A portrait of the late Terrence Higgins has been unveiled at the Senedd in Cardiff. Almost 40 years since his death, the new portrait will now be placed in the government building to celebrate his legacy. The Terrence Higgins Trust was set up shortly after his death by his partner Rupert and their close friend. Originally from Haverfordwest Terrence left at the age of 18 to join the Royal Navy before moving to London.
The portrait comes as the Welsh Government sets out its plans to end new HIV cases in the country by 2030, and opens a 12-week public consultation on the proposals. Mr Higgins died on July 4 1982, aged 37, when it was not yet known what HIV was. It was not until 1996 that an effective treatment became available.
He also worked in Heaven nightclub as a barman and DJ, and it was there that he collapsed and was taken to St Thomas's Hospital where he was diagnosed with parasitic pneumonia, from which he died suddenly. Following his death, his partner Rupert Whitaker and their friend Martyn Butler founded the Terrence Higgins Trust to help raise awareness of the mystery new illness and save lives.
