Mildmay at 40: Honouring the Past, Looking to the Future
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On 29 July 2025, Mildmay Hospital held a special reception to mark 40 incredible years since its re-establishment as a charitable hospital and its subsequent response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The event brought together former CEO’s, former and current staff, trustees, Patrons, health and social care professionals, community and organisation partners, supporters, and friends to reflect on Mildmay’s journey so far and its future direction.
Held just across the road from the hospital at the Shoreditch Tab Church - generously offered at short notice following an unexpected power outage at the hospital - the reception celebrated four decades of compassionate, person-centred care for people living with HIV and other complex conditions.
A Fitting Tribute to our retiring President, Lord Fowler
The afternoon was hosted by Mildmay’s Chairman, The Very Revd John Richardson, who warmly welcomed guests and set the tone for the celebration. In his opening remarks, he paid tribute to Mildmay’s former and current Presidents, dedicated patrons and supporters, and the extraordinary staff who have shaped and sustained the hospital’s work across four decades.
Our chairman presented a special commemorative tribute to The Rt Hon the Lord Fowler, recognising his remarkable service to Mildmay and to the wider HIV response. The award was given in sincere appreciation of his legacy, as a political leader, international advocate, and, for the last five years, President of Mildmay, who has championed our mission with courage and compassion.
Lord Fowler has been a longstanding champion of Mildmay, and his advocacy was instrumental in the hospital’s revival in 1985, at a time when few institutions were willing to respond to the emerging HIV crisis. As Secretary of State for Health, he led the groundbreaking “Don’t Die of Ignorance” public health campaign, a pivotal moment in the UK’s response to HIV, and in the decades since, he has been a tireless advocate nationally and internationally for HIV awareness, stigma reduction, and access to treatment and care.
In his speech, Lord Fowler reflected on the extraordinary progress that has been made in HIV prevention and treatment, particularly in the UK, but also sounded a note of caution about the challenges that remain. He drew attention to the growing crisis in parts of Africa, where cuts to international funding are putting access to lifesaving care at risk and threatening to reverse decades of hard-won progress.
Welcoming Our New President: Lord Smith of Finsbury
As the reception marked the end of one chapter, it also signalled the beginning of another. Mildmay was honoured to introduce our new President, The Rt Hon the Lord Smith of Finsbury, a longstanding advocate for social justice, cultural inclusion, and HIV awareness.
Lord Chris Smith spoke movingly about his own experience living with HIV, which he first disclosed publicly in 2005 following and motivated by the death of Nelson Mandela’s son. In his remarks, he reflected on the importance of challenging stigma, increasing visibility, and ensuring that places like Mildmay, where people are treated with dignity and compassion, continue to flourish. His appointment as President symbolises a bold, inclusive vision for Mildmay’s future.
A Celebration of Resilience and Compassion
The reception also included contributions from our Medical Director Dr Simon Rackstraw, and CEO Geoff Coleman. Together, they traced the evolution of Mildmay from a 19th-century East End mission to a leading provider of specialist HIV-related neurorehabilitation and complex inpatient care.
Dr Rackstraw shared data highlighting the effectiveness of Mildmay’s rehabilitation services, particularly for patients living with HIV-associated brain impairment. He also provided an update on the global state of HIV, noting the progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, but also the concerning rise in new infections in some regions, largely due to reduced government and donor investment.
Geoff Coleman announced that Mildmay’s physiotherapy gym has been officially renamed The Lord Fowler Rehabilitation Centre, in honour of Lord Fowler. It is a fitting and lasting tribute to Lord Fowler’s vision, compassion, and enduring commitment, both to Mildmay and to the global HIV response.
Geoff also noted the naming of the Mildmay Line on the London Overground by Transport for London and the Mayor of London in 2024, which recognises the hospital’s pioneering role in HIV care and its longstanding support for LGBTQ+ communities. It’s a powerful public acknowledgement of Mildmay’s legacy and continued relevance in the heart of London.
He also shared news of the hospital’s expanding international partnerships, including an exciting new project now beginning in Uganda, building on Mildmay’s long legacy of care across Africa.
Working alongside local leaders, Mildmay aims to develop new centres that will tackle urgent health priorities in the region, from maternal health and early childhood development to palliative care — while continuing to share our HIV expertise where it remains critically needed.
Geoff concluded the speeches by highlighting Mildmay's strong and evolving partnership with the NHS, and reaffirming our commitment to providing specialist services to those so often overlooked by under-resourced mainstream services.
Honouring Our Entire History
While this event marked the 40th anniversary of Mildmay’s re-establishment in 1982, it was also a moment to reflect on the hospital’s much longer history, dating back to the 19th century.
We paid tribute not only to those who helped shape Mildmay’s modern identity, but also to the many dedicated individuals who served in the original Mildmay Hospital before it was closed by the NHS in 1982. Their compassion and commitment laid the foundation for all that followed, and we remember them with deep respect and gratitude.
Commemorative Book to Mark the Occasion
Every guest who attended the anniversary event received a special keepsake - Mildmay at 40, a commemorative book celebrating the hospital’s history, particularly the past four decades since our re-establishment in 1982.
Packed with photographs, memories, and milestones, the book charts Mildmay’s transformation from a small mission hospital into the internationally respected centre for HIV care it is today.
As the afternoon unfolded, guests shared memories, reconnected with old colleagues, and reaffirmed their support. The presence of three former CEOs alongside current staff and patients was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact the hospital has had - and continues to have - on so many lives.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges of the day, including the last-minute venue change, the event captured the spirit that has always defined Mildmay: resilience, compassion, and community.
With its new leadership, a renewed vision for international impact, and deep roots in the communities it serves.
As Mildmay enters its fifth decade, we remain deeply committed to those at the margins of society, people living with HIV, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals recovering from substance misuse. These are the communities too often underserved by mainstream services. Building on our legacy, we continue to seek new and meaningful ways to respond to emerging needs, both here in the UK and internationally, working alongside partners to develop innovative models of care that reflect our values of dignity, inclusion, and justice.
Get Involved
Mildmay’s work is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. As we look to the future, we invite you to stand with us - whether by donating, volunteering, or helping us spread the word.
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