Sussex LGBTQ+ people remembered in Loved and Lost list

As part of the city’s festivities, we wanted to remember those who made a difference for the community in Brighton and around Sussex.

Tributes from readers flooded in from friends, families and co-workers.

Below are those who were paid tribute to.

Andrea Regard

Andrea died in May 1991, two months after his 26th birthday (Image: Harry Hillery)

Andrea Philippe Regard was a Brazilian florist who lived in Brighton, who acted as a mentor for his close friend Harry Hillery as he navigated his way through the gay scene for the first time.

Harry said: “His big brown eyes and one-liners made him an instant hit with everyone. He was a gorgeous human being who I warmed to instantly.”

However, Andrea sadly passed away from Aids-related illness at Hove General Hospital just two months after his 26th birthday.

Harry said: “His boyish good looks and olive skin faded like fabric left out in the sun as Aids-related illness asset-stripped his body.

“I think of him every day, and it’s natural for me to look up at the sky to say hello. 

“He’s the kestrel hovering by the roadside, the jet trail hexagram, the crescent moon.”

Paul Tay

Paul Tay, Romany's close friend who died from Aids in 1992 (Image: Romany Mark Bruce)

Brighton sculptor Romany Mark Bruce paid tribute to his “best friend and soulmate” Paul Tay, who died more than 30 years ago and inspired the creation of the Aids Memorial in Kemp Town.

Romany said that he met Paul while at university, but it wasn’t until they met again in Earl’s Court three years later that they got to know each other properly.

He said: “We became soulmates, very close friends and partners for a while. We were inseparable.

“I have never needed to hold onto the date of his death, and I am not sure I remember it, as there is rarely a day when he does not occupy my thoughts. He is always with me.”

Matty Sheldrick

Matty Sheldrick with his dog, Lola - who was his pride and joy (Image: George Davin)

Matty Sheldrick was described as “an incredibly kind, funny and talented artist and poet” by his friend George Davin.

Matty, who lived in Hove, loved the sea and walking along the beach with his beloved dog, Lola. He also went to many gigs in Brighton, with a particular love of ska and punk music.

He sadly died at the age of 29, a day before Trans Day of Remembrance and a month before his 30th birthday.

George said: “Matty was gone far too soon after an underfunded and under-resourced mental health system failed to protect him when he needed their help most.

“His family, friends and community miss him dearly.”

Father Marcus Riggs

Father Marcus Riggs founded the charity Open Door in 1988, which offered a place of sanctuary for people living with and affected by HIV, as well as providing meals for people five days a week.

When a specialist HIV ward opened at Hove General Hospital in 1990, Marcus was chosen for chaplaincy and offered spiritual and emotional support to many.

He died of an Aids-related illness in July 1998.

Marcus’s work is continued by Gary Pargeter, who worked as a chef at Open Door and set up Lunch Positive in 2010.

Gary said: “Father Marcus was a well-loved part of the community, making a difference to hundreds of lives.”

Mark Sheehan

Mark Sheehan (Image: Graham Sheehan)

Graham Sheehan paid tribute to his son Mark, who died at the age of 44 two years ago.

Mark, who lived in Portslade, was described as being “central to bringing people together” and enjoyed Brighton’s social life and his wide circle of friends.

Graham said: “He also found enjoyment and satisfaction from running, participating in weekly park runs, half-marathons, and the Brighton marathon on a couple of occasions for local charities.

“However you met Mark, you meant something important and were special to him. His life was about celebration and he packed a lot of it into his short life with us.”

Mark was also happily married to husband Martin for nearly ten years.

“Always loved, sadly missed, forever young,” Graham said.

Gordon Mcphail

Gordon Mcphail was a GP in Whitehawk at the beginning of the HIV/Aids pandemic in Brighton and looked after patients with the virus at the Claude Nichol Clinic.

He was also a trustee of the Sussex Aids Trust and helped launch a £2.5 million appeal in 1989 to build a hospice in Bevendean.

Sue Dumps was a district nurse who worked with Gordon and said: “He became known as the most knowledgeable, caring and skilled doctor for positive people.”

Gordon sadly died of Aids-related pneumonia in 1991 at the age of 34. His dream of a hospice in Bevendean was realised when the Sussex Beacon in 1992.

“It was a privilege to work with him,” Sue said.

Mikel Kelly

Mikel Kelly getting ready for Pride (Image: Dex Bailey)

Coming from a religious family, Mikel Kelly faced a challenge when he came out, but he lived his life to the full and had a passion to challenge injustice.

His former partner Dex Bailey said: “Unashamed and determined, he lived his life to the full and never missed an opportunity to instigate thought and discussion about the politics of LGBTQ+ issues.

“He could engage the most dispassionate members of our community in thought-provoking discussions about the need and importance to challenge injustice in all walks of live.

“He had a knack of making political thought engaging and entertaining.

“He sadly passed away in February and is sorely missed by many.”

Arthur Law

Arthur Law was a local LGBTQ+ activist, described as being at the “forefront of the HIV movement locally”, as well as many other projects and organisations.

Gary Pargeter paid tribute to Arthur, who died in 2018.

He said: “Arthur was well known as a long-standing and impactful community activist, one at the forefront of the HIV movement locally, LGBTQ+ rights movements, projects and organisations.

“An active volunteer, Arthur gave much to his community and beyond.”

Robert Apps

Robert Apps (Image: Robert Apps)

Robert Apps was a former member of the Sussex Gay Liberation Front (SGLF) and one time managed a small Tesco store next to the Bulldog pub in St James's Street.

His close friends Doug Coupe and Joe Knight said that Bob helped form the SGLF, holding regular meetings at the Stamford Arms in Preston Circus.

His friends said: "Bob was a very brave man and had many difficult confrontations to overcome, not least to say dealing with local authority representatives who did not conceal their disapproval of gay people.

"He certainly contributed to their development of the more liberal attitude which we enjoy today and often many take for granted.

"Young people who take so much for granted should be grateful for the work people like Bob and others did all those years ago, giving their energy and talents to fight for a better gay life."