Terry Higgins, the UK’s trailblazing advocate, who tragically succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses four decades ago, is now being remembered with a heartfelt memorial quilt. At the tender age of 37, on the 4th of July, 1982, Terry’s untimely passing served as the catalyst for the establishment of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the nation’s leading sexual health and HIV charity.
On the 3rd of August, the inaugural revelation of the memorial quilt, a poignant tribute to Terry, will take place at The Festival of Quilts, hosted at Birmingham’s NEC. The tradition of crafting quilts to honor those lost to the AIDS epidemic gained popularity during the 1980s and ’90s, providing a cathartic outlet for grieving and ensuring their memory endures.
Collaborating with The Quilters’ Guild, Terrence Higgins Trust orchestrated the creation of the eight-panel memorial quilt, a project overseen by the charity’s co-founders, Rupert Whitaker (Terry’s partner) and Martyn Butler, alongside Terry’s close friends, Linda Payan and Maxine Saunders.
Whitaker shared the profound significance of the quilt, revealing that each panel encapsulates cherished memories of Terry. From a favorite photograph, letters exchanged during their university days, to nostalgic song titles danced to at London’s Heaven nightclub, the quilt encapsulates a bittersweet tapestry that keeps Terry vividly alive in his heart.
Each panel reverently commemorates various facets of Terry’s life, embracing his Welsh heritage, his identity as a gay man, and his service in the Royal Navy. Additionally, two panels capture his dual existence, thriving as a Hansard reporter in Parliament during the day and embracing his vibrant evenings as a barman and DJ at London’s iconic Heaven nightclub.
Moreover, service users, volunteers, and staff from Terrence Higgins Trust collectively contributed to the final panel, celebrating the strides made in combating HIV and dismantling associated stigmas over the past four decades. The incorporation of the heart motif, central to the charity’s logo, symbolizes the eternal connection of Terry’s legacy with their mission.
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, expressed his admiration for the captivating Terry Higgins Memorial Quilt, a testament to Terry’s profound impact as a friend, lover, Welshman, and activist, and the charity’s enduring commitment. The quilt serves as a reminder of the incredible progress achieved through the selfless efforts of founders Rupert Whitaker and Martyn Butler, providing a beacon of hope as the UK strives to become the first country to eliminate new HIV cases, always honoring Terry’s name in their tireless pursuit.