A charity in Coventry & Warwickshire is calling on local businesses and individuals to join in a Guinness World Record attempt to mark this year’s World AIDS Day (December 1st). HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), which has a centre on Manor Road, is aiming to raise awareness of HIV by creating the world’s longest string of bunting.

To break the world record, currently held by the Fairtrade Foundation (UK), THT’s staff and volunteers need to create a string of bunting measuring 3,428 metres (2.1 miles). To help achieve this impressive feat, THT has invited schools, church groups, and community organisations from across Coventry & Warwickshire to contribute shorter lengths of bunting, using a standardised template for the triangular flags.

Flags can be decorated in any style, although participants are encouraged to incorporate red ribbons (the global symbol of World AIDS Day) somewhere in the design. The bunting will be assembled, and its final length verified for the record attempt, on Thursday December 1st.

Lynne Haste from THT in Coventry said: “World AIDS Day is a time to remember those who have died and also to celebrate the lives of those living with HIV today. Next year, there will be over 100,000 people with HIV in the UK, so it’s vital we continue to raise awareness. We’re very excited about our attempt, and hope people from across the city will help Coventry & Warwickshire to smash the current world record.”

World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. THT’s theme for World AIDS Day this year is ‘Stand Up, Stand Out’

Anyone is welcome to contribute a length of bunting for the attempt. For more information, or to request a flag template, please call THT’s Coventry centre on (024) 76 229 292, or email info.coventry@tht.org.uk.

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Notes to Editor

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk.