In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. The pair are seen canoodling in a bubble bath as they strip off for. Thomas said there was so much 'inaccurate information' about HIV that he wanted to counter, stressing, for instance, that there was 'no possibility' of him passing it on to others because of the drugs he is taking. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. gareth thomas husband,"The focus should be purely talking about footballManchester City (23), Aston Villa (21)'We're on board with what we been asked to do" he says before spontaneously calling Josh Magennis over to free him from the interview. HIV (human immuno-deficency virus) attacks the body's immune system. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Gareth was blowing kisses to the crowd when he saw people he knew behind a barrier. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. Gareth Thomas is showing it's not all doom and gloom amid the coronavirus lockdown. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. 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. 'For my own mental health and that of my family, this closure and acceptance from the other side is a hugely positive outcome. 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. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. He was later rushed to hospital and was suspected to have had a stroke, with fears the impact on his health may have led to his retirement. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. The 45-year-old, who is affectionately known as Alfie, also revealed he has remarried and his husband, a man known only as Stephen, 56, does not have the virus. The honeytrap plot that left father-of-six dead: Moment two women lead victim into his flat to seduce him Why is Britain experiencing so many earthquakes? His older brothers are Richard and Steven. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. By Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. Why? "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. He revealed that afterwards he was 'threatened by people who said they would give away my secret', who he feared would 'use it as a weapon' against him and his family. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. Gareth Thomas broke down as he hugged Stephen during the Ironman, Gareth Thomas celebrates completing the Ironman, Gareth Thomas: Carol Vorderman reacts to star's HIV diagnosis, Prince Harry backs rugby star Gareth Thomas over HIV revelation, William tribute to Gareth Thomas after rugby star has HIV. He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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. Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! 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. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. 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. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. 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. They split up after he told her he was gay - and he went public about his sexuality 10 years ago. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". 'It looks to me like he's sending a message out to the world about living with HIV.'. The retired sportsman toldOK! After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. "Now even though I've been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight to educate.". 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. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. View our online Press Pack. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. I was afraid of telling him, but I remember thinking, if you are who I think you are, this wont be an issue., And if it had been an issue, then it wouldnt have been the right match anyway.. Welcome to the Coronation! Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. He said: 'I always say now, 'I'm living with HIV. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Open:The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has agreed to pay75,000 plus costs to a former partner who accused him ofhiding his HIV status during their relationship. Speaking to the Mirror,he also told how he was threatened with blackmail, forcing him to tell his family of his HIV status before they heard it from someone else. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. Thomas, wearing number 50, was given another huge cheer when his name was announced over the PA system at the event, which will take 17 hours for some competitors to complete. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. We need to break the stigma. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. Demi Moore is supported by Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Liv Kim Kardashian shares sweet snap of daughter 'Chi Chi', 20 Jennifer Lopez's Hustlers inspiration Samantha Barbash vows Charlie's Angels stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Ken Bruce: 'I always wanted to be a radio presenter from about 15', Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. In sharing your story of being HIV+, you are saving lives and shattering stigma, by showing you can be strong and resilient while living with HIV. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Not the evils threatening to tell you before I do. That is why it is so important to get tested early if you have been at risk of HIV, as it will mean that you can access treatment that will prevent you ever getting AIDS. Gareth Thomas almost broke down in tears as he thanked his husband and stepdaughter for their support following his decision to reveal his HIV diagnosis. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. 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. He was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Gareth went to hug his husband during the race, Tears were streaming down his face as he continued running, Stephen smiling after the emotional encounter with his husband, Gareth was cheered by spectators as he took on the gruelling Ironman challenge in Wales, It came after he opened up about his secret HIV battle, Prince William sent Gareth a message of support, Gareth Thomas celebrates as he crosses the finish line, Gareth is embraced by former Wales international rugby team mate Shane Williams by the finish line, The rugby legend celebrates with his husband Stephen, Prince William speaks with Gareth at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on February 4, 2007, Gareth started the contest with a two mile swim, He then completed on a 112 mile bike ride, Gareth Thomas was seen smiling and pumping his fist as crowds cheer him on, Gareth was married to teen sweetheart Jemma for six years before coming out, He appeared on Dancing on Ice with dance partner Robin Johnstone in 2013, He was capped 100 times for Wales and met former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 to discuss homophobia and transphobia in sport, The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis, Gareth with Denise Welch on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012, Wales and Lions Rugby legend Gareth Thomas reveals he is HIV positive, sick blackmailers had started using his diagnosis as a weapon, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. "Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. 