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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+

@emmacolehiv.bsky.social
319 followers 97 following 60 posts

HIV+ 35 years. 'Positive Voice' talk for schools and businesses; TEDx speaker. ❤️QPR; LAMDA & Springsteen. London Marathon 2017. Loved by and in love with B.

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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
2.10pm, Battersea Park, London Marking @adaywithhiv with an afternoon walk in Battersea Park, passing by the Buddha statue reminds me of the importance of how some form of faith or spirituality has helped in my 35 years of living with #hiv. #longtermsurvivor #adaywithhiv #hivpositive
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
September 11th 1991 "Time to accept-the result is positive". 35 years later, living well with HIV and taking part in the Red Run in November, raising funds for @sophiaforum.bsky.social www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/positivevoicehiv #hivpositive #longtermsurvivor #justgiving #fundraising
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I nominated my oldest school friend's son Theo for a JustGiving award and he's made the final 16 out of 16,000 nominees. He's in the Outstanding Commitment category. Please vote, like and share his story on the link below. www.instagram.com/reel/DcEX0Yi...
instagram.com
JustGiving on Instagram: "Meet Theo Avraam, one of our ‘Outstanding Commitment’ 2026 JustGiving Awards finalists. After his fourth open heart surgery, Theo got straight back to fundraising for the cha...
156 likes, 99 comments - justgiving on August 15, 2026: "Meet Theo Avraam, one of our ‘Outstanding Commitment’ 2026 JustGiving Awards finalists. After his fourth open heart surgery, Theo got straight ...
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Finished the 2025/26 academic year having delivered 91 Positive Voice #hiv awareness talk to approximately 16,500 pupils and staff at schools across the UK. Every time I get to share my story, I ensure everyone hears the #uequalsu message. Educating one talk at a time. @preventionac.bsky.social
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Made it to my 57th birthday today. Diagnosed #hivpositive at the age of 22, told I might live 8-10 years back in 1991, so reaching late 50s was never on my radar. Been out celebrating with B this evening,blessed to have him in my life for over a decade. #hivlongtermsurvivor #birthday
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Stressful days as my husband admitted into hospital on Wed with severe internal bleeding, platelets at 25 on arrival in A&E, 16 hours in Resus, theatre and recovery before transfer to Enhanced Care on Acute Assessment Unit. Huge thanks to all NHS staff who are taking care of him at C&W Hospital.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Can you help CyberByte get to Nationals? www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cyberbyte-...
crowdfunder.co.uk
Can you help CyberByte get to Nationals?
Our robotics team earned a place at the FTC UK National Championships. Help us raise funds so every student can take part.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Globally people living with and affected by #HIV still face stigma and discrimination in healthcare centres, workplaces & communities. I have experienced this during my 35 years of living with HIV. This blocks access to HIV services and put lives at risk. Today is #ZeroDiscrimination Day
Self portrait of white female wearing black jacket with a Red Ribbon badge and black rimmed glasses, stood in front of a black door.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
One year ago today, our civil partnership, first anniversary and 11 years together. A rollercoaster of a year with B getting very sick last summer but we made it through, together, stronger. Thanks to #uequalsu he will never be at risk of contracting HIV from me. So grateful to be undetectable.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Today is my 34th #worldaidsday as an HIV positive woman. Today, I remember and honour all those lives lost to AIDS, including my former partner Ian. I recognise my fellow peers who live openly with #HIV to challenge stigma and breakdown misconceptions and I thank the NHS staff who care for me.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Start of a busy 10 working days, travelling just under 1,000 miles across the UK to deliver 14 Positive Voice #HIV talks in 12 different schools. Estimated 1,800 young people hearing a first hand account from my diagnosis in 1991 to life as a long-term survivor today.
Self portrait on a train wearing a Red Ribbon on a blue and white jumper.

