I set up HOMOPARODY Queer Collective to bring London's LGBTQ+ community back together after covid. Since then, we have raised thousands of pounds for LGBTQ+ charities through events, online campaigns and fundraisers.

This April, I plan to extend our fundraising efforts further by running my first half marathon. I am running for Terrence Higgins Trust, which is the UK's leading HIV charity. They support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using our services to achieve good sexual health.

Terrence Higgins Trust are leading the charge to achieve no new cases of HIV in the UK by 2030. This would be a huge global achievement and will only happen if the stigma surrounding HIV STOPS! Awareness of HIV in all communities needs to be amplified and a national effort to increase testing and prevention is what will get us to that target in 2030. I am running for my husband and close friends who have experienced stigma surrounding their HIV status. I am running for all of the people we lost over the years. I am running for a future where all people living with HIV don't face stigma and live their healthy, normal lives that the advanced medication available allows them to live.

Your support helps us work towards a world where:

• There are no new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.

• People living with HIV get the support they need.

• Everyone can access good quality sexual and reproductive health services and information tailored to their individual needs.

• HIV and sexual and reproductive health free from shame and stigma.

Alongside this half marathon, HOMOPARODY are putting on a show in Manchester and London called Stupid Love on the 14th and 15th February respectively. This show will also be raising funds for Terrence Higgins Trust and proceeds will be added to my Just Giving total.

Thank you for your support.

I better get back to training!!

David x