Martyn Butler, the co-founder of the prominent HIV and AIDS charity Terrence Higgins Trust, has passed away at the age of 71 following a sudden illness. His death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in the United Kingdom's public health landscape, particularly in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Founding a Legacy in Response to Tragedy
In 1982, following the death of his friend Terry Higgins, who was the first person in the UK to die from AIDS, Martyn Butler co-founded the Terrence Higgins Trust alongside Mr. Higgins' boyfriend, Rupert Whitaker. The charity was established with the dual mission of supporting individuals living with AIDS and disseminating crucial information to prevent the transmission of HIV.
The organization's beginnings were remarkably humble. In a testament to his dedication, Mr. Butler used his own home telephone number to operate the very first AIDS helpline in 1983. This act of bravery and compassion set the foundation for what would become a leading national charity.
A Life of Service and Recognition
Martyn Butler dedicated five decades of his life to the charity, contributing tirelessly to its growth and impact. His unwavering commitment was formally recognized when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his exceptional services to charity and public health.
Born in Newport, Wales, Mr. Butler moved to London during the 1970s, where he built a career spanning advertising, cinema, and the entertainment industry. It was in London that he met Terry Higgins, and the pair worked together at the famed Heaven nightclub, a connection that would later inspire a monumental charitable endeavor.
Tributes from Family and Public Figures
His brother, Guy Hewett, expressed the family's profound grief and pride. "We are heartbroken to lose him so suddenly but full of pride for all he achieved," he stated. "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."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting paid tribute, describing Mr. Butler as a "tenacious campaigner" for people living with HIV and AIDS. "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," Mr. Streeting said. "We are all forever in his debt, and his legacy lives on."
The Charity's Heartfelt Remembrance
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, expressed shock at the announcement and underscored Mr. Butler's irreplaceable role. "Terrence Higgins Trust literally wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Martyn," Mr. Angell affirmed.
He elaborated on Mr. Butler's enduring involvement: "From our first fundraiser, speaking engagement, and leaflet to marching at Cardiff Pride, unveiling Terry Higgins’ blue plaque in Haverfordwest and talking to the media, Martyn has walked with us every step of the way. 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."
Martyn Butler is survived by his mother, Diane, his younger brothers Guy and Andrew, and his sister Jacqueline. His passing leaves a significant void, but his legacy of compassion, advocacy, and groundbreaking public health work continues through the enduring mission of the Terrence Higgins Trust.
