“HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them hug heaven knows they need it” Diana Princess of Wales.
On 31st August 2017 we marked 20 years since the untimely death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Princess has a special place in the heart and history of Mildmay and we wanted to mark this important anniversary in the best way we possibly could. A simple thanks giving service, followed by afternoon tea in the garden of our hospital seemed the perfect tribute. We also decided to honour her legacy by presenting four ‘Diana Awards’ to staff, celebrating and reflecting many of the qualities she championed and embodied.
Tea in Mildmay’s beautiful courtyard garden
The day dawned bright, blue skies banishing the rain of the preceding few days. In the afternoon around 200 supporters and friends gathered together to share memories, pay their respects and celebrate her all too short life. It was also an opportunity to hold in thought and prayer her family, especially her sons HRH Prince William and HRH Prince Harry.
Diana, Princess of Wales meets Kevin on her 2nd visit to Mildmay Hospital
The Princess touched the hearts of so many people and her impact on Mildmay was immeasurable She offered her support in such a powerful way at a time when it was so badly needed, shining a light on our work and on HIV at a time when the cloud of judgement and stigma darkened so many lives. Today her legacy lives on through the causes she championed and through her sons who have used their own influence to bring change.
Wayne Sleep shares his memories with host Canon Roger Royle and our guests
Canon Roger Royle hosted the event with his usual perfect balance of humour and compassion. We were also joined by Wayne Sleep who so memorably danced with Diana, Princess of Wales in a private performance at the Royal Ballet in 1985.
Wayne Sleep and Diana, Princess of Wales dancing to Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl.
“The audience gasped when Diana appeared, as if they’d all taken one enormous breath.”
Moving tributes were also given by the past chair of Mildmay, Helen Taylor-Thompson OBE, and photographer Chris Wood, who joined the Princess when she visited patients at Mildmay. Actor Nigel Osner, gave a reading and Soprano Sally Harrison, performed Fauré – Pie Jesu, an opportunity for quiet reflection as her voice soared bringing stillness and beauty .
The Mildmay Patient Choir sang “Goodbye English Rose ” written by Sir Elton John especially for Diana, Princess of Wales, performed by him for the first time at her funeral.
Linda Robson ( Birds Of A Feather, Loose Women) then presented the Diana Awards to members of staff
Mildmay Hospital Princess Diana 20th year memorial service, Tab Centre – 31Aug17
Linda Robson presents Diana Awards to staff
It was a moving and uplifting day, as Ross White Chief Executive of Mildmay said
“ As well as looking back on an extraordinary life, today we also honour the strength and courage that the Princess inspired. Like so many, Mildmay still benefits from her legacy. She helped to give courage during tough times and hi-lighted and brought strength to our work. Most recently her son, Prince Harry came to open our new hospital breathing fresh life into the challenge to raise HIV awareness and combat stigma. We believe the Princess would be proud to see our work today as we reach out to so many in great need, providing treatment, care and rehabilitation for people with complex and severe HIV associated health conditions, including brain impairment. Our work in the UK means that 85% of our UK patients return to independent living within the community on discharge from Mildmay. In East Africa we reach over 106,000 people living with and affected by HIV.”
Diana, Princess of Wales championed causes that represented some of the most vulnerable members of our society, inspired change and broke down barriers and stigma. The compassion, love and joy she brought into the lives of so many will live on – this is surely the greatest tribute of all.
