The 43-year-old has been living with the virus since 2008 and rather than hide away she has decided to become an activist, helping raise awareness about HIV.

It is a stance which has led to her describing herself as the Stigma Warrior and becoming an ambassador for ENUF, a group dedicated to openness surrounding HIV.

Ms Smith's efforts, along with events such as Tuesday's World AIDS Day, are designed to show HIV is not something that should be an embarrassment.

It is a health condition which requires a concerted and honest effort to address.

Sadly it appears not everybody agrees with Ms Smith's attitude and efforts to promote destigmatisation.

A vicious anonymous letter has been mailed to Ms Smith's house, filled with barbs accusing of her being a bludger.

Most shockingly, the letter suggests Ms Smith chose to contract HIV and is milking her condition.

It is a bizarre missive and some would say Ms Smith should have just decided to screw it up and throw it in the bin.

Instead she has taken it to police and publicised its contents on through the media.

Ms Smith believes the opinions have the ability to deter those who suspect they may have HIV from being tested.

She is speaking out to highlight the intolerant attitudes reflected in the letter and to show they are unhelpful and ignorant.

While not being widespread, they no doubt indicative of some of the views held in certain quarters.

Ms Smith herself contracted HIV through a heterosexual relationship, a situation which is at odds with the stereotype of the virus being limited to drug users and homosexual men.

It is easy to scapegoat and fear monger, but much more useful to enlighten and educate.

Ms Smith deserves admiration for setting out to inform the community about HIV and her willingness to tell her own story.

Those who write anonymous abusive letters warrant contempt.

They are gutless, unimaginative and bigoted and need to realise their brain is best used for thought rather than thoughtlessness.

Ms Smith is using her life sentence for far more good than those imprisoned by their own narrow-mindedness.