Our challenge event fundraiser, Matt Ankers, is supporting Terrence Higgins Trust by taking on the 100km Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge seven years on from his own HIV diagnosis. Here’s Matt on why he has chosen to fundraise for the cause. 

“After being diagnosed with HIV in 2017, I thought I’d just been given a death sentence. How was I going to tell my partner, friends or family – and what did it mean for my future? The fantastic and caring team at Sexual Health Dorset in Bournemouth signposted me to lots of information and resources and that’s how I came across Terrence Higgins Trust.

“After visiting their website, all my concerns were soon alleviated and I felt empowered to share the news with my loved ones, realising that with effective treatment I could go on to live a perfectly normal life and be undetectable, meaning others cannot contract the virus from me.

“I previously completed a 10,000m sky dive for this great charity in September 2019. In May 2024, I am completing the 100km Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge – and will be walking from Corfe Castle to Swanage and down the Jurassic Coast to Bridport in less than 24 hours!”

We’re so incredibly grateful for fundraisers like Matt. In short, it’s because of supporters like him (who literally and figuratively go that extra mile) that we can continue to support people affected by HIV – and move closer towards our goal of ending new cases of HIV by the UK by 2030.

Fundraising is one of the best ways you can help us. Any amount of money you raise through taking on a challenge is going to make a big impact.

A massive thank you Matt – by walking those 100km for us, you’ll make a huge difference to the lives of people living with HIV.

If you’re feeling inspired to take on a challenge event for Team Terry, why not sign up and lace up today. 

Check out our Ultra Challenge webpage and all our running and challenge events. 

You can also email us at [email protected] for any questions.