A CHARITY has been set up in memory of an internationally respected HIV expert.

The Martin Fisher Foundation aims to celebrate and take forward the legacy of the work carried out by the Brighton-based professor.

Professor Fisher, a consultant at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, died suddenly earlier this year at the age of 50.

He was instrumental in setting up the trust’s specialist HIV unit after his appointment in 1995 and was well known to many patients.

He was also chair of HIV medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Professor Fisher’s partner Adrian Brown and the rest of his family decided to set up the foundation after receiving comments and support from patients and colleagues around the world.

Dr Brown, a public health consultant, said: “Over the past months it has been of great comfort to receive so much support and kindness and to read so many warm tributes from people and organisations.

“As a generally humble and modest man, Martin would have been overwhelmed by this.

“Crucially, this support has given us the strength and motivation to establish the Martin Fisher Foundation to take forward his important work.”

The foundation will continue to focus on the development of new strategies for effective treatment and prevention of HIV, with the long term aim of reaching zero transmission of the virus.

The specific projects of the foundation will be developed over the coming months – but ambitions will be focused on world class research, excellence in the delivery of patient centred care of those affected by HIV and high quality teaching.

Experts from around the UK and abroad will be taking part in the official launch of the foundation at the Brighton Dome on Monday.(sep 14)

There will be lectures in the morning and tributes and the foundation launch in the afternoon.

The foundation wants to hear from people with ideas and anyone who wants to get involved to help take forward Professor Fisher’s legacy.

To make a donation, find details about Monday’s launch, or to learn more about the foundation, visit www.martinfisherfoundation.org.