Alex Britton
Alex's Brighton Marathon 2015 page
Fundraising for Terrence Higgins Trust
Story
Hello
I understand its hard for some people to face the idea of HIV, I believe there is a huge fear around talking about HIV and that people with it need support. I also believe that a greater awareness of it could help prevent the spread of HIV. Im sure that people will find it difficult to donate to this charity because of the stigma surrounding it, which is the precise reason I am doing it for Terrence Higgins.
The terrence Higgins mission
- Maximise sexual health in the UK, and minimise the spread of HIV and STIs, by encouraging people to value their sexual health and by leading innovation to increase access to local sexual health services.
- Empower everyone living with HIV in the UK to maximise their health and wellbeing by working to ensure the best possible HIV treatment and support services
- Lead public and political support for HIV and sexual health issues, and campaign to eradicate stigma and discrimination
It would be great if we could let go of the stigma and show support for this charity that aims to make a change in the way we look at people with HIV and encourages people to face it, and make changes to prevent HIV.
I remember when I found out about Freddie mercury's battle with HIV, and how I admired his courage and strength of character to continue performing and creating and smiling how he always had.
I hope this makes sense, and I understand its hard, but lets face it and tackle it together
Alex
A personal message from Stephen Fry:
Mostly in life, friendship is acquired through mutual interests, outlook, sense of humour and taste in music, films and art, or shared experiences at school or work; that sort of thing. Thus do friendships burgeon, blossom and bear fruit.
With Terrence Higgins, it’s rather different: we’re like a brothel. Friendship is for sale. You show us the colour of your money, we show you a good time deary!
None of our lives is entirely satisfactory. For all the success and achievement we have between us, most of us - such is the human condition - are dissatisfied with ourselves. But we can be united in one genuine satisfaction, that of being a real help and real service to the best run, most loving, professional and far-sighted charity I know: Terrence Higgins Trust.
There is not much point in success, riches, celebrity or public admiration. They ring hollow in our ears, because inside we judge ourselves not by our ability to get a table at the Ivy or make the pages of Heat magazine; we judge ourselves by our ability to make a difference.
As we try and drop off at night, as we stare out of the window of a taxi and wonder what the point of it all is.... Well, this is the point. By being a Friend for Life; by being a supporter of Terrence Higgins Trust; by making a difference to all those lives shattered by HIV; we make a difference to our lives too.
Friends and Associates are none but the most talented, prosperous, physically attractive, amusing, sexually charismatic, generous and brilliant people in Britain; culled from business, finance, the professions, entertainment, the arts and high society. I would be thrilled to welcome you with open arms into my circle of "friends" – and you will, after all, be in the most magnificent company.
Thank you.
With my love
Stephen Fry
President of Friends for Life