HIV news: Liberty’s unveil special new window

The window, which was created in celebration of the charity’s 30th anniversary, was unveiled on 4th February and will remain on display to passers-by until today. The winning bidder, Belma Gaudio, Creative Director of womenswear label Belma Gaudio Ltd., designed the window in Terrence Higgins Trust colours as a visualisation of the charity’s efforts to halt the spread of HIV and support those living with the condition over the last 30 years.

Belma Gaudio said: “I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to share my interpretation of Terrence Higgins Trust’s work with so many people. I wanted the window to be dedicated to the charity, so I felt the display had to be bold and unencumbered. The mannequin stands stripped back and bare with arms outstretched – a symbol of the charity’s reach, its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, and its dedication to mobilising public and political support for HIV and sexual health issues. Its palms, pressed outwards, symbolise stopping the spread of HIV.

“All over, the mannequin is touched by blue handprints, signifying how many are connected through the epidemic. The hands upon the figure also represent a core value of the charity’s mission – the eradication of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.”

The mannequin also wears a red ribbon as a reminder of the global reach of HIV and to symbolise the need for awareness and support for those living with the virus.

Jane Barron, Events Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We would like to thank Belma Gaudio and Liberty for their generosity and time in support of our cause. The money raised by auctioning off this fantastic experience will help us to continue providing vital services to those in most need. Thirty years after Terrence Higgins Trust was founded, people living with HIV continue to battle discrimination. Belma’s bold visual emblem of support for those living with the condition will be an inspiration for the hundreds of thousands of people who will pass the window over the next week.”

Terrence Higgins Trust has held an annual auction since 1997, raising more than £3.5 million to help support tens of thousands of people with HIV across the UK. In 2013, the annual event will be re-invented as the one-off 30th Anniversary Auction to mark three decades since the charity’s foundation. Bidders at past events have walked away with exclusive lots, including a day of sea fishing with Dermot O’Leary, an intimate dinner hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and a luxury shopping spree with Joan Collins.

People can find out more about Terrence Higgins Trust’s 30th Anniversary Auction or register their interest in attending by visiting www.tht.org.uk/auction.

Terry Higgins died of an AIDS-related illness on 4th July 1982 at St Thomas’ Hospital, London. He was 37 years old. That same year, three of his closest friends founded the Terry Higgins Trust, using Terry’s name in the hope of humanising and personalising AIDS in a very public way. From that first meeting in a small flat in East London, Terrence Higgins Trust has grown to become the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity, with services across England, Scotland and Wales.

Better2Know is proud to support the Terrence Higgins Trust and has HIV testing from just ten days after exposure across all its UK STD testing locations.