Mildmay Hospital were proud to co-present the Attitude Legacy Award, accepted by HRH Prince Harry on behalf of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at a star studded ceremony at The Roundhouse in London on Thursday 12th October.
The award presented by Julian La Bastide, a former nurse at Mildmay Hospital, and Ian Walker a former senior Occupational Therapist at The London Lighthouse, recognised the impact the Princess made through her work that challenged the fear, stigma and lack of understanding that surrounded HIV.
HRH Prince Harry Julian La Bastide and Ian Walker at The Attitude Awards
Julian La Bastide, remembers some of the many visits made by Diana, Princess of Wales to patients at Mildmay Hospital during the late 1980’s and 90’s. Many patients at the time were ostracised by family and their community, as well as dealing with loss of livelihood, friends and loved ones. Julian also remembers how well informed and knowledgable the Princess was about HIV, able to talk to patents with real insight and understanding. The Princess offered her support to Mildmay at a time when it was badly needed, hi-lighting their work and changing so many hearts and minds.
The Prince paid tribute to his late mother in a moving speech “…she shone a spotlight on the people and the issues that were often ignored. She knew that AIDS was one of the things that many wanted to ignore and it seemed like a hopeless challenge. She knew that misunderstanding around (HIV) was creating a dangerous situation when mixed with homophobia.” He went on to say “ She was using her position as Princess of Wales, the most famous woman in the world, to challenge everyone to educate themselves, to find their compassion and to reach out to those who needed help instead of pushing them away.”
Ross White, Chef Executive at Mildmay Hospital said “ Diana, Princess of Wales was a great friend to Mildmay. We remember her visits with respect and affection and are ever grateful for her impact, her compassion and her determination to change hearts and minds. On behalf of all those lives she touched we are grateful to have been given the opportunity by Attitude Magazine to play a small part in making such a magnificent tribute to a truly remarkable women”