What will the next pandemic be? The former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. 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. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. 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 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. Thomas, 48, has been . The former rugby star has also been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health, and is an ambassador for the Terrence Higgins Trust HIV charity. 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. 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. 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.'. She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. But he decided to break the news to his parents and two older brothers after blackmailers started using his diagnosis as a weapon. He hung up his boots in 20111 and came. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. 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. 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. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. It almost felt as if someone I loved had suddenly died, but he was still standing there in front of me. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. ', 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. Single mother faces 170 parking fine after overstaying at McDonald's for just 14 minutes while she treated Man had sex with his wife on bollard in protest after it had been erected by neighbour to stop him parking From Prince Harry 'peeing his pants' the day he met Meghan to what the Queen REALLY thought of Archie and Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! 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 fan Sue Parry, 58, added: 'I didn't know until someone in the crowd said. 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? 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. 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. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. 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. Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. All rights reserved. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. He will appear on ITV as a pundit. He posted a video on his Twitter Page showing his bruised and cut face from the Saturday night 'hate crime' in the Welsh capital. 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also tweeted his support, saying the rugby legend has 'shown enormous strength' in sharing his HIV status. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. Thomas completed the challenge inTenby, Pembrokeshire, in 12 hours and 18 minutes. 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. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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'. 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. Lara Keay For Mailonline 16:23 GMT 15 Sep 2019 The virus is now 'undetectable' in his system and cannot be passed on providing he continues to take his medication every day. Welcome to the Coronation! This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. 15:01, Mon, Sep 23 . 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.. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. 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. '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.'. 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. 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. The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. 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. "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. It was horrendous. 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. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. 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. 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. 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? Gareth Thomas has adorably opened up on his unbreakable bond with husband Stephen Thomas-Williams after revealing he is living with HIV. 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. This is a subject that because of the 80s scenarios people dont talk about it because thats the only information they have. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. He told The Sunday Mirror: Ive been living with this secret for years. 'I genuinely think it's going to save people's lives,' he said. 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. 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? That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. The 45-year-old bravely told the world that he is living with HIV . He also told that learning of his diagnosis has not been the last trauma he has had to undergo. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. 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. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. 'This is not an admission of liability or guilt. 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 was the first British rugby international. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. 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. 6ft 3in, 16 stone, Gareth went straight to hospital after sobbing on the shoulder of the doctor who gave him the news. You have our support Gareth. 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. The 45-year-old was cheered and . Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. When you have a secret that other people know about it makes you really vulnerable towards them. Copyright 2021-2022 Pwapgh.com. 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.. Read about our approach to external linking. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a safety barrier to embrace his husband of four-years Stephen, 56. 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.'. The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. 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. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. 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. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune systemthe body's defence against diseases. Last November Thomas was beaten up in Cardiff by a 16-year-old boy in a sickening homophobic attack. Why? 'I only found out about his illness when I arrived here at six this morning. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. 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. 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. He said: "I think if you went out on the street right now and told 10 people you have HIV, 50 per cent of them would be scared youre going to give it to them. 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. 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. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. 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. 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. "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. ', Moving: Gareth Thomas is pictured on This Morning telling Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about his reasons for not revealing his diagnosis earlier. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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". To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The rugby legend yesterday said he is revealing his diagnosis because he wanted to 'make a difference' by helping end the stigma surrounding the virus. However, nowadays it can be fully controlled by drugs which stop it developing into AIDS. '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.'. 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. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. Stephen was the first to sob in the brief encounter but Gareth had to wipe away tears as he rejoined the race. The pair are seen canoodling in a bubble bath as they strip off for. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. 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. 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. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. 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 began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. 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! Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday However, the virus will continue to cause progressive damage to a person's immune system. 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 January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. These include: But Gareths condition is now under control to the point it is considered 'undetectable' and cannot be passed on. 'I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. REVEALED: Huge sonic boom felt by thousands across the country was caused by RAF Typhoon jets scrambling to Do YOU know your Adam and Eve from your Ruby Murray? I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. He said: 'I've been living with this secret for years. He was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis.