He was the first British rugby international. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Minds website. He was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. The retired sportsman toldOK! The star later switched to rugby league and led Wales to victory over France in the European. Last night, a close friend of the ex-player, who is fighting HIV with antiretroviral drugs, said: "Everyone is shocked and worried for Gareth but the important thing is hes fit and well. Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also tweeted his support, saying the rugby legend has 'shown enormous strength' in sharing his HIV status. The former rugby star has also been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health, and is an ambassador for the Terrence Higgins Trust HIV charity. , updated their fourth in successionCooper rues 'self-inflicted' defeat Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper said:"I think a lot of it is self-inflictedWe rode our luck at times, of course we did, but we had to stay strongWe were really good to show great characterwinning their last nine league games straight after holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Kingsmeadow in February. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. But 12 years later, when oldest sister Jessica sees a woman . After the bike stretch he was seen in tears as he was hugged by husband Stephen, with parents Barry, 69, and Yvonne, 70, cheering him on from the sidelines as he faced the final marathon section. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. I didnt want my brother, who didn't have the knowledge of it, to be afraid of me cuddling my niece.'. Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune systemthe body's defence against diseases. Love Island's Olivia Hawkins breaks silence as she returns to the UK, Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. "Hes had this condition for quite a while so hes been living with a terrible secret. "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. In a stunning show of solidarity, the Welsh rugby icon and his husband Stephen are ensuring everyone in. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . He played for Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and played in four tournaments altogether. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Thomas (pictured centre) took part in the Wales Ironman competition in Tenby after confirming his HIV status, Support: After becoming the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive, he began the gruelling Ironman Wales triathlon, but broke down after completing the swim and cycle (pictured), 'It is not connected to death it is connected to life and that is what Im doing to the max,' he said. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. He explained it was no different to taking daily diabetes medication every day. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. The rugby legend yesterday said he is revealing his diagnosis because he wanted to 'make a difference' by helping end the stigma surrounding the virus. Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. Its not like I blame people for not knowing this. 'He must be so tough mentally and physically to take part today.'. The year after he came out he was voted the most influential gay person in the UK and has since worked with multiple LGBT charities among others. Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. The 45-year-old was cheered and . Lara Keay For Mailonline Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. Mr Baum claims for the remainder of the relationship Mr Thomas used coercive and controlling behaviour towards him in order to prevent his HIV status becoming known. And I just I felt like I had no control over my own life. When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas has been accused of "deceptively" transmitting HIV to a previous partner, according to High Court legal papers. It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary. American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. We need to break the stigma once and for all. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 6ft 3in, 16 stone, Gareth went straight to hospital after sobbing on the shoulder of the doctor who gave him the news. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. The rugby-playing pal added: "Hes been a great ambassador for Wales and the gay community since coming out. He said: "I think if you went out on the street right now and told 10 people you have HIV, 50 per cent of them would be scared youre going to give it to them. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen as he finishes second-leg of ironman race just hours after revealing secret HIV diagnosis - as Prince William and Kate Middleton praise him for. Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton today hailed "courageous" Gareth Thomas as the rugby hero competed in a gruelling Ironman contest just hours after bravely revealing his battle with HIV. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. The comments below have been moderated in advance. Also in attendance was his husband, who shared an emotional embrace with Thomas during and after the race. The Princess of Wales, who attended the parade with her husband on Wednesday morning, presented . The man-hug moment came as Gareth completed the 112-mile cycle ride element of the endurance race and was about to start a full marathon. 'I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. He added that he has started a website to help break down the barriers and that we have to celebrate the steps forward in the science. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a safety barrier to embrace his husband of four-years Stephen, 56. Rugby's Gareth Thomas has shared his grief over a journalist disclosing that he is HIV positive to his parents before he had chance to tell them. When you have a secret that other people know about it makes you really vulnerable towards them. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. As he finished the swim section in just under an hour and a half, the former rugby player clambered onto his bike for a 112-mile cycle. * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. View our online Press Pack. 'I've always been a huge fan - this won't change anything. