Messages of support pour in for comic Scott
Funnyman overwhelmed by support after revealing he has HIV
Messages of support have poured in for Rutherglen comic Scott Agnew after he revealed he was suffering from HIV in last week’s Reformer.
The funnyman, who is currently performing at the Edinburgh Festival, found out the news last year, and is currently taking one pill a day for treatment.
After sharing the story on his Facebook page, friends and fans have commended him for speaking about his condition.
And in a heartfelt Facebook message, he said: “Well, you get some days that change your life, I don’t know if this was one of them. A particular day in the past certainly was.
“If I’d known just how great and lovely everyone would be as they have been today I’d have been less afraid.
“I can’t even begin to thank and respond to everyone who has got in touch and sent messages. You have no idea how much it means.
“At some of the dark times coming back to do the Fringe was all that kept me going.
“Reviews and sell outs and whatever else is lovely, but the real prize is the people and their stories and realising how important people and words and stories are. “Thank you for all your words and stories.” Among those to pay tribute was former leader of Glasgow City Council Steven Purcell who said: “One of the most decent men I know.”
And well-known comic Janey Godley wrote: “I love you more than words can express, always have always will my beautiful boy.”
Many commended Scott for battling the stigma attached to HIV. One person wrote: “All power to you, Scott, you’ve done an amazing thing for yourself but also for others in Scotland living with or affected by HIV. What a total star. Much love and thanks, proud to know you.”
And Rutherglen businessman Malcolm Macaskill said: “You’ll be surprised the amount of people out there that care for you Scott.
“People you might have previously regarded as just acquaintances care deeply for your wellbeing. It perhaps just takes tough times for them to demonstrate it.
“You’re surrounded with enormous love and support.”
Scott, who has received support from the Terrance Higgins Trust since his diagnosis, is currently performing I’ve Snapped My Banjo String, We Need To Talk, at the Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh until August 29.