AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
In 1985, four men each spoke on prime time television about their HIV diagnosis and the stigma around it. Speaking publicly challenged misinformation and societal backlash, humanising the struggles of those with HIV and promoting awareness and compassion. Their courage remains crucial in the fight against stigma and in advocating for the rights and respect of those affected by HIV/AIDS, even four decades on.
SZCZOTKO, Adam Paul was born on 13 July 1951 in Bath to parents Jozef Szczotko and Barbara Jozwiak who had married in Bath, Avon the previous year. As their first born Adam was the eldest of three boys, with twin brothers who followed in 1955.
Adam speaks of his time in the bustling landscape of a big American city with a sense of nostalgia tinged with sorrow. Little is known about his journey to the United States or what ultimately led him back to his hometown of Bath. What is clear, however, is that his return was marked by profound challenges; he faced the harsh reality of living with AIDS after being diagnosed with HIV. His appearance on Thames TV's, TV Eye in February 1985 showcased not only his courageous spirit but also his determination to push through the stigma surrounding the illness. Adam’s decision not to be identified in his interview reflected a deep-rooted desire to protect his family from the societal prejudices associated with AIDS, highlighting the difficult balance between the public’s perception of AIDS and his struggle in battling both the stigma and the disease.
Adam took the pseudonym 'John' for his interview on TV Eye, a choice that perhaps resonated deeply with his shared experience with his fellow patient John Lewis. Among the many names Adam could have selected, including his own middle name ‘Paul’, he instead perhaps chose to honour John Lewis, his fellow patient and newfound friend who had tragically passed away just days before filming began.
The significance echoed the profound bond formed in the isolation ward at Ham Green, where Adam, John, and Aled Richards had spent a prolonged period together, although sadly Aled had died prior to filming. We can only speculate that by assuming this pseudonym, Adam not only paid tribute to his departed friend but also highlighted the fragility of life and the connections forged in shared suffering.
Adam sadly passed away on 28 April 1985 at the age of 33. Following his death, he was cremated on 3 May 1985, and his ashes were subsequently interred on 19 May 1985, marked by a memorial stone that commemorates his life and legacy. The stone serves as a poignant reminder of his presence, encapsulating the memories cherished by family and friends alike.
BLYTH, Andrew William Menzies was born on 18th April 1957 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire to parents William Blyth and Eileen Menzies who announced his arrival 2 days later in the local newspaper.
Lincolnshire Echo 20 April 1957
Very little is known about Andrew Blyth's early life, marked by the loss of his father, William Blyth, who passed away in 1970 at the age of 43 in Fife, Scotland.
Andrew first appears in the Lincolnshire Echo in 1980, where he pleads guilty to obtaining clothing by deception. His plea appears more to acknowledge the receipt of goods on credit than a full admission of guilt, hinting at an oversight rather than deliberate wrongdoing. The article notes that Andrew had returned to England from a globe-trotting adventure in Canada, raising questions about the privileges of travel experienced by those his age in the late 1970s and early 1980s. One might speculate whether settling a clothing account was a priority for him when weighed against the allure of exploration. The absence of a follow-up story suggests that the incident did not escalate into a more significant scandal, likely resulting in a court order for him to repay the outstanding amount and costs.
Andrew next appears in a small classified advert advertising his furnishing and design business, with contact details linking him to the Oxford House Guest House at 8 Pool Valley, Brighton. This connection was highlighted by the Sunday Mirror on 15 December 1985, which reported that Andrew had sold the guest house and moved to Paris for experimental HIV treatment. While the exact nature of the ownership remains uncertain, there is a strong suspicion that the Guest House was owned by his friend and lover Edward ‘Eddie’ Buckely, who died shortly after arriving in Paris from AIDS-related complications. This link between the Guest House and Andrew's burgeoning career as an interior designer reveals a fascinating juxtaposition of personal and professional realms, illustrating the complexities of his journey.
As Andrew himself underwent the experimental HIV Treatment, HPA23 he spoke to BBC’s Panorama programme which aired on 2nd December 1985.
There was no follow up by the BBC on Andrew’s treatment in Paris. But with a bit of patience we found Andrew had sadly passed away at his home on 4th December 1986, aged 29.
AYRES, William Robert was born on 5th January 1948 in Woolwich, London to parents William Ralf Ayres and Barbara Cook who had married in Lambeth, London in 1946.
Bill’s first appearance in the press was a revealing account published by The Daily Telegraph on 7th January 1970, Corporal William Ayres faces a court martial that puts the spotlight on his conduct within the Army. At just twenty-two years of age, Ayres stands accused of multiple charges, including insubordination for addressing his commanding officer as “Mr”, failing to attend morning parade, and neglecting to report for work.
Ayres’s history with the Army traces back to his teenage years, having enlisted as a boy apprentice at fifteen. His commitment to a nine-year service began on his eighteenth birthday, an engagement he had evidently reconsidered. Major Jones, who testified during the court proceedings, stated “He never once used the term ‘sir’ to me. But otherwise his manner was not disrespectful”.
Despite his skills as a radar technician, Ayres had sought to terminate his service early, submitting applications to buy himself out of his obligations, both of which were denied. His discontent and frustration culminated in his defiance; during the court martial, Ayres candidly expressed, “My feelings towards the Army were that they were holding me against my will, when I had done a reasonable amount of service. I just blew my top and decided to refuse to soldier in the hope that the Army would throw me out.”
In 1980, computer engineer Bill, purchased the Bristol nightclub ‘Underground’, which had become known in the local press for its rowdy atmosphere and frequent altercations.
The local press took note, particularly when a burglary at the club led to Bill's admission of overinflating the insurance claim; which saw him charged and brought before the court.
