Red Ribbon Run: Raising Voices, Saving Lives

Why I’m Raising Money for the National AIDS Trust – By Wayne Hague

For me, raising money for the National AIDS Trust isn’t just about ticking a box or setting a personal challenge. It’s about compassion, visibility, and doing my part to make sure no one living with or affected by HIV feels alone or left behind.

As a support worker who has spent years working alongside individuals facing complex challenges—whether due to mental health, disabilities, or social exclusion—I’ve seen first hand how stigma and silence can be just as damaging as any diagnosis. HIV remains one of those topics that still carries too much misunderstanding and judgment. NAT works tirelessly to change that—through education, policy, and fighting for equal rights—and that’s something I deeply admire.

This isn’t about me being part of an organisation or a big team—it’s a personal mission. I’ve committed to a two-month running challenge, something completely new for me as a beginner, to push myself physically and mentally while championing a cause that needs louder voices. I’ll be promoting the fundraiser through my local community and workplace, inviting others to walk (or run) alongside me in support.

If this goes well—and I truly hope it does—I plan to make this the first of many fundraising efforts. Whether it’s a run, a climb, or something completely unexpected, I want to keep raising awareness and funds for causes that matter. And NAT will always be one of those.

Because we all deserve a world where people with HIV are treated with dignity, have access to care, and are no longer judged. I’m running to help build that world, one step at a time.

My challenge will officially start from the 1st of July and finish on the 31st of August im committing to run 65 miles in 8 weeks you can track my progress on strava https://strava.app.link/OF7Vnc0E1Tb

lets make real change