Staff at Pride in London 2016Staff and friends from the Royal Free London’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) forum took to the streets of London on Saturday 25 June as part of the Pride in London Parade

Pride is the city’s biggest one-day event and was once again attended by more than one million people. It is one of the world’s biggest LGBT celebrations which this year also had events to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Orlando massacre. 

Staff from the trust took part in the annual parade led by Stephen Downer and David Rushton, RFL LGBT forum co-chairs. David said: “The atmosphere in central London was electric with a real sense of coming together in celebration of diversity. The reaction from the crowds was fantastic with many people chanting in support of the NHS as we passed by.  

“After the shocking scenes of violence and hatred inflicted on the LGBT+ community in Orlando, the size of the crowds filling the streets was genuinely moving and affirming. A huge thank you to all of the staff and friends who came along. I think I can say for everyone that we had an amazing day!”

Stephen said: “London Pride was fantastic this year with 27 staff and friends taking part in representing our trust with specially made t-shirts and a banner.” 

If you would like to know more about the RFL LGBT group please email rf.lgbt@nhs.net.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media contacts: rf.mediaenquiries@nhs.net or call 020 7472 6665

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.