He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. I wasnt expecting it at all. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. 'I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. 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. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Also in attendance was his husband, who shared an emotional embrace with Thomas during and after the race. Last November Thomas was the victim of an homophobic attack while out with friends in Cardiff City Centre. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. I thought about driving off a cliff. Gareth Thomas' ex-wife reveals how she's finally found happiness again For other inquiries, Contact Us. Ive been threatened by people who said they would give away my secret. 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. 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. GARETH THOMAS and his husband Stephen have revealed how Prince Harry got in touch after the former spoke out about his HIV diagnosis earlier this month. However, nowadays it can be fully controlled by drugs which stop it developing into AIDS. Gareth Thomas hugs husband after finishing Ironman Wales to 'break the 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. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. 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. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. 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 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. I was in such a state. 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. 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. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. W.', Surf's up! Who is Gareth Thomas' husband? Ian Baum has. Gareth Thomas (rugby) - Wikipedia The rugby-playing pal added: "Hes been a great ambassador for Wales and the gay community since coming out. Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Gareth Thomas - Latest news, reaction, results, pictures, video - The Tearful Gareth Thomas hugs husband during Ironman hours after revealing Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. "Im speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide. Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. "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. Although Gareth Thomas is the first UK sportsman to bravely reveal his HIV diagnosis, he was not the first worldwide. "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.". Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. "We should all be appalled by the way you were forced to speak your truth, it is yours and yours alone to share on your terms and I and millions stand with you.. 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'. I didnt want my brother, who didn't have the knowledge of it, to be afraid of me cuddling my niece.'. I know I have HIV, but HIV doesn't have me. Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas comes out as gay He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. 'As the largest HIV charity in the UK said, there are no winners in HIV cases like these, and that is certainly the case. Gareth Thomas married husband in 2016 as he reveals HIV - Metro 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. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . Thomas has confirmed that his husband does not have HIV. 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". Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary with husband Stephen Williams-Thomas, and Piers asked: "Are you punching as heavily as I am?". HIV carriers can be charged with grievous bodily harm if they fail to declare their status to potential sexual partners and pass on the infection. You have our support Gareth. 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?' Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. 'I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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". He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. 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. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. We need to break the stigma once and for all. 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'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. 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. HIV (human immuno-deficency virus) attacks the body's immune system. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And I just I felt like I had no control over my own life. He played for Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and played in four tournaments altogether. A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. 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. Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis left him suicidal - Mirror Online. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. Gareth Thomas says husband has been a "beacon of light" through HIV The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. Welcome to the Coronation! 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.'. The 45-year-old was cheered and . He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. The 45-year-old, who is affectionately known as Alfie, also revealed he has remarried and his husband, a man known only as Stephen, 56, does not have the virus. Jemma suffered three miscarriages as the couple tried to start a family during their marriage. 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.. However, the virus will continue to cause progressive damage to a person's immune system. 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. An emotional Gareth Thomas broke down in tears and hugged his husband during the gruelling Ironman competition in Tenby. 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? He hopes that the revelation, and the acceptance that it generates, will fight anxieties about HIV that result from misinformation. "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. Welcome to the Coronation! Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. 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Lara Keay For Mailonline Scott's Refrigerated Logistics that supplies to Coles and Woolworths AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. I've stood on so many cliff edges. 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!' "I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. 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. A day later he competed in the Ironman Wales challenge, finishing in a time of 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. He also told that learning of his diagnosis has not been the last trauma he has had to undergo. The 45-year-old former Welsh rugby captain bravely told the world that he is living with HIV last week, after an . He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. The trio live together in Bridgend,. 12:35 GMT 17 Sep 2019. 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. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. Someone with AIDS has both HIV and at least one of a specific list of 'AIDS-defining' diseases, which include tuberculosis, pneumonia and some types of cancer. When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. 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! After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. 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. Gareth told The Mirror that Stephen does not have HIV. The Princess of Wales, who attended the parade with her husband on Wednesday morning, presented . 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?' Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears as he was embraced by his husband just 24 hours after revealing he has been 'living with HIV for years'. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. I've stood on so many cliff edges. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. "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 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. The virus is now 'undetectable' in his system and cannot be passed on providing he continues to take his medication every day. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. He will appear on ITV as a pundit. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. Gareth Thomas hid the fact he had HIV then gave it to me, ex-partner It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". They split up after he told her he was gay - and he went public about his sexuality 10 years ago. The retired sportsman toldOK! I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. 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. 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.