AIDSfree: We've come so far in treating HIV - Freddie Mercury could still have been bringing joy to the world: Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas
Music legend Freddie Mercury would live a healthy and happy life and continue to bring joy to the world if he was diagnosed with HIV now, Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy Boynton says.
Boynton, who played the Queen frontman's longtime companion Mary Austin in the biopic, is today delivering the 11th of our 12 Days of Christmas messages in support of the Evening Standard's AIDSfree appeal.
Donations to AIDSfree will help fund the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation to boost awareness about HIV and testing for the virus, as well as offering support and treatment to those who need it.
Boynton said: "I am so honoured to be supporting the Elton John AIDS Foundation and their mission making London and our global cities AIDS free.
"Being part of the Queen story and knowing what Freddie Mercury went through before he died of Aids has really shown me how far we've come in fighting this disease.
"If diagnosed today, Freddie would be on treatment and inevitably giving the world so much joy."
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However, Boynton said this was no reason to be complacent or think the battle had been won.
She continued: "Despite our progress, 1m people died of Aids last year, which means we need to get even better at helping people before they get sick.
"The global goal is to eliminate Aids as a public health threat before the year 2030, which means we have just 11 years to do this.
"So, on this 11th day of Christmas, we would love your support at reaching this monumental target.
"Every donation counts and can help save a life.
"Thank you so much and Merry Christmas for Tuesday."
We have a special message tomorrow to finish off the 12 Days of Christmas.