Mayor unveils living memorial tree
A LIVING memorial has been put in place by Thames Valley Positive Support.
The charity, which helps those affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus, has planted a cherry blossom tree in Christchurch Meadows.
It has planted place of reflection and remembrance for those who have been affected by HIV in Reading, and that the tree can become a symbol of hope, as well as a focus of awareness, for the issue of HIV.
The memorial plaque was unveiled by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, on Wednesday, May 4.
Sarah Macadam, CEO of TVPS, said “We are so proud to bring a living memorial to Reading, a tangible symbol of our history and also a symbol of hope for the future.
“Wanted to create a place people can spend time, pay their respects, remember friends lost along the way and to celebrate how far we have come.
“With advances in medication, living with HIV is no longer the death sentence it used to be.
“We also now have PrEP, a medication that can be taken to prevent HIV transmission, an HIV treatment injection and U=U, which means that if a person is in on effective HIV treatment and they have an undetectable viral load they cannot pass on HIV.”
Thames Valley positive Support has been working with people affected by HIV in Berkshire and North Hampshire since 1985, providing support for those affected, raising awareness of the condition, and providing access to information, testing, and prevention.
Ms Macadam said: “Reading has a high prevalence of HIV and it’s important for us to acknowledge HIV within our community.
“The living memorial will be a lasting tribute for generation after generation to enjoy and keep HIV awareness on the agenda.
“We would like to thank Reading Borough Council for their help with sourcing and planting the tree and to Cllr Rachel Eden for being part of this historical event.”