How you choose to mark milestones on your journey with HIV is entirely up to you.
Whether you're marking the anniversary of your diagnosis, celebrating becoming undetectable, or recognising another year of living well with HIV, these moments can be a powerful reminder of how far you've come.
Some people choose to reflect quietly, while others celebrate with friends and loved ones. However you mark the occasion, it can be an opportunity to recognise your strength, resilience and achievements.
If you'd like to celebrate your milestone while helping others affected by HIV, we'd be honoured to have your support.
Support others affected by HIV
Asking for donations instead of gifts or cards is a meaningful way to mark your milestone while helping Terrence Higgins Trust support people living with and affected by HIV.
Top tips for creating your fundraising page
A few simple steps can help you raise even more:
- Tell your story and share why this milestone is important to you.
- Add photos to personalise your page and inspire supporters.
- Set a fundraising target to encourage donations and track your progress.
- Share your page widely on social media, by email and in group chats with friends and family.
Lewis's story
Lewis Wilkinson from Manchester tells us about how he marks milestones in his journey of living well with HIV.
'It has been a few years since I was diagnosed as living with HIV.
'There’s a lot that’s happened in the years since I received that news. Just like everybody else, there have been big challenges on my journey, but I’ve started using healthy coping mechanisms that benefit me and others.
'One thing that’s remained consistent from the very first 12 months of living with HIV is marking my key dates: the date of my diagnosis; and secondly, the date that my levels became undetectable, fortunately only two months after my diagnosis. I also mark dates that have helped me to appreciate the struggle in the first few months of living with HIV, which started with denial that I was unwell. Then I began to question the medication. After this, I felt an overwhelming fear that my life prospects had been narrowed by my diagnosis. Now, I can take a step back and see the difference in myself now from how I was at each stage.
'Everybody approaches their milestones differently. Some friends I’ve spoken to don’t remember them or reflect just on diagnoses or undetectable dates, but for me it feels right to remember these moments of change. They’ve become more important than annual events like New Year’s Eve or even my own birthday. These milestones are not just about celebrating living well with HIV, they mark my personal progress.
'It doesn’t matter how you see it, celebrate it, reflect on it or do something else to mark it, if it feels right to you.
'On my living well milestones, I’ve decided that I would like to help others by fundraising for charities who have helped and supported me like Terrence Higgins Trust. I do this by setting up a Facebook fundraiser and inviting my friends and contacts to make a donation. It enables me to mark my progress and give back for the support that I’ve received. If you feel similarly, the money you raise could help other people like me get onto treatment early and live a long and healthy life with HIV.'
Get in touch
Whether you'd like fundraising advice, materials or simply want to talk through your ideas, we'd love to hear from you.
Complete the form below or email [email protected] and we'll help you make the most of your milestone fundraiser.