Photo: courtesy of Beatrice Colbrant
Mark Ward’s talk last night was nothing short of extraordinary—a deeply emotional and courageous account that left the room stunned, moved, and inspired.
🩸 A Childhood Marked by Betrayal
Mark was infected with HIV and Hepatitis C as a child through contaminated blood products administered by Great Ormond Street Hospital, despite his parents’ wishes to keep him on safer treatment. The scandal, now recognized as one of the worst medical disasters in NHS history, saw thousands of haemophiliacs treated with blood from high-risk donors—often prisoners and sex workers—without proper screening. These children were effectively treated as guinea pigs, with little regard for their lives or futures.
💔 The Emotional Weight of the Scandal
As Mark recounted his story, the room was heavy with emotion. His vivid memories of being told he was HIV-positive at age 14—casually, almost cruelly—highlighted the systemic neglect and stigma he endured. He spoke of being isolated at school, labelled a “freak,” and denied the chance to simply be a child. Yet, through all this, he never lost his spirit.
✈️ Dreams That Took Flight
Despite being told he wouldn’t live past 18, Mark defied expectations. He joined British Airways at 16, living his dream of working in aviation until his health forced him into early retirement. His resilience and refusal to be defined by his diagnosis were palpable.
📣 From Survivor to Campaigner
Mark transformed his pain into purpose. He founded Haemosexual, a support network for LGBTQ+ individuals with bleeding disorders, and became the world’s first LGBTQ+ Ambassador for the UK Haemophilia Society. His activism has been relentless—appearing on television, addressing global conferences, and giving powerful testimony to the Infected Blood Inquiry.
⚖️ A Call for Justice
Mark’s story is not just personal—it’s political. He denounced the complicity of government and medical institutions, demanding retribution and accountability. His memoir Bleeding Fabulous captures this journey with wit, honesty, and heartbreak.
Last night, we didn’t just hear a story—we bore witness to a legacy of injustice and the indomitable will of a man who turned tragedy into advocacy. Mark Ward is not just a survivor; he’s a beacon for truth, dignity, and change.