White text on red background saying '1 week until World AIDS Day'
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Currently travelling back from Edinburgh in 1st class (thanks to B for upgrade) with @lner.co.uk and just wanted to acknowledge the wonderful service provided by Ksanti on the drinks trolley. What an asset to the company, polite, friendly and fully focused on delivering the best customer service.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
First 4 Positive Voice talks in November delivered at 1) Sir Robert Woodard Academy 2) Oxford High School 3) The Grange School 4) New Hall School Over 500 young people hearing up to date information about #HIV including the #UequalsU message. Sharing my experiences from 34 years living with #HIV.
4 self portraits in front of the schools mentioned in the post.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Yesterday I returned to speak at Notting Hill and Ealing High School for the 29th year. I first spoke here in 1993, just a couple of years after my #HIV diagnosis. One of the pupils from those early years hearing me speak is now a teacher here and still remembers the impact my talk had.
Self portrait wearing red jumper and leather jacket in front of school entrance sign for Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Forgot to tag @adaywithhiv.bsky.social
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
13.32pm, Windsor Great Park #adaywithhiv During my 34 years of living with #HIV, it is taking time out in nature where I have been my happiest. Today's walk with my husband B to photograph fungi in Windsor Great Park. #adaywithhiv #hivpositive #hivlongtermsurvivor
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Marking 34 years ago today that I received my #HIVpositive diagnosis by heading off to deliver a Positive Voice talk to pupils in High Wycombe. Eternally grateful to everyone in my life who has contributed to my survival since 1991. #longtermsurvivor #HIV
Self portrait in blue trousers and waistcoat in front of shelf of green plants.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
A week into the new academic year, two school visits to Harrogate and Sedbergh done, and 41 more talks booked in before the end of this year. Love each opportunity I'm given to share my Positive Voice talk to educate a new generation of young people about #HIV.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Day trip to Paris yesterday to see the David Hockney exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton, one of my favourite buildings. A joy to see over 400 pieces of work on display, lots of inspiration for my current creative burst. #davidhockney
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
With my school talks on summer break I get to fill my days with creative endeavours. Just finished this painting to sell at my friend's open studio later this month. It's mindfulness set loose with paints. Really enjoyed this one, mostly listening to @brucespringsteen.net while I worked.
Multi coloured doodles painted on canvas. All sorts of shapes, dots, lines and shapes.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
I cannot speak highly enough of all the wonderful NHS staff at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital who are currently treating B on the AAU. Triaged within 5 minutes of arriving at 4am Thursday, straight through to Resus, emergency endoscopy, CT scan all within 12 hours. Staying in until he's stable.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Took advantage of the Members Early Morning @painshill.bsky.social, arrived just after 8am to enjoy nearly 3 hours of walking through the landscape before the rain. Some much needed time-out from caring for my partner who is in the midst of another mental health crisis. #painshill #natureheals
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Today marks #ZeroHIVStigmaDay. I chose to live openly as a woman with #HIV within weeks of my diagnosis in 1991 and have continued to educate about HIV for over 30 years to help tackle stigma, raise awareness and challenge stereotypes. #hivpositive #zerohivstigmaday #hivstigma #tacklinghivstigma
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Honoured to have been interviewed for Poz Planet.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
56th birthday. Never expected to be here when diagnosed #HIVpositive in 1991 aged 22. Originally told 8-10 years to live, so every extra birthday is testament to the amazing NHS care, HIV meds and most importantly the love of my inner circle, including B and my sisters. #birthday #longtermsurvivor
Woman in red dress with red lipstick next to a vase of pink flowers
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Participated in the priority setting workshop led by @richard-ma.bsky.social yesterday. Looking at research ideas for older people with HIV. Very interesting to see the variety of topics suggested. Grateful that as a long-term survivor I am facing older age, never expected to when diagnosed in 1991.
Woman in green dress in front of a long table with yellow and orange pieces of A4 paper with questions written on them.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Very poignant to see the #aidsquiltuk this afternoon at Tate Modern. Seeing names of people I knew from the early years of my diagnosis remembered in their quilts. We must never forget the past and all those people we lost to AIDS.
