Terry Higgins was one of the first people in the UK to die of an AIDS-related illness. He died aged 37 on 4 July 1982 at St Thomas' Hospital, London. By doing it for Terry, and naming the Trust after him, the founding members – his partner and friends – hoped to personalise and humanise AIDS in a very public way.

Early volunteers and staff established the helpline, the Buddy scheme, counselling, legal advice and a hardship fund. As the epidemic changed, so did the organisation and our services. 

Today the helpline THT Direct is a one-stop shop for many. We also support people living with HIV with a hardship fund, counselling, work support, peer-to-peer support to come to terms with their diagnosis, and we campaign for change.

Together we can end new HIV cases by 2030; support people living with HIV to live well; and eradicate HIV-related stigma. 

Facts about Terry Higgins

Want to know more about Terry? Here are eight interesting facts about his life and legacy that you might not have known. 

How it all began

We’ve always been on the leading edge of supporting people living with HIV. Find out about our early days, and how it all began.