This year all Sussex Beacon Charity Relay proceeds will go towards their formula milk programme, providing free formula milk to mothers living with HIV.

Sussex Beacon statement on the service:

“Breast milk is one of the ways in which the HIV virus can be transmitted. HIV treatment can lead to an undetectable viral load (U=U), meaning the risk of HIV transmission to the baby is less than 1 in 1000. However, the potential risk is still there, so the choice whether to breast feed or not should be up to the mother.

The Sussex Beacon wants to support all women in making their own choice about how to feed their babies. We aim to help inform them of all their options and, alongside the Lawson Unit’s Women’s Sunflower Clinic team, led by Professor Yvonne Gilleece, support them in accessing holistic advice. For example, if someone does choose to breast feed, we can provide a medical grade pump, however this costs us £47 a month. If the mother decides not to breast feed we can provide formula milk and sterilising equipment, which costs us around the same amount. This support is not available through the NHS, so often we are the only resource available for new mums."

This is a vital component of the services that they provide and demand has increased drastically since the pandemic. By supporting the Sussex Beacon you will be supporting those in Brighton who really need the help.