Its sick and Ive been through hell, Gareth, 45, told the Sunday Mirror. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. 'For my own mental health and that of my family, this closure and acceptance from the other side is a hugely positive outcome. X Factor's Steve Brookstein claims Gareth Thomas 'burdens the NHS' in A guy from Bridgend without a single GCSE to his name for one moment changed the world,' he said. Gareth was blowing kisses to the crowd when he saw people he knew behind a barrier. The 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. Copyright 2021-2022 Pwapgh.com. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a safety barrier to embrace his husband of four-years Stephen, 56. He played for Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and played in four tournaments altogether. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. What will the next pandemic be? 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. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. 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. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. 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. Gareth Thomas CBE (born 25 July 1974), [1] nicknamed "Alfie", is a Welsh former professional rugby union and rugby league player, who represented Wales in both sports. 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. 'As the largest HIV charity in the UK said, there are no winners in HIV cases like these, and that is certainly the case. 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. 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. And Thomas who won 100 caps for Wales and came out as gay in December 2009 while he was still playing said he wants to reduce the stigma of living with HIV. 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? Gareth Thomas husband: Is he married? The emotional moment he broke It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis left him suicidal - Mirror Online. 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. 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). "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. 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. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. 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". The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. He posted a video on his Twitter Page showing his bruised and cut face from the Saturday night 'hate crime' in the Welsh capital. Tearful Gareth Thomas hugs husband during Ironman hours after revealing 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. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. Many in the diving community rounded on Louganis for not disclosing his diagnosis as they argued that blood spilling from his head could have infected the pool with the disease. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. Mr Thomas' legal team has been asked to comment, but it is understood that he is strongly contesting the claim. 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. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isnt used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews., The former British Lions captain added: He loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what Im doing.. 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. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? He said: 'I always say now, 'I'm living with HIV. "When she said those words I broke down. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. Gareth Thomas married husband in 2016 as he reveals HIV - Metro In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. 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. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews. gareth thomas husband | trabzonspor fc | sports | Casinosshow 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 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. It doesn't control me.'. In the documents, he said the defendant caused him "serious physical and psychological injury". 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'Courageous' Gareth Thomas breaks down in tears hugging husband at end In 2017 he made a TV documentary called Gareth Thomas v Homophobia challenging gay taunts used by soccer fans at Premiership matches. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. Yet it has been disclosed that the 56-year-old is from the Valleys - the stretch of land running fromCarmarthenshire to western Monmouthshire. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Gareth Thomas jokes he's 'punching' with husband Stephen on 3 - mirror I've stood on so many cliff edges. 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. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. By Claire Jimenez (Grand Central, fiction) When 13-year-old Ruthy disappeared after track practice, it left the Ramirez family scarred. 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. 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 completed a two-mile swim in Tenby, West Wales, in just under 90 minutes before clambering on to his bike for a 112 mile cycle. 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. "Now even though I've been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight to educate.". Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. Something went wrong, please try again later. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". 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. I immediately thought I was going to die. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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. 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. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. 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. 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. The 45-year-old former Welsh rugby captain bravely told the world that he is living with HIV last week, after an . Those diagnosed with the virus once had a bleak prospect. 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. By He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. Lara Keay For Mailonline HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust said in a statement: 'Gareth Thomas has spoken publicly about living with HIV for the very first time ahead of taking on the Ironman Waleschallenge. 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. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. '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.'. "To me, wanting to die was just a natural thought and felt like the easier way out, but you have to confront things. "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.". Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. Mr Thomas, who made a public announcement he. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas broke into tears at the end of a gruelling Ironman race hours after he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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. Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. Ive been threatened by people who said they would give away my secret. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. 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. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. Stephen, 56, added that he was full of pride for Gareth, who announced his HIV status shortly before participating in a gruelling Ironman Triathlon. 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. 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. "Im speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. 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. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. 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. 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. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. 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. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Gareth Thomas baffled as Twitter suspends his account after - mirror 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. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. 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.'. 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 The allegations, referring to a period between 2013 and 2018, came before Mr Thomas announced in an interview and BBC documentary in 2019 that he was carrying HIV. A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. View our online Press Pack. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. 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. 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. 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. And the legend has been met with support since he revealed his diagnosis - with Prince William even tweeting out a message to Gareth. 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!' A day later he competed in the Ironman Wales challenge, finishing in a time of 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds.