Negative and spreading the word

I am a 29 year old heterosexual male called Alan and the recent World AIDS Day campaigns in the media reminded me of the risks associated with unprotected sex. However, having been aware of HIV in general I was unaware of certain facts.

In particular it was surprising to me that a person could have HIV for 10 years or more without knowing. Concerned as I had had unprotected sex in the past I arranged to have a test. The anxiety waiting for the results was massive - two weeks in total (much too long!!). In this time I researched about HIV, its spread in the UK, its effects on peoples' lives and I prepared myself for having a positive result.

Fortunately the test was negative but I considered this to be due to luck more than anything else. Using the internet and your website has taught me a great deal, and you should be congratulated on the work you do.

Even though I have been lucky, this experience has motivated me to campaign at a local level to get people to be more aware of the risks of HIV. I have already campaigned to my local MP. I intend to continue to do so that more effort will be made. Keep up the good work.