However, it was not until Bill received an AIDS diagnosis that he truly made headlines. Demonstrating remarkable courage, he chose to speak publicly about his condition, the failings of the health system, and the stigma surrounding the disease. Bill became a pivotal figure, being the first person living with AIDS to openly discuss his diagnosis on UK television, a legacy that continues to inspire today.
His brother, John Ayres, revealed in March 2022 that Bill had passed away from liver failure, compounded by AIDS, on 19th January 1986, in Ham Green’s isolation unit. Bill was cremated at Haycombe Crematorium in Bath on 23rd January 1986, with his ashes interred in the garden of remembrance.
“My brother Bill. His surname was Ayres – it seemed unimportant at the time that Thames made a small error with his name. What was important was what he said. When he died at Ham Green Hospital in 1986 things really hadn’t changed that much – even after all the assurances from John Patten!
He died in a small room in the infectious diseases unit attended – in the main – by nurses who felt at risk from him. Never ever saw his Consultant even though we (my parents and myself) asked repeatedly to see him.
Poor Bill – his death from liver failure came as a relief after all his suffering.”
Bill’s brother, John Ayres commenting on Out Stories Bristol
Bill sadly died of AIDS-related complications on 19 January 1986 after returning to the isolation ward at Ham Green Hospital. His estate was valued at £69,508, equivalent to £201,781 as of August 2024, reflecting his financial stability despite the ongoing struggles he faced.
However, the true worth of Bill's legacy lies not in material wealth but in his unwavering courage and determination to speak out about his HIV diagnosis and the inadequate response from the UK Government. Through his advocacy, he illuminated the urgent need for change and awareness during a time of widespread stigma and misinformation, ultimately paving the way for future dialogue and action on HIV/AIDS.
WALKER, Joseph Wade was born on 3rd December 1963 in Waco, Texas to parents Max Hansford Walker and Susan Phyllis McGuire. As was Jo’s identical twin brother, David.
1979: Jo aged 16
Jo’s parents hailed from Kentucky but spent a significant part of their lives in Texas before ultimately deciding to return to their roots. Settling back in Louisville, they raised Jo alongside his twin brother David and their siblings, Tania Michelle and Raymond Walker. All four children attended Doss High School, a familiar institution that served as a backdrop for their formative years.
Jo was last recorded at Doss High School in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1979. It is believed he relocated to London shortly thereafter, though the exact timeline remains unconfirmed. David, a friend of Jo in London revealed Jo was reticent about the reasons for his departure from America, there was an unmistakable weight to his silence, suggesting that whatever prompted his move was both significant and deeply personal.
Seventeen-year-old Jo lands in London at the cusp of the 1980s, a time when the city’s gay scene bursts into vibrant life. As the throbbing pulse of nightlife and underground culture beckons, Jo is drawn into a world of dance, freedom, and self-discovery. Amid the neon lights and pulsating music, friendships spark and romances ignite, but lurking in the shadows are challenges that threaten the burgeoning joy of a community on the brink of change. This is a coming-of-age journey through a decade of transformation, where Jo learns to navigate love, identity, and the complexities of a vibrant yet tumultuous world.
When we made attempts to learn more about Jo, we knew him as the pseudonym ‘Chris Gresham’ that he’d used on BBC’s Panorama in 1985 when courageously talking about his AIDS diagnosis. Having exhausted all research avenues, we were certain ‘Chris’ was not his real name and turned to Facebook group ‘Lost Gay London’. Within an hour of making an appeal, we received a response from David, a friend of Jo who shared insights that began to unravel the layers surrounding his true identity. David recounted anecdotes and memories that painted a picture of Jo’s life in London, albeit short. Each detail served to deepen our understanding, providing context to the courage it took for him to share his story publicly.
“His name was Joe and he passed away in 1987. He lived just off Ladbroke Grove and was a practising Buddhist. His close friend was Philip Langbridge, also a Buddhist, he passed away in 1991 and was commemorated on the AIDS Quilt.
He didn’t want to talk about his family in the US and what had happened to him there. For me, both he and Philip showed such a positive attitude to life which was a real contrast to the fear and stigma prevalent at the time when people with HIV or a diagnosis of AIDS were supposed to be miserable, sick and waiting to die. They attributed this to their Buddhist practice.
I’d never seen the interview [BBC Panorama 1985] until now. It’s brought back some strong feelings seeing Jo. I think that’s the flat on Blenheim Crescent. Philip later swapped flats with Jo so he could have the larger, quieter one with a separate bedroom, as he was more unwell, and a peaceful communal garden, in Lansdowne Road.
Jo showed me some photos from when he was younger and chubby. He gave me the photo above so that I would remember him looking happy as he knew his time was limited. He was a vibrant young man, had a wicked sense of humour, and was a lot of fun. I remember him and Philip because they showed me a different way of understanding HIV/AIDS, they were so compassionate to others and they brought the best out of so many people around them.”
Jo, under the pseudonym Chris Gresham, gained notable attention when he appeared on BBC’s Panorama programme ‘AIDS: The Race for a Cure’ on the 2nd of December, 1985. Thirteen months later, he passed away at the tender age of 23, a devastating loss marked by the presence of his close friend Philip Langridge, who also succumbed to AIDS in 1991. As Philip held Jo’s hand in those final moments, he registered the death, reflecting on Jo’s career as a "Sound Engineer," a title that suggests involvement in media or music. Jo's cause of death was recorded as malabsorption-related complications, indicative of the severe weight loss associated with the later stages of AIDS, where the body struggles to absorb essential nutrients.
Jo’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal toll of the epidemic during a time when understanding and treatment options were still in their infancy. Jo was survived by his parents and siblings including his twin bother David.
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