HIV blogs and news sites, media news feeds and Brighton's Scene Magazine are all reporting the news that broadcaster Paul Gambaccini, who works freelance for the BBC and commercial radio, is living with Alzheimers Disease. But, defiantly, he intends to continue to entertain his loyal listeners. Mr Gambaccini is also a patron of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the oldest and largest HIV charity in the UK.

The veteran broadcaster and music journalist Paul Gambaccini has disclosed that he is living with Alzheimer's disease, having received the diagnosis in early 2025. The long-serving radio presenter, who has been a patron of the HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust for more than three decades, made the announcement in a statement released on social media and to journalists.

In his statement, Gambaccini acknowledged that the condition brings an "uncertain future", but made clear he has no intention of stepping away from the microphone. Referencing the Queen song These Are the Days of Our Lives, he remarked that time cannot be reversed, quoting the line about being unable to turn back the clock or the tide.

The 75-year-old explained that, for now, everyday life continues as before, and he will remain on air with The Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday evenings, alongside his programmes for Greatest Hits Radio. He expressed gratitude for the kindness already shown to him and said he would remain as open as possible as his condition develops. He also asked to be given the space to keep presenting the music he loves to listeners he described as even more important to him.

Support from Terrence Higgins Trust

News of the diagnosis prompted an immediate wave of good wishes, with Terrence Higgins Trust saying it was sending love and support to Gambaccini and his husband. The charity added that it was glad to know the couple are receiving assistance from Alzheimer's Society.

Richard Angell, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, paid tribute to Gambaccini's longstanding dedication to people living with HIV and to the wider LGBTQ+ community. Angell noted that Gambaccini had stood alongside the charity and those affected by HIV through the darkest days of the 1980s and continues to do so now, as the organisation works towards ending new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.

Angell said Gambaccini had made a major personal impact in shifting public attitudes towards HIV over the past 30 years, and expressed confidence that he would now do the same for Alzheimer's awareness through his radio work.

Gambaccini has been one of Britain's most prominent voices in HIV awareness and fundraising since the early years of the epidemic, using his public profile to confront stigma and back those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Sir Nick Partridge, who led Terrence Higgins Trust as chief executive from 1991 to 2013, recalled how Gambaccini had risen to the challenge of HIV at a time when many others looked away. He described Gambaccini's advocacy and fundraising as a crucial wake-up call to the public about the scale of the AIDS crisis and the urgency of the response needed.

Sir Nick also highlighted the significance of Gambaccini's 300 Club initiative, in which 300 supporters each contributed £1,000. He called it a game changer for the charity, securing its financial stability and placing it at the vanguard of the UK's response to HIV. He added that the legacy of that initiative, and of Gambaccini's efforts, continues to this day.

With a broadcasting career spanning more than five decades, Gambaccini remains one of the most recognisable voices on British radio. He has stated his intention to keep presenting for as long as he is able.