HARRY Lowden, a 67-year-old retired teacher and social worker, volunteers as a befriender at The Foundation, a charity supporting people with HIV in Worcester.

He befriends people with HIV and spends time assisting them with anything they need - from going for walks to accompanying them to appointments. Harry also helps with advocacy work, negotiating with other bodies, such as social services, to ensure their needs are met.

In the five years he has volunteered, Harry has often formed strong bonds with those he befriends and is full of admiration for them.

"People need a champion at some point in their lives," he said. "Someone to fight their corner.

"There are so many things you take for granted in your own life.

"It's good to share what you know with people who are struggling with the pressures of life.

"It gives them independence and you a warm glow." The Foundation gave him training in confidentiality, disease progression, also drug therapy, injection control and stigma, prejudice and attitudes.

Harry, who lives at Peopleton, near Pershore, has been interested in social issues since he was a child.

"I felt I had a happy childhood and wanted to give something back," he explained. He also fund-raises for St Richard's Hospice in Worcester and it was there he saw a sign asking for volunteer befrienders for The Foundation.

"You get so much positive feedback from volunteering, " Harry added. "All you need to do is just be yourself."