A Camden Town nurse who has spent more than three decades at the forefront of HIV care is taking on the London Summer Walk this August to raise funds for the Ian Charleson Day Centre (ICDC), a fund within the Royal Free Charity.
65‑year‑old Tom Fernandez will walk 25km across London on 22 August to mark the centre’s 35th year in service and to support the Royal Free Charity, whose funding helps the ICDC continue delivering world‑class care to more than 3,000 people living with HIV.
Tom has already raised over £10,000 and has worked at the ICDC since it first opened, making him one of the longest‑serving HIV nurses in the country, with his career spanning a transformative era in HIV treatment.
“I’ve worked at the Ian Charleson Day Centre (ICDC) since it opened more than 30 years ago, and it has been a phenomenal part of my career. It’s an incredible privilege to see how HIV care has evolved during that time, and I’m so proud of what we offer.
“I’m fundraising for the Royal Free Charity so that, with their funding and support, together we can improve things even further for patients: from funding research that advances HIV care, to therapy dogs and volunteer support. Taking on the Ultra Challenge is my way to give something back, helping to benefit people living with HIV now and in the future.”
In June, he was awarded HIV Nurse of the Year by the National HIV Nurses Association, a surprise nomination from his colleagues that he described as one of the greatest moments of his life.
Before joining the ICDC, Tom worked in emergency care and volunteered with Terrence Higgins Trust, supporting people living with HIV in their homes. Tom’s role is now split between clinical care and research, and he has been involved in numerous clinical trials that have helped develop and evaluate new HIV treatments, many of which are now used routinely across the NHS.
Last year, Tom fractured his sacrum and broke several ribs and so, unable to do high‑impact exercise, he chose the 25km Ultra Challenge walk for his next fundraising challenge.
“At 65, I feel fit and healthy, I hope my experience shows that setbacks don’t have to stop you doing something positive. It also helps me relate to patients who are recovering from injury themselves.”
You can support Tom’s fundraiser by donating at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tom-fernandez-1763040170224
The London Summer Walk, organised by Ultra Challenge Series, has 10k, 25k and marathon distance options that includes iconic views like the Royal Arsenal, Tower Bridge and the Thames Flood Barrier among many more.
Entries remain open for the London Summer Walk Ultra Challenge 2026 and 2027 sign-ups are now available. To take part, visit: www.ultrachallenge.com/london-summer-walk
