GYM CLASS HEROES frontman TRAVIS MCCOY was inspired to become an ambassador for an AIDS charity after losing a loved one to the disease.

McCoy is currently serving as a spokesperson for the Staying Alive foundation, which aims to teach young adults around the world about preventing HIV and AIDS.

And he admits he joined the cause in honour of a pal who died after contracting the deadly virus.

He tells NME.com, “One of the reasons (for becoming ambassador) was because when I was younger I had someone really close to me die from AIDS. So if there was ever a charity that I wanted to invest the little bit of time that I do have off in it’s definitely Staying Alive.”

As part of his work with the foundation, McCoy recently visited South Africa, India and the Philippines to meet patients suffering with AIDS - an experience that inspired him to write new song One At A Time.

He adds, “When it came down to writing the song I was just really introspective and looking back on some of the things that I learned. The trip was all in the span of about 11 days. Ten flights and three different countries. It was kind of a lot to take in in such a short amount of time, but it was so inspiring to meet all these people who are faced with so much adversity, but who overcome that and use what they’ve learned to help others…

“I feel strongly that there’s power in numbers. I’m just one person, but hopefully this song… will be a conduit and show people that they can do just as much, if not more, than I did.”

Proceeds from sales of the track, which will be released on World AIDS Day (01Dec09), will go to the Staying Alive charity.