# Terrence Higgins Trust pays tribute to patron Claire Rayner

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2010/10/12/terrence-higgins-trust-pays-tribute-patron-claire-rayner/
- Published: 2010-10-12T12:49:17+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**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.

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“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

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