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Reposted by Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+
IAS - the International AIDS Society @iasociety.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
" Roughly $12 million worth of #HIV-prevention drugs and contraceptives purchased by the U.S. Agency for International Development will likely be destroyed after President Donald Trump dismantled the organization"
independent.co.uk
Trump team set to destroy $12m worth of HIV drugs and contraceptives bought by USAID
The life-saving drugs and contraceptives have been sitting in warehouses since January
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Today, June 5th, is HIV Long-term Survivors Awareness Day, largely a US event but I want to acknowledge all of us in the UK who've been living with HIV for decades and live with the battle scars of life before treatment. 34 years since my diagnosis, living a life I never expected to have. #HLTSAD
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
B and I attended the Governor's Review at the Royal Hospital this morning. Wearing my late father's military medals for the occasion. Wonderful to see the #ChelseaPensioners parade and hear the military band perform.
Collage of 3 photos
1) Emma in the stand of seats in front of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Wearing fawn raincoat with 2 military medals on right side.
2) Chelsea Pensioners in full red uniforms in formation to receive Governor's salute.
3) Chelsea Pensioners sat in 6 groups separated by pillars of the walkway; 4 uniformed military bands men stood on roof above the walkway with trumpets.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
At Highgate cemetery to visit Ian's grave, 32 years ago today he died from an #AIDS related illness at Patrick House hospice in Hammersmith. Place a yellow rose on his grave so his spirit knows he is still remembered with love. #whatisrememberedlives
Single yellow rose on gravestone of Ian, with date of death 22nd May 1993 visible
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
A day of self care yesterday as I took a train out to spend the afternoon @rspb.bsky.social Rye Meads before walking back along the canal for a couple of miles to Broxbourne. A day for quiet contemplation in nature, just listening to birdsong for a few hours.
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Reposted by Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+
Dr Richard Ma PhD 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🍉🕺⚕️🩺🎓 @richard-ma.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Are you living with #HIV & aged over 50 in the UK or a carer for someone who is? What are your health and care concerns about HIV and ageing? Please help to create a "bank" of research questions to improve the health and care of older adults with HIV app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/socs/have-...
app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk
Have your say to improve the care of people aged over 50 living with HIV in the UK
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
23rd April 2017...8 years ago today I was running the London Marathon, marking what was then my 26th year of living with #HIV, hence 26 Red Ribbons sewn onto my running vest. Finished in under 6 hours which was my target time, having only done 150 miles in training runs!
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Day trip to Hastings with B today, beautifully sunny day to explore the seafront and castle, enjoyed best fish 'n' chips at Maggie's. Enjoyed visiting the Fishermen's and Shipwrecks Museums, and discovering the unique Net Stores.
Collage of 6 photos.
1) Plate of fish & chips
2) Hastings Castle
3) Fishing boat called Gratitude on the seafront beach
4) Net stores (tall black, narrow wooden structures)
5) Emma stood near Metal sculpture of boat hull on the beach
6) Hastings pier
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
In 1993, the late Sr Dorothy Bell took me with her to #Woldingham School to speak to pupils about living with #HIV. It was the start of more than 3 decades of visits to educate pupils. Today I returned for my 31st visit to speak with a fantastic Year 11 audience as part of their Thrive programme.
Self portrait wearing glasses in front of entrance sign for Woldinham School
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Huge respect to everyone working in A&E departments. Spent 12 hours yesterday dealing with a medical emergency with my partner. Firstly at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital before being transferred to Charing Cross. Everyone we encountered were kind, compassionate and professional.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
It's #nationalhivtestingweek I contracted #HIV when a condom failed, my boyfriend at the time then told me he was HIV+ If he'd said nothing, I would never have thought someone like me should take an #hivtest and I'd be undiagnosed. If you’ve EVER had unprotected sex, take a test #knowyourstatus.
