Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. 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. Gareth Thomas and husband Stephen deliver supplies to - mirror RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. 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. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. All rights reserved. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. 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. Test your knowledge by naming all 20 of these famous films, Rory Tingle, Home Affairs Correspondent For Mailonline, Do not sell or share my personal information. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight, but revealed that the pair met while helping children who were struggling in school. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? I know I have HIV, but HIV doesn't have me. "Hes had this condition for quite a while so hes been living with a terrible secret. 'Courageous' Gareth Thomas breaks down in tears hugging husband at end He said he would 'never forget' the moment he found out his diagnosis, which came after a 'routine sexual health test' in Cardiff. 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? 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. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. 'I'm sad for him but you've got to take your hat off to Gareth. '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! "And having a strong support system and the personal strength and experience of overcoming those emotions got me through it. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. He played for Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and played in four tournaments altogether. 'I immediately thought I was going to die,' he said. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. There has been an outpouring of support for Thomas after he became the first UK sports figure to reveal he is living with HIV. 2023 BBC. "And one thing that was really personal to me was that a third of people we surveyed said that if there was somebody playing a contact sport that was HIV positive, that they would stop participating in that sport, they wouldn't take the field with somebody who was HIV positive. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune systemthe body's defence against diseases. Read about our approach to external linking. And the legend has been met with support since he revealed his diagnosis - with Prince William even tweeting out a message to Gareth. 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. Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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.. Welsh rugby fan Sue Parry, 58, added: 'I didn't know until someone in the crowd said. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband? I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. Gareth was expected to cross the finishing line in Tenby at about 7pm. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. Thomas, 48, has been . Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. 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. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Although Gareth Thomas is the first UK sportsman to bravely reveal his HIV diagnosis, he was not the first worldwide. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. Gareth Thomas on 'petrifying' ordeal before HIV announcement This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. "Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. . These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. "Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. By Rory Tingle, Home Affairs Correspondent For Mailonline and Jake Ryan For The Mail On Sunday, Published: 14:05 GMT, 30 January 2023 | Updated: 14:59 GMT, 30 January 2023. "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.". Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. : 'He has been a beacon of light for 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. 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!' In 1987, Princess Diana shocked the worldas she shook hands with an AIDS patientat Middlesex Hospital in London at the opening of the UK's first treatment unit. I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. Very little is known about Stephen, who Thomas said has lived a life out of the public eye. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. Why? Gareth Thomas came out to his wife without warning by telling her over the phone: "We need to talk." The Welsh rugby ace, who today has bravely revealed his HIV+ status, had wrestled with his. In 2017 he made a TV documentary called Gareth Thomas v Homophobia challenging gay taunts used by soccer fans at Premiership matches. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". His ex-wife was by his side when he came out as gay a decade ago, and he received an outpouring of support in the aftermath of completing the Ironman Wales challenge in a time of 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. I thought about driving off a cliff. Explosive moment Gareth Thomas came out as gay to wife Jemma - mirror The comments below have been moderated in advance. It was horrendous. 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. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. Everything is fine,' and the next morning you don't want anyone to see your face, because you think that if people look at you, they will know. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth Thomas., at the best online prices at eBay! The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Its sick and Ive been through hell, Gareth, 45, told the Sunday Mirror. Gareth Thomas, the former rugby star hailed as a gay sporting pioneer, is being sued in the High Court for allegedly "deceptively" transmitting HIV to a former partner. Its not like I blame people for not knowing this. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. 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. The Princess of Wales, who attended the parade with her husband on Wednesday morning, presented . 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. He posted a video on his Twitter Page showing his bruised and cut face from the Saturday night 'hate crime' in the Welsh capital. The Facebook predator who lured schoolgirls to run away with him is one of 7,000 sex fiends who offended Are YOU a romantic comedy buff? His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. You can't catch HIV from hugging me - Alfie, 'My stalker told my friends and family I had HIV', I hadn't been taught the reality of living with HIV, Ex-Wales rugby captain Thomas reveals he has HIV, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. 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. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. Spectator Carolyn James, 47, from Swansea said: 'Gareth's fella was waiting on the finishing line for half hour with a big smile on his face. * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. But he came back today looking stronger than ever as he competed in the Ironman contest to cheers of "come on Alfie" and "Go Gareth". Welcome to the Coronation! He said he has been living with the virus 'for years' and also revealed he is now re-married to a man named Stephen, 56. