A prominent figure has become the newest patron of a leading HIV charity.
Olly Alexander, the award-winning singer, songwriter and BAFTA-nominated actor, now supports The Sussex Beacon, a Brighton-based charity that provides specialist care for people living with HIV.
He said: “I feel so privileged to be a patron of the wonderful Sussex Beacon.
“I’ve truly fallen in love with the amazing team and the service users I’ve met.
“The Beacon’s work is so vital to the community.
“I’m excited and deeply proud to be supporting them, especially alongside the incredible Jill Nalder.”
He first connected with the charity publicly in August last year, when he announced he would run the Brighton Half Marathon as part of Team Beacon to support its work.
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Olly started the entire race, before setting off with other Team Beacon runners.
As patron, Olly Alexander will help raise the charity’s public profile, support fundraising efforts and introduce The Sussex Beacon to wider audiences.
Rachel Brett, CEO of The Sussex Beacon, said: “We are delighted that Olly has become a patron of The Sussex Beacon.
“The power of his role in ‘It’s a Sin’ should not be underestimated; the series shone a powerful light on a terrible injustice to people who were diagnosed with HIV and dying from AIDS-related illnesses.
“The associated trauma and stigma are still very much a legacy endured by people living with HIV today.
“With patrons such as Olly, The Sussex Beacon can continue to lead the way in providing inclusive and affirming care, to those who are the most marginalised in our communities.”
He joins Jill Nalder OBE, the inspiration behind It’s A Sin, who became a patron of The Sussex Beacon in March 2021.