When I was diagnosed with HIV in 2006, the first people I called were the Terrence Higgins Trust. Their advice and guidance for the scared, vulnerable, 19 year old me provided comfort, reassurance and support that I wasn’t alone.

From that point, it has been a charity close to my heart.

In the years since my own diagnosis, I have worked hard to show that being HIV+ is no barrier to having great adventures and a full life. 

For some of my past challenges I’ve raced around London, worked in South Africa on a community medical and HIV awareness programme and trekked along the Great Wall of China.

This year the Terrence Higgins Trust are running three 10k Ribbon Walks in Glasgow, London and Brighton highlighting the importance of HIV testing.

Testing is key to ending HIV transmissions. The sooner people know their status, the quicker they can get on to treatment. Effective treatment helps people to live long, healthy lives with HIV and means they can't pass the virus on. 

But why would I do just one walk when I can challenge myself and do all three! Because if you want to talk the talk about supporting people living with HIV you’ve got to walk the walk, right?

Throughout April, I’ll be in Brighton on the 3rd for the first walk, Glasgow on the 10th for the second and in London on the 24th for the third.

Three walks in three cities and 30k in total.

By walking with Terrence Higgins Trust we can provide vital HIV self tests. Every pound raised moves us closer to ending new cases of HIV by 2030.

Together we can show support for people living with HIV, help end transmissions and remember those we have lost.

I’m hoping to raise at least £450 (£150 per walk!), but no matter how much you are able to give, it will all help. Let’s aim high:

- £5 could pay for 20 packs of condoms for our outreach teams to give out, along with advice, support and education around HIV.

- £15 could cover the cost of an HIV self test kit. The sooner people know their status, the quicker they can get access to medication and support to live full and healthy lives.

- £150 could provide training and development for one new speaker for Positive Voices – a community project where people living with HIV share their stories to raise awareness and stop stigma.

- £500 could fund 50 calls to THT Direct, a valuable lifeline that helps nearly 20,000 vulnerable people each year.

- £5,000 could pay for 210 online counselling sessions to support people living with or affected by HIV.

Please sponsor me, or donate now. Every donation represents support, for me, for the charity and for those living with HIV.

Thank you.

Steve x


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Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity. We support people living with HIV, amplify their voices, and help the people using our services to achieve good sexual health.