Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell is undertaking a formidable new mission: challenging the long-standing stigma surrounding HIV. The 1992 Barcelona 400m hurdles champion has signed up for the demanding Snowdonia Ten Peak Challenge, firmly planting herself among a team of advocates, celebrities, and individuals living with HIV ― all united under the banner of the Tackle HIV campaign.
This latest initiative will see Gunnell once again collaborate with former Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas, who has been at the forefront of public HIV awareness since his diagnosis in 2019. Gunnell’s involvement is a continuation of her commitment to the cause, having previously participated in other strenuous physical events for Tackle HIV. “These are not easy feats by any stretch of the imagination,” Gunnell remarked, reflecting on the magnitude of the challenge. “What truly amazes me is witnessing people living with HIV undertaking such activities and demonstrating that life need not be defined by the virus.”
She went on to highlight Gareth Thomas’s track record as an inspiring example: “Gareth’s participated in triathlons, marathons ― physically demanding pursuits that prove just how much is possible. It’s astonishing what those living with HIV are achieving and it’s time to change the narrative that has haunted this condition for decades.”
The Snowdonia Ten Peak Challenge will push participants across the Carneddau, the most remote mountain range straddling Wales and England. The challenge is no small undertaking: it covers 25 kilometres and involves 1,200 metres of ascent and descent. Gunnell has been fine-tuning her stamina with regular climbs in Sussex’s South Downs, preparing for what is forecast to be a ten to twelve-hour trek in potentially freezing temperatures at the summits.
She paid tribute to both the experts and her teammates who will accompany her, stating, “There’s a group of twelve, from all walks of life and varying ages, guided by locals familiar with the terrain. We’ll depend on each other to get through. Gareth, with his indefatigable energy and uplifting stories, will be a driving force for all of us during the toughest phases.”
This mountainous quest follows on the heels of Tackle HIV’s recent spotlight moment at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. The campaign’s “Challenging Stigma Garden,” crafted by renowned designer Manoj Malde, celebrated advancements in HIV science and medicine over the past four decades. It captured widespread attention and prompted important conversations among visitors. Helen McDowell, of ViiV Healthcare, reflected: “We’re incredibly pleased with the impact of the garden – people actively sought it out after reading or hearing about it. The U=U bench, especially, became a centrepiece for discussions about new realities of living with HIV.”
The garden’s popularity underscored the ongoing importance of bringing HIV awareness into public view, both nationally and internationally. “HIV doesn’t recognise borders; it’s a challenge that affects communities everywhere,” McDowell emphasised. “Being part of an iconic British event whilst reaching a global audience felt very powerful and necessary.”
For campaigners, the Snowdonia challenge embodies this modern message: that individuals with HIV can and do live full, vigorous lives. Events like these aim to counteract years of negative stereotypes, replacing them with hope, resilience, and empathy. As Gunnell and her fellow climbers prepare to confront Snowdonia’s rugged landscape, they’re also climbing towards a society free from prejudice and misinformation.
The campaign remains resolute in broadening public understanding and ensuring the lived experiences of those with HIV are better recognised. Through high-profile advocates and public engagements, Tackle HIV seeks to inspire new conversations and dismantle lingering fears that still surround the virus today.
In her own words, Sally Gunnell summarises her motivation: “It’s about showing that anyone living with HIV can thrive, and that together, we can change how people perceive this condition. We want every step we take up those mountains to symbolise a step forward in eradicating stigma.”