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. 'This is not an admission of liability or guilt. The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. '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! And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. Those diagnosed with the virus once had a bleak prospect. 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'. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. The gesture, which challenged the belief that HIV or AIDS could be transmitted by touch, showed Diana's compassion for other people and sparked the beginning of her work with people affected by the disease. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. This is a subject that because of the 80s scenarios people dont talk about it because thats the only information they have. "To me, wanting to die was just a natural thought and felt like the easier way out, but you have to confront things. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. Gareth has spoken glowingly of Stephens support, adding that his husbands quiet upbringing in rural Wales means he is reluctant to receive media focus or give interviews. 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. Prince William tweeted his support, describing Thomas as'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. An emotional Gareth Thomas broke down in tears and hugged his husband during the gruelling Ironman competition in Tenby. It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? On how much science had improved treatment, he said: You take a tablet for diabetes or blood pressure but because we deem this so serious, as HIV, nobody can really believe you take one tablet and you lead a normal, healthy, happy life and my husband is not at risk of contracting HIV and hes HIV negative. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. ', Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas is pictured in October 2010. Gareth Thomas baffled as Twitter suspends his account after - mirror Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. I wasn't expecting it at all. Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? Lara Keay For Mailonline Thomas completed the challenge inTenby, Pembrokeshire, in 12 hours and 18 minutes. Ian Baum has. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. 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. Test your knowledge by naming all 20 of these famous films, Celebrity News, TV Shows & Photos | OK! 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. 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. RAF Typhoon jets cause massive sonic boom sweeping across central England when they scramble to intercept a Do YOU know your Adam and Eve from your Ruby Murray? Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. 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. 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 thought about driving off a cliff. 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 was the first to sob in the brief encounter but Gareth had to wipe away tears as he rejoined the race. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. 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. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. Because it's mine to tell. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. "But now at 45 I no longer have that, so I am holding on for dear life!". He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. Ian Baum has accused the former Wales rugby captain of "deceptively" transmitting HIV to him, Gareth Thomas disclosed he was HIV positive in 2019, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Thomas had to learn how to do the front crawl to take part in the Ironman. 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. Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. 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 has agreed to pay75,000 plus costs to a former partner who accused him ofhiding his HIV status during their relationship. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. For other inquiries, Contact Us. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. Gareth Thomas husband: Is he married? The emotional moment he broke Yet it has been disclosed that the 56-year-old is from the Valleys - the stretch of land running fromCarmarthenshire to western Monmouthshire. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. We need to break the stigma once and for all. 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. ', Mr Thomas announcing the move on Twitter today - he maintains innocence, Thomas played 100 times for Wales during his illustrious career before he retired from the game in 2011. The trio live together in Bridgend,. With 100 test match appearances he was the most capped Welsh rugby union player until he was overtaken by Stephen Jones in September 2011. W.', Surf's up! Gareth Thomas is showing it's not all doom and gloom amid the coronavirus lockdown. Spectator Emma Barazia, 49, said: 'Gareth was a great rugby player but he's going to be a bigger hero to so many people now. 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. Emotional Gareth Thomas hugs husband during race hours after - mirror Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. 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. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. "When she said those words I broke down. 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 went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds as he managed to finish the mammoth Ironman Wales challenge in 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds, coming 413th out of 2,039 participants. 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. He also claimed Mr Thomas lied to him about his HIV status. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. I thought about driving off a cliff. The Welsh rugby legend had previously sobbed as he bravely appeared on This Morning to discuss why he didn't go public about living with the virus two years ago. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas agrees 75,000 settlement in legal battle with ex-partner who accused him of infecting him with HIV after hiding his positive status Former Wales captain. The former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. 'We need to break the stigma once and for all. 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. What a super hero this bloke is. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. "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.". 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'. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. W.', His brother Prince Harry called Thomas an 'absolute legend' and said: '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.'. 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