Tributes have been paid to Martyn Butler, the co-founder of HIV/AIDS support charity Terrence Higgins Trust, who has passed away suddenly at the age of 71.

Martyn launched the charity in 1982 amid a lack of information about HIV and AIDS at the time with Rupert Whittaker, the partner of Terrence Higgins.

Terrence was the first named person to die of an AIDS related illness in the UK.

“We are heartbroken to lose him so suddenly but full of pride for all he achieved,” said his brother Guy Hewett.

“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 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.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting also paid tribute to a “tenacious campaigner for people living with HIV”.

“He had both the foresight to set up Terrence Higgins Trust and the insight to name it after his friend to humanise the AIDS epidemic, which has shaped the UK’s response to HIV. 

“As Health Secretary, it was my privilege to be part of his fifth decade of championing HIV prevention, support and remembrance. We are all forever in his debt and his legacy lives on.”

Martyn, who was awarded an OBE four years ago, and Terrence were both born in Wales before meeting in London.

Gareth Thomas, former captain of the British Lions and patron of the charity added that Martyn “was a trailblazer that stuck at the cause of supporting people living with HIV over five decades. I will not forget his smile and we continue the fight in his memory”.



Terrence Higgins Trust chief executive Richard Angell added: “I am heartbroken at the news that Martyn Butler has died suddenly. His death comes as a shock to many of us: he was due to speak at a Terrence Higgins Trust event this coming Friday.

“Terrence Higgins Trust literally wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Martyn. When it came to the organisation and people living with HIV, nothing was too much trouble for him.

“From our first fundraiser, speaking engagement, and leaflet to marching at Cardiff Pride, unveiling Terry Higgins’s blue plaque in Haverfordwest and talking to media, Martyn has walked with us every step of the way.

“He will be missed by the Terrence Higgins Trust family, his mother, siblings and the friends so lucky to spend time with him. 

“He was determined, spirited and never took no for an answer. Kind to a fault, he was also brave – giving his home phone number as the first AIDS helpline in 1983 – and caring, and an inspiration to other deaf people everywhere. He will be sorely missed.”

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