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Kilimanjaro for HIV Ireland

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My name  is Tracey Byrne, I am a busy Mum of four and also a lucky enough to be a Therapist. I am working from the heart of Dublin's City Centre, where I run my own thriving practice. I have been a  Volunteer with GaySwitchboard since Oct 2015, I'm a member of their training team and Co Facilitator of the MMG. I am also a member of the GSDIG.


Earlier this year I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to hike up Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and as I do a lot of voluntary work I was just going to focus on just the challenge ahead, but decided because this year is also the 20th year since my beloved Brother Richards passing, from HIV related illnesses I would like to raise funds for the incredibly hard working folks at HIV Ireland. I am keen to tackle the stigma surrounding HIV and those who are Positive, having this and other conversations to me is vital in an ever changing and growing Ireland. 


I will be leaving Dublin Friday the 7th September 2018, and the climb takes approximately six days. 



A little bit about the sterling work done by  HIV Ireland.


Established in 1987 as Dublin Aids Alliance, as a voluntary organisation working on improving the lives of those living with, or affected by HIV and AIDS. Dublin Aids Alliance is now trading under the name HIV Ireland.

They operate under the ethos of equality and are committed to making a positive contribution to a humane and just society. They strive to ensure that their staff, volunteers and service users are treated with dignity and respect at all times and to create and environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination.


The first Patron is President Michael D. Higgins. How wonderful is that!



Some of the services they provide are:

Training
Support Advocacy
Free HIV and STI Testing
Free Condoms
Free Counselling
Free Resources

I feel it is also important to talk about the availability of PrEP in Ireland since 2017, it can be gotten in a pharmacy  (list of pharmacies stocking it on the HIV Ireland website)but only with a doctors prescription, for those who are negative but may be at risk during unprotected sex. 

PEP is a month long course of anti- retroviral drugs that will prevent you contracting the virus post exposure, if you finish the whole course.

U=U  If a person is positive their 'viral load' is the levels of HIV in their blood taken through a blood test, and continue to take their HIV medication, their viral load can be Undetectable therefor Untransmittable during sex.


Education regarding this subject can be sketchy, and a lot of really good work is being done like KnowNow , ACT UP Dublin and Positive Now and the GMHS.


If you want more information, check out www.hivireland.ie



I would  love to raise as much money as possible, every single cent you donate goes directly to HIV Ireland, every cent. 

If you can't afford to donate, please feel free to repost this on FB, Twitter and Instagram.

I hope to livestream and post along my journey, I am hoping (fingers crossed) not to have any issues with my internet connection. But it is Africa and I will be up a 5,895m so I have to be realistic.

You can find me on fb and Twitter @ Tracey Byrne Counselling and Psychotherapy, for any questions you may have.


Keep and eye out on my fb page for updates of the monies raised. I sincerely thank you with all of my heart, every cent counts.

Thank you in advance.
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Donations 

  • Orla Downes
    • €15 
    • 6 yrs
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Tracey Byrne
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