Two self portraits side by side, on the left me at my graduation in gown and mortar board with text that says '1991, diagnosed HIV+'; on the right headphones, wearing black top with a Red Ribbon and text that says '2025, living well with HIV for 34 years'.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
10 years ago today I was in Paris, came back from that trip to spend my first night with B. So on our 10th anniversary today we had a civil partnership to legally recognise our relationship. I feel incredibly blessed to have found someone to spend my life with. ❤️
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Yesterday marked 23 years since I established Positive Voice to deliver #HIV education to schools and businesses across the UK. Since then over 360,000 pupils, staff and parents have listened to my story of #HIVpositive diagnosis in 1991 to long-term survivor today. Photo: TEDx Guildford
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 22/12/2024
Using my festive break from school talks to be creative. Hand sewing the weaved strips and circles I've created on my looms onto blank canvas cushion covers to make a bright addition for my sofa. #creativity #weaving
Brightly coloured hand woven strips and circles sewn onto a cushion cover.
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Reposted by Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+
Positive East @positiveeast.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
We’re proud to launch our U=U community quilt! Get involved in this large-scale community art project and submit your selfie and help us celebrate the powerful message of U=U! Find out more about the project and get involved here - www.positiveeast.org.uk/uequalsu/
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Over 35 weeks of 2024, I've given 87 talks in 76 different schools, travelling just under 13,000 miles around the UK. Approx. 16,500 pupils hearing about living with #HIV including the vital #uequalsu message. Thank you to all the teachers who continue to support my work in their schools.
Self portrait wearing black jacket with beaded Red Ribbon with banner saying Positive Voice 2024 across the middle.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Remembering my Dad who died on this day 49 years ago when I was just 6 years old. Very proud to be a Sapper's daughter. #RoyalEngineers
Collage of 3 photos.
1. Gravestone of Ssgt Victor Cole, Royal Engineers, 6 December 1975, Age 34
2. Victor Cole in army uniform
3. Victor Cole in army uniform
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
At the launch event tonight of HIVstory, the HIV Story Trust's National Lottery Heritage funded project. I'm honoured that my story is one of 44 selected from over 120 interviews to be included in the exhibition which will be touring the UK and available on the website. www.hivstory.org.uk/about/
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
I always give pupils the opportunity to ask any questions in my talk. Today I was asked 'Are you worried that you are going to hell? Somehow I kept my cool and responded in an appropriate way, the teacher thanked me after for handling it so well. But it's left me shocked, sad and angry!
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
What a fantastic Year 12 audience at Bourne Grammar School today. Over 250 young people learning facts and up to date information about #HIV including the #uequalsu message. Lovely to chat with some pupils after the talk, very much appreciated their feedback on how amazing the talk was.
Self portrait in front of the entrance to Bourne Grammar School, wearing multi coloured striped jumper and black glasses.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
My 33rd #worldaidsday since being diagnosed #HIVpositive in 1991. Remembering all those who died from #AIDS as well as those living with #HIV today, particularly fellow #longtermsurvivors who may feel forgotten or invisible. Proudly wearing my @theaidsmemorial.bsky.social t-shirt and #RedRibbon
Self portrait wearing AIDS memorial t-shirt and Red Ribbon to mark World AIDS Day.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Travelled at peak commuter time on tube and through Kings Cross St Pancras en route to Leicester and didn't see a single person wearing a #RedRibbon. Outside of our collective #HIV bubble, it appears to me the general public is not engaging with the HIV cause anymore.
Self portrait at on platform at Leicester train station with Red Ribbon on black jacket.
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Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+ @emmacolehiv.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
A pleasure to return to Merchant Taylors' School for my 27th annual visit to share my #HIV talk with Year 12. On my first visit in 1997, I had been diagnosed HIV+ for just 6 years. I could never have imagined then that I would visiting today as a #longtermsurvivor having lived 33 years with HIV.
Self portrait stood at the entrance of Merchant Taylors' School in Northwood.
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