The UKC Hero Awards 2005
proved a glittering night that rightly honoured those who have worked tirelessly
to fight HIV stigma and support people living with HIV at home and abroad
Words Amanda Elliot
Images Piers Allardyce
The
UKC Hero Awards ceremony at the end of last year proved a truly people-focused
affair. Hundreds turned out at Old Billingsgate, by the river Thames, to celebrate
the commitment of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the fight
against HIV and Aids.Ever-charming TV presenter Gaby Roslin proved the perfect
compere, ensuring events went smoothly and that winners and presenters were
well looked after.She was joined by gorgeous Simon Webbe, of boy band
Blue, whose highly-acclaimed solo album Sanctuary has just gone platinum.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and London Mayor Ken Livingstone sent personal messages
of support for the occasion.Nelson Mandela was awarded the International UKC
Hero Award 2005 which was collected by Janet Kotze, First Secretary of the
South African High Commission.
A beaming Sarah Watson, diagnosed with HIV at 17, picked up the UKC Community
Hero Award for showing bravery beyond her years; talking about her experiences
in schools and to the media and fundraising for HIV charities. Her award came
just days before her 30th birthday on World Aids Day, 1 December. MTV won
the UKC Corporate Hero Award, collected by Georgia Arnold, vice president
of public affairs, MTV Networks International, for its outstanding work in
raising awareness of the global pandemic and HIV education with its global
youth audience. Long-established Tyddyn Bach Trust, in Wales, which has
provided
much-needed respite care and support to thousands living with HIV since 1997,
picked up the UKC National Hero Award. The new Ensuring Positive Futures (EPF)/HIV
in the Workplace Award went to trade unionist Cindy Westcarr, of Unison’s
London Region black members committee, for raising HIV at work from a regional
to national trade union issue.The DoUKCare Hero Award went equally to four
international projects: Grassroots Women’s Development Organisation,
Uganda; TASO; MADaboutART, South Africa, and MonkeyBiz Bead Project, South
Africa.Highlight of the evening was a performance by a group of young kids
from MADaboutART, who stole everyone’s hearts with their fabulous dancing
and irrepressible optimism on and off stage. Other eminent guests included
Namibian High Commissioner Hedwig Kahepako Tjituka; Caroline Guinness and
partner Mark McGann; Susan Elliott, widow of Denholm Elliott and founder
of the Denholm Elliott Trust, and singer and broadcaster
Sadie Nine.
left and right) Joint winners of the DoUKCare award: Township kids from MADaboutART;
ladies from MonkeyBiz (left); Grassroots Women’s Development Organisation
(centre) and TASO (right).
Janet Kotze accepts the International Hero Award on behalf of Nelson Mandela.
Tyddyn Bach Trust accept the National Hero Award from Denholm Elliott’s
widow, Susan.
Inspirational Sarah Watson; UKC Community Hero Award winner
Unison’s Cindy Westcarr lifts the EPF/HIV in the Workplace Award.
Georgia Arnold accepts the corporate award for MTV.
Taking the dancefloor and our hearts by storm, the MADaboutART kids.
UKC chairman Bernard Forbes brandishes a copy of PN to drive home his point.
Sadie Nine (left) and actor Al Pillay
Smooth as silk: the perfect compere, Gaby Roslin.
A smouldering Simon Webbe.
UKC chief executive, Stephen Bitti. Gaby chokes back tears helping one of
the MADaboutART boys have his say
back to
contents - Issue 119
back to top of page
