I am running the 2024 World AIDS Day 10km RED RUN on the 23rd November 2024 and will be raising money for Positive East.

Why RED RUN?

For anyone that knows me, running is not my thing and never has been. My new-found love-hate relationship with running started in mid-August after a routine blood test. Despite being the healthiest I've ever been, the doctor told me that I had high cholesterol.

On the doctor’s recommendation to up my cardio, I went out and bought a pair of running trainers, and went out for my first run - and surprisingly, I didn’t completely hate it!

Buoyed by the post-run endorphins, support from friends, and the need to set myself a challenge, I signed up to the 2024 Worlds AIDS Day 10k RED RUN. I chose to run in support of Positive East, a charity that has been supporting people living with HIV for the last 30 years.

About Positive East

Positive East aims to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities affected by HIV. They offer a holistic range of health and well-being programmes, from counselling and workshops to HIV testing and prevention. All activities are designed to enhance well-being, self-esteem, community integration, confidence, medical adherence, and optimism, making a direct and tangible impact in the lives of people living with HIV.

Each year, Positive East provides direct support to 3,000 people through service provision and HIV testing. In East London, where the charity is based, HIV diagnosis rates are higher than the national average, yet the HIV and sexual health sector is still facing severe funding cuts year after year. Positive East now relies more than ever on the generosity of the local community to support their vital work.

Why Positive East?

As some of you may also know, back in 2015 I was diagnosed with HIV. While I'm now on medication, undetectable, and living life on my terms, those first few months after receiving the diagnosis were difficult and was living very much on HIVs terms.

The little lost 24 year-old me turned to Positive East and was met with so much support and care that I managed to turn things around. Not only did I begin to accept my new reality, but I fully embraced it.

This run isn’t just about getting fitter; it’s about making sure others can access the same support that helped me when I needed it most.

Donate

Every pound you donate will help Positive East continue their amazing work, offering hope and support to those who need it. By supporting my run, you’re not just helping me achieve a personal goal—you’re contributing to a cause that makes a real difference in the lives of those affected by HIV. Plus, you'll be helping me get fitter and hopefully stop my doctor from nagging me about my cholesterol. WIN-WIN!

Love,

Jake x