A councillor said it 'felt like a death sentence' as he opened up about his suicidal thoughts after being diagnosed with HIV. Rossendale Labour councillor Steve Hughes told of how he was even called 'dirty', 'unclean' and a 'death spreader' by others.
But now, Coun Hughes says he is 'living proof' that progress in medicine and other changes mean people with HIV can live long and happy lives and raised the importance of spreading awareness both in the UK and overseas, LancsLive reports.
He described his own personal experiences and emotions, from despair to hope, at the latest full meeting of Rossendale Borough Council. It came as all political parties unanimously supported a motion calling for a range of publicity and activity to support World AIDS Day and awareness of HIV issues.
