Crusaid, one the UK’s best loved HIV/Aids charities and the Terrence Higgins Trust have announced a merger.

Details as to why the merger was necessary and the future of Crusaid’s 15 staff are still unclear.

In a statement to thirdsector.co.uk Debbie Holmes THT’s executive director of fundraising said: “We have been open that we can’t guarantee that everyone will retain their jobs for the long-term.”

Jordan Hay , CEO of Crusaid said “We initiated this merger to ensure that our hardship fund can continue to make a vital difference to the ever-increasing numbers of people diagnosed with HIV each year in the UK.

“THT shares our vision and values and we are excited about the opportunities to support people with HIV that this merger presents.”

Crusaid independently administered the hardship fund since 1986 and has awarded over 45,000 grants: helping  one in three people living with HIV and raised 33million in the fight against HIV/Aids.

In 2008-09 the Crusaid hardship fund distributed £381,385 to 2,106 people in England Wales and N Ireland and a further 69,829 in Scotland through Waverley Care.

Over the same period the organisation saw its income drop to £1.63 million compared to £1.93 million in the previous year. But with outgoings at 1.77 million, questions may be raised to the why the overheads of the charity were not brought into check.

The organisation had experienced a 15 per cent drop in income over the last two years due to the economic downturn: ultimately bringing to an end Crusaid as independent force.

The survival of ‘Walk For Life’- Crusaid’s premier fundraising event – will be viewed by many HIV organisations as vital: the 2008 walk had 35 teams participating raising £41,430 towards their own work.

In a recent interview in pinkpaper.com Deborah Jack, CEO of the National Aids Trust said: “My main concern is that we’ve lost a charity solely focused with HIV into an organisation which covers all aspects of sexual health. Crusaid always supported those in the greatest need.

“I am, however, pleased THT have made a public commitment to continue the hardship fund which provides a valuable lifeline for  people living in poverty with HIV.”

Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of THT said: “The merger will preserve the Crusaid Hardship Fund in a very challenging economic climate and help ensure that people with HIV have the ongoing support that they so vitally need.

“We are also looking forward to combining our experience and research for a renewed anti-poverty strategy in support of people living with HIV in the UK.”

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The weathermen said there would be thunder storms  but that wasn’t going to  put off  over 2000 Crusaid’s ‘walk for life’ walkers congregated on Potters Field Park and warming up for a 10K hike around the streets of London.

In fact the rain never came but the ‘Walk for Life’ 21st Birthday bash was showered with donations: achieving a staggering 250k according to Jordan Hay, CEO of Crusaid. Not bad considering the current  financial downturn.

Jordan told Positive Pulse: “Walk for life its important because it raises awareness of people living with HIV/Aids here in the UK and internationally. Basically HIV has gone off the government’s agenda and we need to do something to bring it back to the forefront, so that people know that it hasn’t gone away and something needs to be done about it.”

The day had a brilliant fancy dress theme and impressive line-up of acts including: The Feeling, musical impresarios 4 Poofs & A Piano Rachel Rabin and Shiikane, who sang their new single for charity “I Still Need U.” The proceeds of which will benefit Crusaid, Beat Bullying and Richard House Children Hospice.

Here are a few of the best outfits and highlights and I apologise in advance if you did not make the final edit, but it was very hard to choose. I was taken aback by the many smiling and happy faces that greeted me as you crossed the finishing line.

Anthony raised £1.300 walking for NAT with this amazing homage to  the late great Lee Bowery.

Deborah Jack CEO of NAT with Archie. The NAT team raised £20.000

“I think this walk is really important because on the way people stop and talk to you to ask, what it’s all about? and I think that too often HIV in never talked about. So it’s a great day, everyone is having fun and it actually gives us an opportunity to get HIV and the red ribbons really visible.” she said.

Allan & Angelina.  Positively UK raised £500

Angalina said “From service users point of view this is really great event because this is one way we can give back, and it’s fantastic to do it in such a fun way with family and friends. It doesn’t seem like a chore and it’s going to have such a brilliant impact on peoples lives, so fantastic.”

‘Mini Mouse Ru’ and friend Tessa raised £189

The ‘Jail House Sailors’ from Thames Valley Positive Support raised £100

‘Marie Antoinette and the dashing Dogtanyan’ raised £400.

‘Tutu to much’ English National Ballet’s gorgeous guys and girls raised £1.500

Kei’s crew raised £500

Mr ‘puss in boots’ raised £965

‘Wigs in Space’ www.wigparty.org and ‘Outlet’ raised £6.000

‘Da Flip Flops.’

The ‘Pro Jump’ jump team raised £600

The Topsy Foundation raised £3.500

Two handsome guys.

Another great look.

Dan Gillespie

Jordan Hay and Shiikane

4 Poofs & a Piano

THE FEELING