Mostly in life, friendship is acquired through mutual interests, outlook, sense of humour and taste in music, films and art, or shared experiences at school or work; that sort of thing. Thus do friendships burgeon, blossom and bear fruit.

With Terrence Higgins, it’s rather different: we’re like a brothel. Friendship is for sale. You show us the colour of your money, we show you a good time deary! We’ll forgive you any lapse in taste or personal hygiene on account of your gorgeous generosity.

None of our lives is entirely satisfactory. For all the success and achievement we have between us, most of us - such is the human condition - are dissatisfied with ourselves. But we can be united in one genuine satisfaction, that of being a real help and real service to the best run, most loving, professional and far-sighted charity I know: Terrence Higgins Trust.

There is not much point in success, riches, celebrity or public admiration. They ring hollow in our ears, because inside we judge ourselves not by our ability to get a table at the Ivy or make the pages of Heat magazine; we judge ourselves by our ability to make a difference. Not noisily or with sanctimonious complacency, but deep inside, in that still small place where we really talk to ourselves.

As we try and drop off at night, as we stare out of the window of a taxi and wonder what the point of it all is.... Well, this is the point. By being a Friend for Life; by being a supporter of Terrence Higgins Trust; by making a difference to all those lives shattered by HIV; we make a difference to our lives too. 

Friends and Associates are none but the most talented, prosperous, physically attractive, amusing, sexually charismatic, generous and brilliant people in Britain; culled from business, finance, the professions, entertainment, the arts and high society. I would be thrilled to welcome you with open arms into my circle of ‘friends’ – and you will, after all, be in the most magnificent company.

Thank you.

With my love."

Stephen Fry
President of Friends for Life