Olly Alexander becomes patron of the Sussex Beacon

Award-winning singer, songwriter and BAFTA-nominated actor Olly Alexander has become a patron of Brighton-based HIV charity the Sussex Beacon. 

In August last year, Olly announced he would be joining Team Beacon to run for the Sussex Beacon at this year’s Brighton Half Marathon, the charity’s largest fundraising event. Olly ultimately started the entire race, before setting off with other Team Beacon runners.

By becoming a patron of the Beacon, Olly will be helping raise awareness of the Sussex Beacon, provide support via fundraising activities, introduce the charity to new audiences and community sectors, as well as support the Beacon’s mission in other ways. 

Commenting on the news, Olly said “I feel so privileged to be a patron of the wonderful Sussex Beacon. I’ve truly fallen in love with the amazing team and the service users I’ve met. The Beacon’s work is so vital to the community, I’m excited and deeply proud to be supporting them, especially alongside the incredible Jill Nalder.”

Rachel Brett, CEO of the Sussex Beacon, said “We are delighted that Olly has become a patron of the Sussex Beacon. The power of his role in It’s a Sin should not be underestimated; the series shone a powerful light on a terrible injustice to people who were diagnosed with HIV and dying from AIDS-related illnesses. The associated trauma and stigma are still very much a legacy endured by people living with HIV today.

She added “We are particularly proud that Olly, as an LGBTQ+ activist, will be supporting us to tackle health inequalities, as we evolve our specialist hospice offer to LGBTQ+ patients, alongside our care and support for people living with HIV.  With patrons such as Olly, the Sussex Beacon can continue to lead the way in providing inclusive and affirming care, to those who are the most marginalised in our communities”.

Olly is in excellent company with Jill Nalder OBE, the inspiration behind It’s A Sin, becoming a patron of the Sussex Beacon in March 2021.