in the UK. Of these, around a quarter were unaware of their HIV infection and with the infection rate still increasing by approximately 7,000 each year, clearly the safe sex message is still not reaching some sections of society.
Attempting his 3rd London Marathon, and raising £150,000 of essential funds for HIV and AIDS awareness projects for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Jeremy Joseph is most definitely a man on a mission. Completing a major sporting challenge is on many peoples ‘to do’ list, and events like the London Marathon attract thousands of amateurs ever year who rise to the challenge and get sponsored for charity, too.
But to put yourself through the stress, injuries and months of cold winter training in readiness for some 10 hours of pain on a Sunday in April takes true dedication, and when for most of us a marathon weekend involves doing three clubs in Vauxhall, we have nothing but respect and admiration for Jeremy’s selfless and continued efforts to raise awareness and funds in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
“People think as I have done it twice before that my 3rd marathon is a done deal, but after last year when I got quad injuries on the day and have had niggling injuries all through this year’s training, this year I am more nervous and scared than ever. The one thing that makes the most difference on race day is support from the crowd. During the down moments and the monotony of mile-after-mile, the cheering and support from friends and strangers is invaluable in getting through it.
I have to say a huge ‘thank you’ for the phenomenal support I have had over the past 12 months from all the staff and customers at all the G-A-Y venues as well as total strangers who have donated through Just Giving, all the gay press and other venues in and around Soho.
I continue to put myself through this madness every year and run a number of other fund raising events as I am passionate about raising awareness of the increasing number of people infected with HIV. If you look up on marathon day and see my balloons floating overhead, please take a moment to think if you might be one of those that doesn’t know their status, and if you are then get to a clinic like 56 Dean Street and find out in just two minutes.” – Jeremy Joseph
BALLOON FACTS
• WHEN: Sunday 22nd April 2012 from 9.30am
• WHERE: Starting in Greenwich Park in South East London, the route winds it’s way past many of London’s great landmarks and there are loads of opportunities to watch. Full route details are on the website www.virginlondonmarathon.com
• BALLOON RELEASES: To represent the number of people living with HIV in the UK, Jeremy will be making 7 balloon releases along the marathon route with each balloon representing 500 people and each release 13,000 people. A quarter will be coloured ‘red’ to represent the people who are not aware of their status.
• BALLOON RELEASE 1: The Green Start in Greenwich Park with Big Al and the Popcorn crew.
• BALLOON RELEASE 2: The Cutty Sark at 6 miles with the G-A-Y Porn Idol judges.
• BALLOON RELEASE 3: Tower Bridge at 12 miles with the lovely G-A-Y security team.
• BALLOON RELEASE 4: Canary Wharf at 18 miles where the QX Towers Massive with gather with Champagne and smoked salmon (cus we is classy init).
• BALLOON RELEASE 5: The White Swan Pub at 21 miles where Liam and his team are organising a whole day charity event and will be joined by the G-A-Y flyer boys.
• BALLOON RELEASE 6: Big Ben at 25 miles with the managers form all G-A-Y venues to bring the message straight to Parliament that more needs to be done to stop the spread of this incurable disease.
• BALLOON RELEASE 7: The Finish Line at 26 miles where Jeremy will release the final set of balloons marking all 91,500 people in the UK.
If you can make it to one of the above spots on the route then come join the party and look out for a large group of gay supporters under a sea of balloons. If you can’t make it along, please think of donating just a few pounds or even the cost of a single drink because every pound really does count :
www.justgiving.com/G-A-Y or by texting EJAF69 £2 to 70070 – you can change the amount to £1, £3, £5 or £10 to make a donation!
• Words and photos by Chris Jepson
