1996 - Death of a Gay Cornishman
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| Andrew Roger Smith (1967 -1996) |
Dec 20th 1996: Lidbury’s partner Andrew Roger Smith died age 29yrs.
Andrew passed away at his home in the arms of his partner Malcolm Lidbury.
Dec 96: Western Morning News 'Red Ribbon Day'
Jan 97: National LGBT Pink Paper 'Cornish Fighter Dies'
Jan 97: Packet Newspapers 'Death of AIDS campaigner'
Jan 97: Packet Newspapers 'Over 200 attend funeral'
Jan 97: West Briton 'HIV campaigner dies at 29 yrs'
Jan 97: West Briton 'SMITH'
Feb 97 Positive Times 'Andrew Smith'
On Christmas Day 1996 following the death of Andy just five days earlier, Lidbury, Andy’s parents & family sat down to a sombre Christmas dinner together.
A neighbour informed the family there were pages of Christmas Day tribute to Andy on both CEEFAX & TELETEX on the television.
Youtube video:- Cornwall Pride in Cornish Gay Boy
Jan 97: Packet Newspapers
1997: following the HIV/AIDS related death of Andrew Roger Smith, Lidbury posthumously won on behalf of his former partner a public apology at an inquiry held at Truro Cornwall County Hall from Cornwall County Council for adverse treatment and failure to deliver statutory care to Andrew as a gay HIV/AIDS sufferer.
As Cornwall council had denied Andy the right to be heard whilst he was still alive, Lidbury had taken Andrews ashes into the Council Chambers for the purposes of the inquiry.
Apr 97: Western Morning News 'AIDS man let down by system'
Apr 97: West Briton 'Posthumous apology'
Lidbury: "They refused Andy the right to come here when he was alive,
so I brought him along now he's dead"
Apr 97: West Briton
Apr 97: Cornishman Newspaper
NB: If you have concerns regarding HIV/AIDS or your sexual health in Cornwall
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"Dear Andy,
I took an oath, along with everyone who attended your funeral to continue to combat & challenge HIV/AIDS discrimination & gay prejudice.....well, I'm still keeping my oath" - Lidbury 2015
