Steve's epic journey for HIV awareness

Steve Bamford set off on a 390km trip last Tuesday to raise money for the i Care HIV fund and raise awareness of what it means to live with HIV. People living with HIV, who like Steve are on effective treatment, cannot pass the virus on to their partners, and it's hoped the #CantPassItOn campaign will finally end the stigma and fear around HIV.

Day one got off to a great start with John Goulston, KCHFT Chair and colleagues waving Steve off from the trust's headquarters at the Oast in Maidstone. Steve picked up a puncture on his way to Sittingbourne but still managed to get there on time to film a report with KMTV News.

After a quick lunch and a great send off from the minor injuries team at Sittingbourne, he went on to Sheppey. Unluckily he got another puncture on his way to Clover Street in Chatham. Steve's dad came to the rescue and took Steve to the KMTV studio for a live appearance at the end of the show.

Day two saw Steve on another bike heading off for Gravesend, then onto the hilly Kent Weald on his way to Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. After a wonderful reception at Sevenoaks Hospital, he ended his cycling day at Tonbridge. With little chance to rest, he joined Erica North on BBC radio Kent that evening (starts at 1:14:40) before finishing for the day.   

Steve, still hurting from day two, started day three facing a day of heavy showers and even more hills on his way from Tonbridge to Deal. After lunch at Westview Hospital, Tenterden, Steve carried on towards Folkestone but unfortunately the stormy weather became too hazardous to continue.

His last day Friday, dawned a bit brighter and with less rain on the horizon. Steve made his way from Deal to Canterbury to be greeted by the sexual health staff at the Gate Clinic. Spurred on by a truly British boost, a strong cup of tea, Steve kept on north towards Herne Bay and Whitstable.

The final afternoon saw blue skies and after a flying visit to Faversham and Sittingbourne, back to Clover Street in Chatham for a well-deserved piece of cake. While everyone celebrated Steve’s incredible achievements, the Clover Street team also joined him in a short remembrance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Steve took a well-earned week to recover with a holiday in Great Yarmouth with his partner and their two Chihuahua dogs. With his current fundraising total at just over £2000, we are all incredibly proud of everything he has achieved.

To donate to Steve’s fundraising efforts you can find all the details on his justgiving page.

Find out more about our charity i care and how it supports patients and our colleagues: