I’ve lived with HIV for a long time. It has been part of my life, and it has shaped some of it. There have been challenges along the way, but that’s true of most people’s life. But when I look back, what I see is a full and rich life.
I’m nearly 60. When I was diagnosed, antiretrovirals had only just arrived on the scene, and nobody could say how many years I’d have. Planning for the future felt like a gamble.
And yet here I am, 3 decades later, training to run 10k.
It’s estimated that fewer than 1% of 60-year-olds can run a 10k. So, by my reckoning, that makes me a hero, and I’ll be dressing the part. Look out for the cape on the day.
I’ve had meaningful relationships and wonderful friendships. I’ve travelled the world. I’ve had jobs that mattered to me, working with organisations here in the UK and internationally. I’ve done interesting things and had some fun along the way. HIV has framed parts of my story, but it has never defined me in a negative way. It’s one thread in the whole thing, not the whole thing. I recognise this hasn’t been the same for everyone living with HIV – I have been lucky!
That’s a big part of why I’m running.
HIV has framed parts of my story, but it has never defined me in a negative way.
This year Brigstowe turns 30. It’s worth stopping to think about what that means. Many HIV organisations in other cities have closed over the years, often because of funding cuts and very uncertain times for the sector. Brigstowe has kept going. That’s real resilience, and it didn’t happen by accident.
It happened because of people. I want to celebrate the staff, past and present, who have made Brigstowe what it is. They brought effort, energy and empathy to their work every day, and they walked alongside clients through some of the hardest and most important parts of their lives. I want to celebrate what those clients have achieved, too, and the awards and recognition the organisation has earned over three decades.
I want to celebrate the staff, past and present, who have made Brigstowe what it is. They brought effort, energy and empathy to their work every day, and they walked alongside clients through some of the hardest and most important parts of their lives.
I’ve known Brigstowe from many sides. I’ve worked at a partner organisation, volunteered as a Peer Mentor, been a consultant for them, and now I’m part of the team. I’ve seen up close how much difference it makes.
So I wanted to mark the 30th anniversary in my own way. The Red Run felt like the right fit: an event rooted in HIV awareness, a chance to prove that a life with HIV can be long and full of energy, and a way to raise money so Brigstowe can keep doing this work for the next 30 years. Cape and all.
If you can sponsor me, thank you. Every pound helps. No donation is too small – every pound is welcomed. If you can’t, sharing this or sending a word of encouragement means a lot too.