www.m2m.org – 3rd October, 2013

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, campaigner and activist, Annie Lennox, performed at an exclusive event on Thursday, October 3, to support mothers2mothers vital work in sub-Saharan Africa, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

The intimate event was held at One Marylebone, London at 7pm in partnership with GUCCI as the Headline Sponsor. Ms. Lennox, whose peerless music career and tireless charity work has been widely praised and recognised with prestigious awards and honours headlined the evening, hosted by the internationally acclaimed actor Richard E. Grant, and successful author, broadcaster and businesswoman Muriel Gray.

Speaking about his involvement, Richard E. Grant said, “The ground-breaking Mentor Mother programme devised by mothers2mothers is a simple, but very effective way preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. I’m delighted to be a part of this very special evening and to support mothers2mothers as they strive to expand this vital work and reach more mothers.”

As the evening’s title sponsor Gucci’s Frida Giannini added; “As part of our ongoing commitment to organisations that help to empower girls and women in the areas of health, education and justice, Gucci is proud to support mothers2mothers.”

The evening raised over £300,000 through its silent auction of mothers2mothers projects in sub-Saharan Africa and a live auction assisted by Richard E Grant and chaired by Bonham’s. Most notably, an exclusive lot of the handwritten signed lyrics of ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Annie Lennox’s went for an estimated £40,000. Additionally, one-of-a-kind hand written and signed lyrics by Bono, Sting and Chris Martin of Coldplay were also part of the special auction lots. These funds will be used to expand mothers2mothers groundbreaking Mentor Mother programme across sub-Saharan Africa: saving lives by preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV; empowering mothers living with HIV; and supporting livelihoods.