Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including seven number ones in the UK and nine in the US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997", rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts. He has also produced records and occasionally acted in films. John owned Watford F.C. from 1976 to 1987 and from 1997 to 2002. He is an honorary life president of the club.
HIV testing increased in “hugely significant” step towards finding undiagnosed cases
The government has announced opt-out blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C will be rolled out to a further 46 accident and emergency departments (A&E) across England.
This is part of its pledge to eradicate new HIV cases in England by 2030. Ahead of a speech by Sir Elton John at an event in Parliament on 29 November, Victoria Atkins, Health Secretary, announced that the new £20 million programme would lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Opt-out blood testing has been trialled for 18 months within 34 A&Es across London, Greater Manchester, Sussex and Blackpool – all of which were identified by the NHS as areas with a “very high” prevalence of HIV.
As a result of the trial 3,500 cases of the three bloodborne infections and 580 HIV cases have been identified since April 2022, according to NHS figures.
