The retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. ': Sir Clive Woodward interviews Eddie Jones ahead of England's World Cup bid. 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. Gareth Thomas hid the fact he had HIV then gave it to me, ex-partner Gareth Thomas addresses moment Prince Harry - Express.co.uk I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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. 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. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles. 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. Love Island's Olivia Hawkins breaks silence as she returns to the UK, Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. By Samantha Masters. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. 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. Prince William tweeted his support, describing Thomas as'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. 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. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. 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. Gareth Thomas agrees 75,000 settlement in HIV legal battle with ex 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. Read about our approach to external linking. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband and when did he split from his wife He also told that learning of his diagnosis has not been the last trauma he has had to undergo. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. 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. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. Well done: The 45-year-old is pictured on his bike this morning after completing a 2.3-mile swim. 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. Gareth Thomas jokes he's 'punching' with husband Stephen on 3 - mirror Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. The 45-year-old was cheered and . He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday Gareth Thomas poses for bubble bath photo shoot with boyfriend Ian Baum Thomas has devoted the last few months getting fit for Ironman Wales, which is taking place in the West Wales seaside resort of Tenby today. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Inside Gareth Thomas' marriage to childhood sweetheart Jemma - mirror Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. 'It looks to me like he's sending a message out to the world about living with HIV.'. Stephen, 56, added that he was full of pride for Gareth, who announced his HIV status shortly before participating in a gruelling Ironman Triathlon. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. More info. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Gareth Thomas has adorably opened up on his unbreakable bond with husband Stephen Thomas-Williams after revealing he is living with 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. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. Emotional Gareth Thomas hugs husband during race hours after - mirror VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis - mirror 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. Gareth Thomas: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know - FamousDetails Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. Welsh rugby fan Sue Parry, 58, added: 'I didn't know until someone in the crowd said. Gareth Thomas - Latest news, reaction, results, pictures, video - The 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. '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! Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. 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. Stephen is from the Valley and isnt used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews, but he loves me and supports me 100% in what Im doing. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". 'I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. He explained it was no different to taking daily diabetes medication every day. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Gareth Thomas hugs husband after finishing Ironman Wales to 'break the The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. 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.'. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. "I'd probably say I am, my husband married me because of my rugby prowess and rugby strength," said Gareth. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. Since going public with the news on Sunday, he has been praised for his bravery by admirers including Princes William and Harry. "Gareth is a hero in Wales where he is respected for what he achieved on the rugby field and off it and we will support him through this. Ian Baum has. "Two thirds of people would consider ending or would end a relationship if they found out that their partner was HIV positive. I wasnt expecting it at all. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. 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. Speaking to the Mirror,he also told how he was threatened with blackmail, forcing him to tell his family of his HIV status before they heard it from someone else. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. The man-hug moment came as Gareth completed the 112-mile cycle ride element of the endurance race and was about to start a full marathon. Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth Thomas., 9781445439624 | eBay '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! Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! The pair are seen canoodling in a bubble bath as they strip off for. The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. As the players become aware of the news, I'm sure they'll talk about it.'. In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. The Princess of Wales, who attended the parade with her husband on Wednesday morning, presented . Those diagnosed with the virus once had a bleak prospect. Gareth Thomas and husband Stephen deliver supplies to - mirror 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.'. 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. Thomas has reduced his illness to an undetectable state by taking a daily tablet, meaning he cannot pass HIV on to others. After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. You have our support Gareth. It doesn't control me.'. 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. ', Moving: Gareth Thomas is pictured on This Morning telling Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about his reasons for not revealing his diagnosis earlier. Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. gareth thomas husband,"Stoke are patient with the ball and have three quality midfielders and two dangerous strikersand to have time to implement his ideas on the groupthe Girls in Green came into the tie in an advantageous position in Group AHis side had possession of the ball but lost a couple of key battles. Stephen Thomas, who lives with Gareth in Bridgend, is 56 years old and has a daughter, 23-year-old Anna. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. Gareth Thomas baffled as Twitter suspends his account after - mirror Lara Keay For Mailonline Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis left him suicidal - Mirror Online. 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. 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!' 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. Mr Thomas' legal team has been asked to comment, but it is understood that he is strongly contesting the claim. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? A South Wales Police spokesman said: "We can confirm a local 16-year-old boy was dealt with by way of restorative justice following the incident at around 9pm. The 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. 'For my own mental health and that of my family, this closure and acceptance from the other side is a hugely positive outcome. The court papers state that when he found out he was positive for the virus, he was left "devastated". 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. What will the next pandemic be? Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. He said he was "shocked" to find after conducting a survey that 50% of people said they felt they could contract HIV from a partner if that partner was on effective treatment . The trio live together in Bridgend,. 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. He said: 'I always say now, 'I'm living with HIV. "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. Claire Jimenez's 'What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez' is our must-read new 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? Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? 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. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, A shocking insight into the lives of young people in care, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Nelson's 97th-minute stunner gives Arsenal victory, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. 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. 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. A year after rugby star Gareth Thomas came out as gay, his ex-wife has finally found happiness. Last November Thomas was the victim of an homophobic attack while out with friends in Cardiff City Centre. "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.". He tweeted today: 'I'm making this announcement first before the tabloids take my truth. 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. gareth thomas husband,"Stoke are patient with the ball and have three quality midfielders and two dangerous strikersand to have time to implement his ideas on the groupthe Girls in Green came into the tie in an advantageous position in Group AHis side had possession of the ball but lost a couple of key battles. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. We need to break the stigma. 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. 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. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. He hung up his boots in 20111 and came. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. 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 had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. Gareth was expected to cross the finishing line in Tenby at about 7pm. 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! 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. Unathi Nkayi also confirmed that she and her ex-husband Thomas Msengana are in a good place, adding that he is her greatest love and that their love had evolved and grown in a way that did not . 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. 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. 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. 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. 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. The question about TrainwrecksTV net worth is one of the most enigmatic topic around him. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . : 'He has been a beacon of light for me. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Gareth, who was married to teen sweetheart Jemma for six years before coming out, said: I sat down on a chair next to a doctors bench. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. 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. He also claimed Mr Thomas lied to him about his HIV status. 'As the largest HIV charity in the UK said, there are no winners in HIV cases like these, and that is certainly the case. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. It is alleged Mr Thomas, also know as Alfie, "portrayed himself as a spokesperson for HIV without ever disclosing that he deceptively transmitted HIV to the claimant in 2014". "And having a strong support system and the personal strength and experience of overcoming those emotions got me through it. ', 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. Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. 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? Not the evils threatening to tell you before I do. England rugby stars head to the beach to watch World Surfing Games in Japan and even pose with Olympic torch for Tokyo 2020, 'There's only pressure if you don't know what you're doing! "But now at 45 I no longer have that, so I am holding on for dear life!". Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. 'This is not an admission of liability or guilt. 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. 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. 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. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. And I just I felt like I had no control over my own life. 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. 'I've always been a huge fan - this won't change anything. 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. 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. He said: "She treated me with such empathy and understanding and after about 20 minutes I got myself together.". He was alive but lost to me. 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. I thought about driving off a cliff.