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David Solly

David Norman Solly (6 April 1956 -). Original baptised name Alec Smith, who was put up for adoption by birthmother Agnes Smith through the Church of England Home for Waifs and Strays[1], East Knoyle, Wiltshire. Alec was adopted in 1959 by Mr and Mrs Harry Solly of Lewisham, London. [edit]Early school David was renamed after his adoption and attended St. Mary's Primary School[2], Lewisham, London. Afterwhich, attending his secondary school Catford Boys[3], Catford, London until the family moved to Bracknell in Berkshire in 1969. [edit]Later school After moving to the new town Bracknell David attended Borough Green a secondary modern school, that due to a bad reputation was renamed Brakenhale[4]. Attaining standard CSE qualifications in the following: English Literature Mathematics Technical Drawing Art History [edit]Early Career After leaving Brakenhale David was employed by O. A. P Garages Limited[5] based in South Ascot as a trainee transport manager, making a further career move after 2 years to become an assistant engineer and storeman for Jaymo Marine Limited, Bracknell. David was made redundant in 1975 making a further career move as an assistant storeman for Racal Group Services Limited[6] [edit]Later Career Promoted to Exhibition Assistant and then Exhibition Officer (Designs) within Racal Group Services Exhibitions Department. David was also responsible for corporate building and vehicle fleet signage. During the time with Racal he was to travel extensively worldwide. David was made redundant in April 1992 after 17 years. [edit]Living with HIV Diagnosed HIV-positive in 1986, and like a huge majority of those confronted with such a diagnosis before and since, David seriously thought his world had come to an early and abrupt end. Although, treatment and life-expectancy has vastly improved since those early days people living with HIV still worry about their health and an uncertain future. An HIV- positive diagnosis, even these days, can be devastating news, coupled with the continuing stigma and discrimination faced by an ever-increasing HIV community. [edit]Charitable Work Since becoming HIV-positive, David and his partner John became increasingly involved in supporting people within their local community. Firstly, becoming a founding member of Thames Valley Body Positive (formerly Reading Body Positive) and subsequently being involved in the Slough based HIV group; AIDS Support Group (Slough/Windsor), which eventually became Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS) [7]that celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2011. David has since become a patron of TVPS and is currently the founder and Chair (Trustee) of Kernow Positive Support (KPS) [8] registered charity (1104947). [9] [edit]Partner - 1986-1991 - John Malley Sadly, his first long-term partner John Malley died in October 1991 from an AIDS related complication. John was the Latin American desk officer for Help the Aged based in London, he had travelled South America extensively, previously working for Health Unlimited, a charity supporting war-torn areas of the world that set-up health services to train those living in these areas to become less reliant in support workers and volunteers from charities that would only be able to give limited time, thus giving better sustainability for the future. John had worked in Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan war. His unwavering commitment to the charity work he undertook played an enormous part in giving David a better understanding of what selfless commitment is needed to support and help those who, for whatever reason, find themselves in an extraordinarily vulnerable position. Key attributes that I believe have kept my own commitment to HIV support going through the many challenges David has faced in his tireless work within the field of HIV, as well as his own personal life and problems.