Roland was diagnosed with HIV and AIDS in 2006, at which time he was given two weeks to live. His AIDS-defining illness was Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, a brain disease, which, in his case, paralysed him.

Today, Roland has overcome chronic illness and discrimination to help bring greater disability rights in the workplace through voluntary roles within the HIV/AIDS sector in the UK, such as board member at National Long Term Survivors’ Group, trainer for Gay Men Fighting AIDS, Peer Mentor for Positively UK and a Positive Voices speaker for Terrence Higgins Trust and through his company, Luminate, where he supports individuals with disabilities in getting back into work and organisations that want to become more disability aware

His best-selling book ‘Ripple from the Edge of Life’ has been a major breakthrough, bringing together Roland’s story and 13 others living with HIV/AIDS from around the UK. He is a finalist in the 2019 National Diversity Awards as a Role Model for Disability.

Lear more about Roland here:
www.luminate.uk.com