Thanks to Aston Villa FC for their support this National HIV Testing Week:
Villa players have lent their support to Saving Lives, a national HIV awareness charity based in Birmingham.
Saving Lives are attempting to improve the health of the public and the players are helping to spread the message to fans.
“There are about 25,000 people in the UK who have HIV but don’t know it,” said Villa striker and England international Darren Bent.
“Treatments today are so much better than they were, so if you get diagnosed early you can live a long and healthy life. Taking the test also means you can avoid passing the infection on to others if you have it.”
“It’s a simple test that you can get from your local GP as well as at hospitals and clinics,” said England U21 midfielder Gary Gardner.
“There are a lot of wrong ideas around about HIV, but anyone can have it. Getting tested is the best way to stay safe.”
Darren and Gary will be also appearing on billboards and on the sides of buses with other sporting stars in Birmingham during National HIV Testing Week this week to promote awareness of the charity leading up to World AIDS Day on Saturday December 1.
You can find out more about Saving Lives and see videos and pictures of the Villa stars and other famous Saving Lives ambassadors at www.savinglivesuk.com or on Twitter at@SavingLivesUK.
