Terrence (Terry) Higgins was one of the first people in the UK known to have died from AIDS-related illnesses, passing away in 1982, aged 37.

1982: A Powerful Legacy 

After Terry Higgins passed away, his partner Rupert Whitaker and friends Martyn Butler, Tony Calvert, Len Robinson, and Chris Peel came together with one mission: to prevent others from suffering as Terry had. 

Together, Rupert and Martyn founded what would become Terry Higgins Trust, focusing on raising awareness and funds for research into what was then called Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID). 

Plaque illustrating the 1982 start date of Terrence Higgins Trust

1983: Voices Unite 

In early 1983, a public meeting about GRID—organised by London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard and Terry Higgins Trust—brought together passionate volunteers. 

Among them was Tony Whitehead, who later became the first Chair of the Trust’s Steering Committee.

 

Tony Whitehead pictured at a Homosexual Equality demonstration in 1976.
Tony Whitehead pictured at a Homosexual Equality demonstration in February 1976 (Photo: Robert Workman Archive, Bishopsgate Institute).

August 1983: Becoming Official 

The Trust was formally established as Terrence Higgins Trust, with a constitution and bank account. A clearer structure brought stronger impact. 

January 1984: Recognised as a Charity 

Terrence Higgins Trust achieved charitable status, set up to inform, advise and provide support on HIV and AIDS. We immediately began providing vital services like: 

  • Buddying & home-help 

  • Counselling 

  • Drug & sex education 

A leaflet detailing Terrence Higgins Trust's services.

February 1985: Read all about it 

The first edition of ‘The Trust’ internal newsletter was published, highlighting reports from the internal groups and committees involved in running the charity, and the number of cases of HIV and AIDS.

First Terrence Higgins newsletter.

April 1986: First Annual Report for Terrence Higgins Trust 

The first Annual Report for Terrence Higgins Trust was published, outlining the work that the charity achieved in its first full year of operation.

Cover of the first annual report, dated 1986.

We were the first charity in the UK to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and have been at the forefront of the fight against HIV and AIDS ever since.