“There are signs of real progress in the fight against HIV, but there is still a long way to go yet.”

When I joined Terrence Higgins Trust in 1985, HIV had only just been identified. Immediately, the search for a vaccine began. Last month, 25 years later, with 25 million people dead and 33 million people living with HIV, we saw the first vaccine trial to report a modest protective effect.

The vaccine had taken years to develop and, sadly, it was only partially successful. In years to come, this trial could be seen as a sign of real progress in fighting AIDS worldwide. But for now, safer sex continues to be the best protection from HIV.

That’s why, in this issue of Trust Living, you’ll read about:

• our work with young people
• new faster tests
• our new campaigns to make people think about HIV
• As well as that you'll find the usual round-up of news from THT and fundraising ideas for you to get involved in.

You’ll also read about our innovative new support services for people living with HIV. These are more needed and more important than ever before. Earlier this year, some of you may have read about Ben. He told about how tough it was when he tested positive for HIV: “I got so low that I seriously thought about killing myself. I managed to snap out of the self-pity before I did anything stupid, but I couldn’t snap out of the depression. I was 24 and it felt like I’d been handed a death sentence. I was completely on my own and didn’t know where to turn.”

Ben then contacted us. “It changed my life...and I’m now training to be a teacher. I love it and have a future. I often wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t found Terrence Higgins Trust.”

We desperately need your help to make sure that we’re there for all the other people like Ben who will need us in the years to come. So I hope you can make a donation today as we can only do this with your support.

Ben now knows that with highly effective drug treatments, he can look forward to a long and productive life. While a vaccine is decades away, the impact of these drugs now means that we are starting our first research into HIV and ageing, as more of those we work with are doing what was unimaginable 25 years ago – living into their 70s and facing up to the challenges of growing older and living with HIV.

Finally, thank you for all your messages of congratulations on my knighthood. I’ve been deeply moved by what so many of you have said and I’m really grateful. I’m delighted that our work has been recognised in this way. I’ve been bowled over by the warmth, affection and admiration for THT expressed in all the letters, cards and e-mails I received at the beginning of the year.

With very best wishes for a happy, safe and joyful festive season,

Sir Nick Partridge
Chief Executive
December 2009