Martyn Butler passes away (aged 71) (UK) - UK News - 23/Feb/2026

Man who set up support for people living with HIV dies aged 71. The co-founder of the Terrence Higgins Trust for people living with HIV has died aged 71. Martyn Butler helped set up the organisation after his close friend Terrence Higgins became the first named person to die of an Aids-related illness in the UK. He supported the trust for five decades, fought for LGBT rights and was recognised for his contribution in 2022 with an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II. British Lions captain Gareth Thomas said he will continue to fight in his memory. Thomas, who is also a patron of the trust, said he was a "trailblazer" adding he will not forget his smile. "Martyn Butler founding Terrence Higgins Trust brought a distinctly Welsh feel to everything done by the organisation dedicated to a fellow Welshman," he said. Guy Hewett, Butler's brother, said his family was "heartbroken to lose him so suddenly but full of pride for all he achieved". "He saw it as a duty to inform the country, and in particular the gay community, of what little information there was on HIV and AIDS in the early 1980s," he said. "He took great joy in seeing what Terrence Higgins Trust has become and stayed involved to the very end. Grief is the terrible price of love, but we know his legacy lives on." There is an 'Obituaries' playlist on this channel under "People (& famous animals) - Obituaries (2016+)" & more information (description) here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL93gCV9Iym3fmpLTsMtZ9Px7WZf6qXDKx #martynbutler #RIP #obituary #TerrenceHigginsTrust