For the past 10 years, Liz Cooper and friends have hosted an annual David Bowie fundraising night supporting Terrence Higgins Trust, with the next event taking place in London this June.
 
Liz told us why she has supported our work for so many years.

‘I first heard of Terrence Higgins Trust in the 1980s after I saw that awful advert with the headstone about HIV/AIDS. A friend at the time was a nurse who’d studied HIV in Uganda, then returned to work in London with HIV patients, so I knew a little about the virus.
 
‘I chose to start fundraising because of my friend Jim who passed away, and to keep him in our memories. Sadly he wasn’t treated very well, the stigma at the time in the 1980s was shocking due to ignorance.
 
‘The first Bowie event was a one off to raise some money. Jim was a big fan and there was a David Bowie exhibition on at the time so I thought "let’s get a group together". It went so well that the following year everyone wanted another one, and the annual event was born!
 
‘My top tip is that every little helps, you can change someone’s life by fundraising, it’s not as difficult as you think. I’m not an event planner and it takes a bit of hard work, but it’s fun (especially the adrenaline on the night!). To raise money is a great feeling – anybody can do it, with a little time and organisation.
 
‘Seeing people enjoy themselves and bidding in the auction is amazing, as well as to have the support from Jim’s family. A personal message from David Bowie himself when he was alive was pretty extraordinary!
 
‘I stay motivated by always having a goal – the first year was £2,000 and the aim of everyone having a great time while remembering Jim. I never ever thought in my wildest dreams we would raise £50,000 over the years!
 
‘It’s very humbling to think that through this event everyone has come together and bought a ticket that has helped change someone’s health and their lives. It’s such a good cause, to think that transmissions of HIV in the UK could be stopped by 2030 is mind-blowing.’
 
The 12th Bowie event will take place at the Water Rats, Kings Cross on Saturday 29 June 2024. Tickets are on sale now.