Manchester United Footballer Traces Roots And Returns To Volunteer

I'm going to start this post with my whereabouts: I'm across the pond, writing you from London. Why not check in on what's happening with some classy celebs in these parts as I immerse myself in the culture?

While checking out The Sun the other day, I was intrigued by a story about a young chap who's using his heroic reputation as one of England's premier footballers to help those facing a bigger challenge than what he and his team face. Called "The David Beckham before David Beckham" by BBC Sports, Manchester United winger, Ryan Giggs (or "Giggsy" as he's been dubbed by the tabloid) recently completed a thorough genealogy report and learned that his father's grandparents hailed from the African state of Sierra Leone.

Knowing the current state of the war-torn region, he turned to UNICEF, for whom he's an ambassador, and joined the organization on a mission to tour the home of his ancestors. Not only could he continue to trace his roots, he could also spend time raising awareness and promote the prevention of HIV and AIDS. He also took the time to meet with those living with HIV. "You hear all the time that a footballer is brave going into a tackle or going up for a header. That's not bravery," he later told ITV following his visit, "A 21-year-old lad who was telling me that he's HIV positive and that he wants to educate other people, that he wants to help stop it happening to others -- that's bravery."

Giggs is so committed to giving back, he was awarded an honorary Master's Degree for his charity work in developing countries. Recognizing his role as a leader to many youth in England, he's aware of how drastic an impact can be made with his participation: "Maybe some of the people who I've come across who don't believe in HIV or don't want to listen to their teachers -- maybe they'll listen to me."

Photo courtesy of popcrunch.com.