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A memorial recently erected at a college near Alton, Hampshire, portrays two students embracing—one with a sling and the other holding a cane. This poignant statue reflects the shared experiences of those who attended Treloar’s school, many of whom suffered serious health consequences. Adrian Goodyear, now 55, first joined Treloar’s at the age of nine and recalled being amazed by the school’s scenic surroundings and facilities. Despite the initial impression, he grimly noted, “We left school with death sentences.”
Goodyear revealed that during his time at the school, he was infected with both hepatitis and HIV. In 1985, a doctor informed him tearfully that he had between two and three years to live. The doctor delivered this devastating news not just to him but to five other boys, going around the room to disclose who had contracted HIV. For Goodyear, the memorial serves a vital role in keeping the troubling history alive and honoring those who lost their lives. He recounted the painful winter in which five boys died and emphasized the promises made by survivors to pursue the truth and never give up in seeking justice.
Another former pupil, Gary Webster, who studied at Treloar’s from 1975 to 1983 and was also infected with HIV and hepatitis C, remembered being called to the doctor during a dinnertime appointment and told he had just two years to live. Webster stressed the importance of the memorial in ensuring the lessons from this dark chapter are not forgotten, saying it is “to remember what happened and to make sure it never happens again.” Similarly, Steve Nicholls, who attended the school from 1976 to 1983, described the memorial as a representation of the bonds and friendships formed there. Nicholls spoke about the camaraderie among the students, many of whom lived and experienced hardships together, calling themselves “blood brothers.” He admitted feeling “incredibly guilty” for surviving when many of his friends did not.
The wider investigation into the school revealed that medical research undertaken there was unprecedented in scale and severity. Sir Brian Langstaff, in his report on the inquiry, highlighted the enduring impact of these events, stating they “left long scars, not only in this Hampshire community but across the UK.” Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors, emphasized the day’s significance as a moment to remember the “real-life consequences of responsibilities” at both local and governmental levels. Rachel Halford, chief executive of the Hepatitis C Trust, criticized the government for fixing compensation at a “pitifully low sum of £60,000” for those affected by unethical medical research at Treloar’s. In response, a government representative acknowledged the severe injustice suffered by victims of the infected blood scandal and affirmed ongoing efforts to provide appropriate support and compensation. It was noted that over £1.4 billion in interim payments have already been made by the government, alongside more than £2.2 billion distributed by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority
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