Elton John donates £815k to coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund to protect people with HIV

SIR Elton John has pledged £815,000 ($1million) to a coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund to protect those living with HIV.

The 73-year-old music icon took to Instagram today to announce that his foundation was launching the fund to make sure no HIV patient is left behind while the COVID-19 pandemic grips the globe.

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In the video, the performer read out a statement to his 2.8million followers and explained how the fund will help those in need.

He began: "Hi this is Elton and I'm so pleased to announce that my foundation is a launching a new COVID-19 Emergency Fund today.

"For almost 30 years, my foundation has prioritised the most vulnerable people to HIV to end the aids epidemic and we're committed to this amid the COVD-19 crisis too.

"Distributing medicines, testing and preventive treatment is not as simple as it was a few weeks ago so our new COVID-19 emergency fund will help frontline partners to prepare for and respond to the pandemic and it's effects on HIV prevention and care for the most marginalised communities.

Adding: "We must keep up momentum or else the results could be disastrous for people living with HIV and other infectious diseases. We're with you, we're thinking of you, we will not leave anyone behind".

The award-winning musician echoed the same sentiments in the caption of the video which read: "Today, I’m proud to announce that my Foundation @EJAF is launching a $1million COVID-19 Emergency Fund to make sure that our frontline partners can respond to the effects of COVID-19 on HIV care for the most marginalised communities around the world.

"Now and always, I’m committed to not leave anyone affected by HIV behind. Click on the link in my bio for more info.

"Sending love to all of our Foundation’s partners, grantees, supporters, frontline workers and members of our community during this time."

Elton previously mentioned his fund while appearing on Miley Cyrus' Bright Minded live-stream last night.

The Rocket Man hitmaker admitted he was concerned HIV/Aids suffers would be hit with a "double whammy" due to the strain on the health service.

Elton is self-isolating in Los Angeles with his husband David Furnish and their two sons, Zachary, nine, and Elijah, seven.

As well as pledging money to his HIV/Aids charity, Elton has also played a huge part in raising money to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

He hosted the iHeart Living Room Concert For America last Sunday, which raised more than $8 million dollars in donations earmarked to Feeding America and the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

The event saw a plethora of stars including Mariah Carey, Lizzo, Backstreet Boys, Camila Cabello and boyfriend Shawn Mendes performing from the comfort of their homes.

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