Terrence Higgins Trust pays tribute to patron Claire Rayner
Howard Lake | 12 October 2010 | News
The Terence Higgins Trust has paid tribute to agony aunt Claire Rayner, a supporter of the HIV and sexual health charity since 1984, who’s death was announced this morning.
Terrence Higgins Trust’s Chief Executive, Sir Nick Partridge, said: “We’re greatly saddened to learn of the death of our patron Claire Rayner. Claire was one of the first people to recognise just how serious the impact of HIV and AIDS would be, from the early eighties, and she worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition, and sexual health issues as a whole, to help people lead healthier and more fulfilling sex lives.
“Claire had an irrepressible enthusiasm for life. She was a pioneer in encouraging people to talk openly about sex, sexuality and sexual health when there was little knowledge about these subjects. She had a strong awareness of the difficult issues facing people diagnosed with AIDS and HIV, particularly stigma and discrimination, which she fought valiantly in the work that she did both as a nurse and in the media.
“She was always willing to help; offering support and advice, acting as a spokesperson and attending our fundraising events and health programme launches, alongside her husband Des. We’re incredibly proud of Claire and all the fantastic work that she did for us, and people affected by HIV, as well as the huge difference she made to sexual health as a whole. Our thoughts are with Des and the family.”
www.tht.org.uk
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.