and 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". 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. Thomas did not say when he was diagnosed, but revealed that he had to tell a number of former sexual partners as a matter of 'duty' so they could get themselves tested too. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. The popular television regular and former Wales captain, who. I immediately thought I was going to die. He said he would 'never forget' the moment he found out his diagnosis, which came after a 'routine sexual health test' in Cardiff. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. Gareth Thomas came close to suicide after confessing to his wife that he was gay. A year after rugby star Gareth Thomas came out as gay, his ex-wife has finally found happiness. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. The former Wales and British and Irish Lions player, who came out as gay in 2009, yesterday revealed he kept his HIV status a secret over fears he would be 'treated like a leper' - and was today hailed for his bravery by Princes William and Harry. and The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. 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. After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! When someone else knows a secret as big as that they can determine your happiness or sadness every morning and use it as a weapon against you and your family.. 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. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. "And having a strong support system and the personal strength and experience of overcoming those emotions got me through it. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. 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. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. 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. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. Welcome to the Coronation! 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. The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. 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. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. He was alive but lost to me. Thomas, who is affectionately known as 'Alfie' due to his 'resemblance to the alien character in the TV sitcom 'Alf', battled with his sexuality for years, telling of how he was driven to the brink of suicide on multiple occasions. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. The 45-year-old former Welsh rugby captain bravely told the world that he is living with HIV last week, after an . 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. Prince William tweeted his support, describing Thomas as'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. REVEALED: Huge sonic boom felt by thousands across the country was caused by RAF Typhoon jets scrambling to Do YOU know your Adam and Eve from your Ruby Murray? 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. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. 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! RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. Lara Keay For Mailonline 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. Lara Keay For Mailonline 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. 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. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. Stephen was the first to sob in the brief encounter but Gareth had to wipe away tears as he rejoined the race. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . But, this is meant the nicest way possible, its a really uneducated question., Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me will be shown on BBC One Wales on Wednesday 18 September 9pm, Chelsea confirm Reece James will miss Leeds clash due to hamstring injury, Narco-tourists in luxury cars comb French beaches after cocaine washes ashore, House with its own train and private working railway on sale for 500,000, Cher, 76, shares sweet update about boyfriend Alexander Edwards, 37, after solo appearance, Frenkie de Jong happy at Barcelona despite Manchester United plotting another summer move, Do not sell or share my personal information. Mr Baum is suing the TV personality for 150,000. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas revealed on Saturday he is HIV positive in an emotional interview. 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'. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. Its sick and Ive been through hell, Gareth, 45, told the Sunday Mirror. He will appear on ITV as a pundit. 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. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. An emotional Gareth Thomas broke down in tears and hugged his husband during the gruelling Ironman competition in Tenby. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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. 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. 'I genuinely think it's going to save people's lives,' he said. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Thomas, 48, has been . And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. "Now even though I've been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight to educate.". Gareth Thomas has adorably opened up on his unbreakable bond with husband Stephen Thomas-Williams after revealing he is living with HIV. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday, 'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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. "He was trying to comfort and reassure me and telling me to go and speak to the doctors, but Id already made my mind up that my life was over.". In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. Express. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. 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. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. We're very proud to call him a friend.'. We need to break the stigma once and for all. Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. And I just I felt like I had no control over my own life. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. 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. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Copyright 2021-2022 Pwapgh.com. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. 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. Gareth takes one tablet a day, and it means he will not infect a sexual partner with HIV. I just thought, how can somebody put him in that position? His older brothers are Richard and Steven. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. 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. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Read about our approach to external linking. Those diagnosed with the virus once had a bleak prospect. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. The married 35-year-old Cardiff Blues player, who in 2007 became the first ever Welshman to win 100 caps for his country, admitted he had been suicidal at times as he hid his sexuality from his. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. Also in attendance was his husband, who shared an emotional embrace with Thomas during and after the race. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. Discover your rider rating - how many one-star reviews do 'I want to be a French child!' 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. We need to break the stigma. 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. 'I can still hear their cruel laughter': Dr Alex George bravely reveals he suffered with an eating disorder Public Service Announcement, do NOT watch these ads! In the video posted to his Twitter page, he said: "I want to share my secret with you. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . In court papers, Mr Baum claimed he had a relationship with him between 2013 and 2016 and that he was HIV negative when the relationship began. We need to break the stigma once and for all. The former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. This is a subject that because of the 80s scenarios people dont talk about it because thats the only information they have. I thought about driving off a cliff. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas, 48, denies court claim that he infected ex-partner with HIV The retired rugby star was accused of 'concealing' his HIV-positive condition Carriers can be charged. 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. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. A guy from Bridgend without a single GCSE to his name for one moment changed the world,' he said. Gareth also hugged his parents Yvonne, 70, and Barry, 69, who were cheering him on in the Wales ironman contest in the seaside resort of Tenby, West Wales. 'I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. 15:01, Mon, Sep 23 . 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. 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. I thought about driving off a cliff. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. He is one of more than 2,000 amateur competitors who lined up at 7am for the swimming leg of the race. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. When I first found out that I was going to have to live with HIV, the first thing I thought was straight away: I was going to die, he said. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. Gareth Thomas is showing it's not all doom and gloom amid the coronavirus lockdown. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. I thought about driving off a cliff. He was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. Last November Thomas was the victim of an homophobic attack while out with friends in Cardiff City Centre. Thomas appeared as a contestant on TV's Celebrity Big Brother where he reached the final three. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. After becoming the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive yesterday, he began the gruelling Ironman Wales triathlon, which began with a two-mile swim in the early hours this morning. W.', Surf's up! As the players become aware of the news, I'm sure they'll talk about it.'. Shania Twain reveals ex-husband Robert 'Mutt' Lange is still with her former BFF 15 years after affair was exposed - but says: 'I got what I deserved!' by remarrying pal's spouse Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. The court papers state that when he found out he was positive for the virus, he was left "devastated". He has represented Wales in both Rugby Union and Rugby League and was the most capped player in the country until he was overtaken in 2011. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas broke into tears at the end of a gruelling Ironman race hours after he went public with his HIV diagnosis. I wasnt expecting it at all. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary.
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