In a warm and engaging conversation, two venerable patrons of Mildmay - rock and roll legend Sir Cliff Richard OBE and Anglican priest and celebrated broadcaster Canon Roger Royle - reflect on their enduring support for Mildmay and its pioneering work.
Sir Cliff and Canon Roger came together in September 2024 to celebrate the naming of the London Overground lines by the Mayor of London and Transport for London in an initiative to enhance navigation on the transport network while also celebrating the rich and diverse history of the capital.
Sir Cliff Richard shares fond memories of his remarkable career, which began with a childhood dream of becoming a famous singer. His musical influences, including icons like Elvis, the Everly Brothers, and Little Richard, pushed him to pursue a career in rock and roll. But beyond his stardom, Sir Cliff demonstrates his commitment to Mildmay as he recalls his support for the hospital over the years.
Our two distinguished patrons reflect on the early days of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and discuss Mildmay’s pioneering role in HIV/AIDS care and the incredible contribution of Diana, Princess of Wales in challenging the stigma surrounding HIV. Her visits to Mildmay in the late 1980s and 1990s were transformative, humanising the illness in the eyes of the public and showing compassion to patients who often felt isolated and ostracised. Sir Cliff shares a touching memory from that time, recalling a dinner with Princess Diana, where her warmth and down-to-earth nature shone through!
The video also highlights the recent naming of the Mildmay line, which recognises the hospital’s groundbreaking work during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 90s, its ongoing support for LGBTQI+ communities, and its 160-year legacy of care in East London. This tribute stands as a symbol of Mildmay’s continued impact on the health and well-being of the people it serves.
Join Sir Cliff and Canon Roger in celebrating this monumental achievement for Mildmay and in paying tribute to the extraordinary work of those who have been part of its journey over the years.
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