A YOUNG GRADUATE who contracted HIV at 22 has been hailed the “most inspirational speaker” a school has ever had.

Emma Cole contracted the virus in September 1991 after finishing her studies and moving in with her boyfriend.

She said: “On September 11 1991, that was the moment I, a young, white, heterosexual woman, realised that HIV does not discriminate.

“It’s not just for gay men, haemophiliacs or injecting drug users, it has the potential to infect any sexually active person, which now includes me.”

After her diagnosis in 2002, Emma set up Positive Voice, which has seen her give 2,500 talks around the country in an attempt to counter stereotypes of the virus.

This week, Emma visited Forest School in Snaresbrook to talk to sixth form pupils about the realities of living with HIV.

Year 13 pupil Jathavi said: “Emma was absolutely amazing.

“Funny, serious when needed, understanding, and made the topic accessible to everyone regardless of how much they did or didn’t know about HIV.”

Her teacher Mr Tom Burnside added: “The word inspiration is bandied around a bit too much, but Emma is arguably the most inspiring speaker we have ever had at Forest.”

Students from the London Academy of Excellence in Stratford also joined Forest sixth formers for Emma's talk.