After retiring from the game Thomas launched a successful media career while volunteering for charities and is an active supporter of Childline. Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. : 'He has been a beacon of light for me. The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. 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. 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. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. 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.. Without medication people with HIV can develop AIDS. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. Gareth Thomas jokes he is "punching" as he celebrates three-year wedding anniversary, Gareth discussed the misconceptions surrounding HIV, Gareth and Ian are celebrating three years of marriage, Gareth takes daily medication and it ensures his HIV is not contagious. The comments below have been moderated in advance. Not the evils threatening to tell you before I do. After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. . But City went closer with Wells' header and will be disappointed not to have edged a competitive match"I'm really happy for the fans gareth thomas husband,"Scott Arfield grabbed a double as a much-changed Rangers side eased into the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Queen of the South at IbroxTheir application has been very good, so I don't have complaintswhile Granovskaia - named as the best club director in European football earlier this season - is seen as a highly-respected figure within the sport. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. Thomas, 48, has been . A day later he competed in the Ironman Wales challenge, finishing in a time of 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. 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. 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. Gareth Thomas is showing it's not all doom and gloom amid the coronavirus lockdown. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. 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?' You have our support Gareth. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the immunodeficiency is the weakening of the immune system by the virus, If untreated it can lead to late-stage HIV or Aids, the name for a collection of illnesses caused by the virus, Modern medication reduces the viral load to undetectable levels, meaning someone can't pass on HIV and their health is protected, There were more than 106,000 people living with HIV in the UK in 2020. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. Gareth Thomas has thanked his husband Stephen for being his "beacon of light". When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. Its not like I blame people for not knowing this. He was the first British rugby international. The pair have been building themselves up for the moment Gareth announced he is HIV but have been overwhelmed by support from royalty, politicians and other sporing greats. 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. In the video posted to his Twitter page, he said: "I want to share my secret with you. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. As he finished the swim section in just under an hour and a half, the former rugby player clambered onto his bike for a 112-mile cycle. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. 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. Me and Stephen have been together four and a half years and I told him about my diagnosis early on in our relationship, said Gareth. 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. Well done: The 45-year-old is pictured on his bike this morning after completing a 2.3-mile swim. You're Not Alone. Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth Thomas., 9781445439624 | eBay The Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend has revealed that, three years ago, he married his husband Stephen. "Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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. In the documents, he said the defendant caused him "serious physical and psychological injury". 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. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. Read about our approach to external linking. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Thomas has reduced his illness to an undetectable state by taking a daily tablet, meaning he cannot pass HIV on to others. 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. 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. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas revealed on Saturday he is HIV positive in an emotional interview. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. 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. 'People in Wales will back him, the same as we did when he came out as gay. 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. He hopes that the revelation, and the acceptance that it generates, will fight anxieties about HIV that result from misinformation. You have our support Gareth. The virus is now 'undetectable' in his system and cannot be passed on providing he continues to take his medication every day. "Now even though I've been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight to educate.". But 12 years later, when oldest sister Jessica sees a woman . He explained: I needed to take control of my life. Gareth is one of the worlds leading international try-scorers, and he has been supported throughout his career by Jemma, who he met when the pair were youngsters. 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. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Gareth takes one tablet a day, and it means he will not infect a sexual partner with HIV. 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'. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. 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? 'I immediately thought I was going to die,' he said. They split up after he told her he was gay - and he went public about his sexuality 10 years ago. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. 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. I thought about driving off a cliff. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. What a super hero this bloke is. Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. The 45-year-old former Welsh rugby captain bravely told the world that he is living with HIV last week, after an . Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton today hailed "courageous" Gareth Thomas as the rugby hero competed in a gruelling Ironman contest just hours after bravely revealing his battle with HIV. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The rugby-playing pal added: "Hes been a great ambassador for Wales and the gay community since coming out. 2023 BBC. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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). In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. He came out as gay in 2009 following a split from his wife and childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2007, becoming the first openly-gay rugby player in Britain. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Some of the other popular airports, and their flight times, include: gambling fish shooting deposit 50 thousand. EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide. Express. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. 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. American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. 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.. Welcome to the Coronation! Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. A year after rugby star Gareth Thomas came out as gay, his ex-wife has finally found happiness. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also tweeted his support, saying the rugby legend has 'shown enormous strength' in sharing his HIV status. The retired sportsman toldOK! 'I genuinely think it's going to save people's lives,' he said. The ex fullback completed the course in the seaside resort of Tenby, south Wales, with a time of 12 hours 18 minutes and 29 seconds. The question about TrainwrecksTV net worth is one of the most enigmatic topic around him. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. "Hes had this condition for quite a while so hes been living with a terrible secret. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. 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 Sunday Mirror: Ive been living with this secret for years. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. ', 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. He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. The trio live together in Bridgend,. HIV stays in the body for life, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. 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. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. "I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. Read about our approach to external linking. 'I fully expect him to become a leading light for HIV and Aids charities, that's the sort of bloke he is. 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. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. 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. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. Despite the emotional revelation last night, hesaid he is 'fitter now than when he played rugby' and before he was diagnosed with the condition. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. ', Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas is pictured in October 2010. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. He is one of more than 2,000 amateur competitors who lined up at 7am for the swimming leg of the race. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Thomas was part of ITV's broadcast team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. 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. 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. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. 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. When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. 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. 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.. MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! The rugby player said: 'Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews, but he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.'. 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! 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. 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. 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. 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. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. Gareth 'Alfie' Thomas was a professional Welsh Rugby player who broke one of the biggest taboos in sport when he announced his homosexuality in 2009. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. You can unsubscribe at any time. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . 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? The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. ', Moving: Gareth Thomas is pictured on This Morning telling Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about his reasons for not revealing his diagnosis earlier. 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". He said: 'I've been living with this secret for years. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. 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. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? 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.