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. Keen to get away from the neighbours? His husband Stephen and Stephen's daughter Anna, 23, who all live together in Bridgend joined thousands on the sidelines of the marathon section of Ironman. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. Thomas made the decision to reveal that he has tested positive for the virus after being threatened with blackmail, and Stephen admitted seeing his husband in that position was 'heartbreaking. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Gareth was led off to a nearby marquee to recover and later joined his proud parents Yvonne and Barry who are staying at a seafront hotel. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, A shocking insight into the lives of young people in care, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Nelson's 97th-minute stunner gives Arsenal victory, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78. 'People in Wales will back him, the same as we did when he came out as gay. "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.". : 'He has been a beacon of light for me. He also claimed Mr Thomas lied to him about his HIV status. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 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. Speaking at the Ironman Wales race today, spectator Adam Davies, 45, of Swansea, said: 'He was in sports mode - he looked pretty determined and engrossed in the race. 6ft 3in, 16 stone, Gareth went straight to hospital after sobbing on the shoulder of the doctor who gave him the news. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. He hopes that the revelation, and the acceptance that it generates, will fight anxieties about HIV that result from misinformation. He is an engaging speaker on his experiences as both an international sports star and his personal story of coming out, as a member of the LGBT community and on living with HIV. He completed the swim section in an estimated 1 hour 29 minutes and looked fresh and strong at the transition to the cycle element of the race which ends with a full marathon. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. Revealed: The new '23' number plates the DVLA deems offensive and has banned including EU23 OFF and GO23 HEL, The secret WhatsApp mode that lets you EDIT texts after you've sent them. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Well done: The 45-year-old is pictured on his bike this morning after completing a 2.3-mile swim. When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. More info. Jemma spoke out about the compassion she felt for Gareth when he first revealed the news to her, telling the Mirror: It was the worst day of my life. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. Thomas made the announcement yesterday -saying sick blackmailers had started using his diagnosis as a weapon. After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. and Lara Keay For Mailonline "When she said those words I broke down. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. Thomas completed the challenge inTenby, Pembrokeshire, in 12 hours and 18 minutes. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. He also appeared on Dancing on Ice as a pundit and has been given his own shows on BBC Wales including Run for Your Life when he trained a group of overweight and unfit women from the Welsh Valleys to get fit for the Cardiff Half Marathon. Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. 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. What will the next pandemic be? Brooklyn celebrates turning 24 by heading out in Paris with wife Nicola Peltz and Nicola Peltz's fans question if 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria Beckham is REALLY over as she posts Victoria Beckham leads the sweet birthday messages for son Brooklyn's 24th as the family finally reunite in Tragedies of Everest: The adventurers forever frozen in ice after losing their lives scaling the world's 'Why the last-minute delay?' The honeytrap plot that left father-of-six dead: Moment two women lead victim into his flat to seduce him Why is Britain experiencing so many earthquakes? Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also tweeted his support, saying the rugby legend has 'shown enormous strength' in sharing his HIV status. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. HIV stays in the body for life, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. 'I genuinely think it's going to save people's lives,' he said. As the players become aware of the news, I'm sure they'll talk about it.'. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. The trio live together in Bridgend,. I didnt want my brother, who didn't have the knowledge of it, to be afraid of me cuddling my niece.'. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. Former Wales and Lions captain Gareth Thomas, 48, has championed equality and inclusion, including for all of those living with HIV, The former Wales captain said he had made the decision to settle with Ian Baum 'for my own mental health and that of my family' - insisting that the move was 'not an admission of liability or guilt'. He was alive but lost to me. Though he admitted his diagnosis two years ago felt like a death sentence, he says he soon found that, with the right medication, it was manageable to the point that he does not suffer symptoms. I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. Thomas had to learn how to do the front crawl to take part in the Ironman. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. By Many felt that Ralph Hasenhuttl was a man on the brink at that pointCrystal Palace are readying a 20m January transfer bid for Conor Gallagher if the England midfielder's Chelsea dream is shattered000 workers across various tournament services and 40 gareth thomas husband, If Costa passes his medical. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. He tweeted today: 'I'm making this announcement first before the tabloids take my truth. He had wanted to keep the information from his parents, Yvonne, 70, and Barry 69, fearing it would 'hurt' them. 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. What will the next pandemic be? His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. 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. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? Single mother faces 170 parking fine after overstaying at McDonald's for just 14 minutes while she treated Man had sex with his wife on bollard in protest after it had been erected by neighbour to stop him parking From Prince Harry 'peeing his pants' the day he met Meghan to what the Queen REALLY thought of Archie and Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. I immediately thought I was going to die. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. The popular television regular and former Wales captain, who took part in the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, says he wants to end the stigma associated with the condition. However, the virus will continue to cause progressive damage to a person's immune system. 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. The 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll.
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