Meet Tresca Louise Wilson, a remarkable HIV activist and health professional. Originally from Manchester, Tresca’s early life was fraught with significant challenges. From the ages of two to nine, she was in the care system and later lived with her abusive father, who eventually sent her to his family in London. This arrangement failed, returning Tresca to the care system until she turned eighteen.

In 2015, Tresca received a life-changing diagnosis of late-stage HIV. Her health had been declining since 2012, but her symptoms were initially dismissed as depression by her GP. Despite losing weight, coughing up phlegm, and experiencing severe aches and pains, her condition went undiagnosed until she took matters into her own hands. Her research suggested either HIV or leukaemia, but having lost her father to leukaemia in 2001, she suspected HIV.

Despite her family’s urging to seek hospital care, Tresca’s stubbornness delayed her visit until a debilitating incident forced her hand. Unable to get out of the shower, her young daughter’s distress and her son’s intervention led to her being taken to the hospital. There, after a long wait and initial isolation for suspected TB, she was diagnosed with HIV just days before her 44th birthday. The diagnosis, while shocking, was a relief compared to her fear of leukaemia.

This pivotal moment transformed Tresca into a dedicated advocate for HIV awareness and prevention. Today, she serves as the Prevention and Testing Coordinator at Positive East, a respected HIV charity that supported her during her diagnosis. In her role, she engages with diverse communities, conducting HIV and STI testing and delivering health interventions and resources to LGBT+ venues in Hackney and other locations around London. Her relentless efforts focus on eradicating HIV stigma and striving towards the goal of ending HIV transmissions by 2030.