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. In the documents, he said the defendant caused him "serious physical and psychological injury". His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. W.', Surf's up! 'I used to go to the cliffs overlooking the beach near our cottage in St Brides Major and just think about jumping off and ending it all.'. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. 7. ', Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas is pictured in October 2010. In 2020, Thomas was given a special prize at Wales' St David Awards for campaigning against HIV stigma, one year after publicly revealing he had the virus. Express. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. Stephen is from the Valley and isnt used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews, but he loves me and supports me 100% in what Im doing. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Me and Stephen have been together four and a half years and I told him about my diagnosis early on in our relationship, said Gareth. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. They include: After this illness, which normally lasts one to two weeks, HIVsufferers will have no symptoms for up to 10 years - during which time they will look and feel well. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. Thomas, who has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, got to know Prince William after the prince was made the vice royal patron for the Welsh Rugby Union in 2006. Mr Thomas' legal team has been asked to comment, but it is understood that he is strongly contesting the claim. 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Gareth Thomas has hit out at Twitter after a video he shared of himself dancing with his husband was abruptly removed from his feed by the social media platform. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. He took to social media to share his ordeal and requested South Wales police deal with the 16-year-old suspect by way of restorative justice. Someone with AIDS has both HIV and at least one of a specific list of 'AIDS-defining' diseases, which include tuberculosis, pneumonia and some types of cancer. The 46-year-old Welsh rugby. Thomas has devoted the last few months getting fit for Ironman Wales, which is taking place in the West Wales seaside resort of Tenby today. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. It was horrendous. Despite the emotional revelation last night, hesaid he is 'fitter now than when he played rugby' and before he was diagnosed with the condition. Gareth Thomas has thanked his husband Stephen for being his "beacon of light". While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. The overriding question that everybody said to me the first question everyone says to me when I tell them Im living with HIV is Are you going to be OK?, And its a really compassionate question to ask. He said: "She treated me with such empathy and understanding and after about 20 minutes I got myself together.". Mr Thomas had been sued for150,000 in damages by Mr Baum over claims he hadfailed to take 'reasonable care' before allegedly passing the virus onto him. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. Read about our approach to external linking. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. He ran across and hugged a man who was visibly crying and that set Gareth off too. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas revealed on Saturday he is HIV positive in an emotional interview. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. He will now feature in a new documentary entitled: Gareth Thomas: HIV and ME, which will air on BBC One on Wednesday September 18 at 9pm. Thomas and his husband, who married in front of close friends, including close friend 'H' from the bands Steps, met while working with trouble school children. The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. Keen to get away from the neighbours? I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. "Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. Commenting on Thomas going public, a close friend who also played for Wales, said: 'Everyone is shocked and worried for Gareth - but the important thing is he's fit and well. Head coach Warren Gatland said last night: 'There hasn't been a lot of conversation about it because it's very fresh news to us at this stage. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, Peter Andre sets strict rules for Princess after 'signing deal with fashion retailer', Jake Gyllenhaal flaunts rock-hard abs as he slaps former MMA fighter for Road House remake. Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary with husband Stephen Williams-Thomas, and Piers asked: "Are you punching as heavily as I am?". The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. Gareth told The Mirror that Stephen does not have HIV. 'As the largest HIV charity in the UK said, there are no winners in HIV cases like these, and that is certainly the case. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Former Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas hugged his husband as he finished a gruelling 140-mile Ironman triathlon just a day after revealing he is HIV positive. You're Not Alone. Ever since, Mr Thomas has championed equality and inclusion, including for all of those living with HIV, and been a respected spokesman for the LGBT community. We need to break the stigma. Some of the other popular airports, and their flight times, include: gambling fish shooting deposit 50 thousand. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. 'I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. Thomas, who retired from rugby in 2011, went public with his HIV status on the eve of the opening of the Rugby World Cup, which starts on Friday. 2023 BBC. I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. "Now even though I've been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight to educate.". The sports legend told how he went through hell as he tried to keep his health battle hidden from his friends and family. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. "To me, wanting to die was just a natural thought and felt like the easier way out, but you have to confront things. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. Something went wrong, please try again later.
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