A DUNFERMLINE woman will run the London Marathon this weekend for charity in memory of her late brother-in-law.

Andrea Gellan, who has completed sports challenges like swimming the English Channel and a World Championship Ironman, is competing to raise money for the HIV charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, in honour of Dr Malcolm Gellan.

A graduate of Cambridge University Malcolm, who at 26 became the youngest medical consultant in Britain, passed away in the late 1980s due to complications relating to HIV.

For years following his death, Andrea and her family didn't talk about him or share their memories of his short life - but that will change on Sunday when she takes to the start line in the capital.

Andrea, 61, explained: "The family did not want to talk about it at the time; it was the elephant in the room.

"It was such a shame as we were very proud of what he achieved but we didn't speak about him.

"Would it have been the same if he had died of another illness? I don't think so."

Malcolm worked as a consultant urologist in London, ironically specialising in the treatment of people with HIV.

It was while doing this important work, which helped to change the course of the epidemic, that Malcolm was himself diagnosed.

Andrea, a retired industrial chemist and part-time swimming teacher,  continued: "Sadly he died due to complications from HIV infection in his 30s.

"Malcolm worked with Terrence Higgins Trust, so that's why I wanted to raise money for this charity."

Today, Terrence Higgins Trust works to end new HIV transmissions in the UK, empower people to live well with HIV, and ensure good sexual health is a right and reality for all.

It also works tirelessly to tackle the stigma that still surrounds HIV and update people's knowledge of the virus.

"I think Malcolm would have been very pleased to know that HIV is no longer a death sentence, and that people living with HIV can live a happy, healthy life with the correct treatment," Andrea added.

"Terrence Higgins Trust is fighting the stigma and discrimination that still exists around people with HIV.

"I'm so pleased that I have the opportunity to run the marathon in his memory as it has helped the family speak about Malcolm and remember all the good he achieved and celebrate his life.

"My daughter, who as a junior doctor is following in her uncle's footsteps, thinks the charity is a great cause and a lovely way to remember Malcolm."

Tom Woolveridge, community fundraising officer at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "The awareness raising and fundraising that Andrea is doing makes such a big difference to people living with and affected by HIV.

"The money raised will help us deliver vital services to help us end the HIV epidemic, improve sexual health and empower people to live well with HIV.

"We’re delighted to have Andrea’s support and we’re wishing the best of luck to everyone running for us this year!"

The vision of Terrence Higgins Trust is a world where people with HIV live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination, and good sexual health is a right and reality for all.

To find out more about Terrence Higgins Trust visit www.tht.org.uk.

You can sponsor Andrea, who has already raised more than £1,500, online at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndreaGellan.