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Terrence Higgins Trust: Walk the Ribbon
HIV/sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is hoping to inspire thousands across the UK to take part in their Walk the Ribbon Campaign
This year has been hard for everyone. It’s been especially hard for those living with HIV. The uncertainty many have felt is magnified for those already facing the daily challenges of living with a long-term condition.
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It’s why, this year, THT would love for you to join them this World Aids Day (WAD) on Tuesday, December 1 for the Walk the Ribbon sponsored walk.
How far you want to walk and how much you want to raise is your choice. It doesn’t matter whether you walk around your local park, stroll along a canal or take a socially distanced hike up a hill, it’s up to you!
You can do it by yourself, or as part of a virtual team with friends or work colleagues.
Head to the Walk the Ribbon page of their website: www.tht.org.uk/walktheribbon
There are lots of ideas from a challenge walk, to a virtual walk and even ‘walk in your bubble’. Adapting the challenge to suit these pandemic times so that as many people as possible can still take part, feel safe and raise much needed funds to support THT in their work.
Why is WAD still so important?
WAD takes place on December 1 each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an Aids-related illness.
Over 101,600 people are living with HIV here in the UK. Globally, that figure is about 36.7 million. Since HIV was identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV/Aids-related illnesses making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
But each year in the UK over 4,300 people are diagnosed with HIV. Not everyone knows the facts about how to protect themselves and others. And for those living with HIV, stigma and discrimination remains widespread.
WAD is so important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – it’s still vital that THT continue to raise money to help improve awareness and fight prejudice.
Where your money will go
• £5 could pay for 20 packs of condoms for THT outreach teams to give out, along with advice, support and education around HIV.
• £15 could cover the cost of a 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 the Positive Voices community project.
• £500 could fund 50 calls to THT Direct, a valuable lifeline that supports 20,000 vulnerable people each year.
• £5,000 could pay for 210 online counselling sessions to support people living with or affected by HIV.
This year, we haven’t all been able to be together in person, but THT hope that you will host a sponsored walk to support WAD and help the charity achieve a brighter future for those living with HIV.
