The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Thomas completed the challenge inTenby, Pembrokeshire, in 12 hours and 18 minutes. Scott's Refrigerated Logistics that supplies to Coles and Woolworths Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. Stephen Thomas, who lives with Gareth in Bridgend, is 56 years old and has a daughter, 23-year-old Anna. Gareth was expected to cross the finishing line in Tenby at about 7pm. The trio live together in Bridgend,. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales 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. 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 had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. 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. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. 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. '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.'. 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. "But now at 45 I no longer have that, so I am holding on for dear life!". At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.". 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. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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 went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. Since going public with the news on Sunday, he has been praised for his bravery by admirers including Princes William and Harry. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. Keen to get away from the neighbours? Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. You have our support Gareth. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. Keen to get away from the neighbours? His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. This is a subject that because of the 80s scenarios people dont talk about it because thats the only information they have. He ran across and hugged a man who was visibly crying and that set Gareth off too. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. The former Wales and British and Irish Lions player, who came out as gay in 2009, yesterday revealed he kept his HIV status a secret over fears he would be 'treated like a leper' - and was today hailed for his bravery by Princes William and Harry. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. Gareth Thomas addresses moment Prince Harry - Express.co.uk The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. "Two thirds of people would consider ending or would end a relationship if they found out that their partner was HIV positive. , updated Gareth Thomas breaks down and hugs husband during Ironman We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. "Im speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. The star later switched to rugby league and led Wales to victory over France in the European. Rugby star Gareth Thomas spoke on Good Morning Britain about the misconceptions surrounding HIV as he celebrated his wedding anniversary. He told The Sunday Mirror: Ive been living with this secret for years. Mr Thomas, who made a public announcement he. "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". Welcome to the Coronation! Gareth was forced to consult legal representatives and speak out about his diagnosis after a tabloid newspaper found out about his HIV status and sent reporters to his parents home. Gareth Thomas has hit out at Twitter after a video he shared of himself dancing with his husband was abruptly removed from his feed by the social media platform. ', Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas is pictured in October 2010. 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. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. In a stunning show of solidarity, the Welsh rugby icon and his husband Stephen are ensuring everyone in. Following their divorce in 2009, Thomas announced his sexuality to the world and went on to marry partner Stephen, who does not share his health status, seven years later. 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. More info. gareth thomas husband | heracles fc | sports | Pwapgh.com 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. 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. I thought about driving off a cliff. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Thomas has reduced his illness to an undetectable state by taking a daily tablet, meaning he cannot pass HIV on to others. The 45-year-old was cheered and . His older brothers are Richard and Steven. 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. By 'I only found out about his illness when I arrived here at six this morning. 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? Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. 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. These include: But Gareths condition is now under control to the point it is considered 'undetectable' and cannot be passed on. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. They split up after he told her he was gay - and he went public about his sexuality 10 years ago. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. 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 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. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune systemthe body's defence against diseases. 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. 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 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. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband? Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. The former Wales captain said he had made the decision to settle with Ian Baum 'for myown mental health and that of my family' - insisting that the move was 'not an admission of liability or guilt'. Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews. I wasn't expecting it at all. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. Well done: The 45-year-old is pictured on his bike this morning after completing a 2.3-mile swim. 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. 'It looks to me like he's sending a message out to the world about living with HIV.'. By Samantha Masters. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. I didnt want my brother, who didn't have the knowledge of it, to be afraid of me cuddling my niece.'. Gareth Thomas (rugby) - Wikipedia In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. He added that he has started a website to help break down the barriers and that we have to celebrate the steps forward in the science. As the players become aware of the news, I'm sure they'll talk about it.'. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". Why? The sports legend told how he went through hell as he tried to keep his health battle hidden from his friends and family. 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'. American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. 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. 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?' 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. 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. For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below. 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. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. Despite the emotional revelation last night, hesaid he is 'fitter now than when he played rugby' and before he was diagnosed with the condition. 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. 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! Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. 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. 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 former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis - mirror 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. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband and when did he split from his wife 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". Rugby star Gareth Thomas sued after ex-partner gets HIV Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. Many felt that Ralph Hasenhuttl was a man on the brink at that pointCrystal Palace are readying a 20m January transfer bid for Conor Gallagher if the England midfielder's Chelsea dream is shattered000 workers across various tournament services and 40 gareth thomas husband, If Costa passes his medical. ', Thomas came out at the end of his rugby career and said at the time: 'I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player, I am a rugby player first and foremost I'm a man.'. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also tweeted his support, saying the rugby legend has 'shown enormous strength' in sharing his HIV status. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. Gareth Thomas credits husband for helping him through HIV - Metro He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. Former Wales and Lions captain Gareth Thomas, 48, has championed equality and inclusion, including for all of those living with HIV, The former Wales captain said he had made the decision to settle with Ian Baum 'for my own mental health and that of my family' - insisting that the move was 'not an admission of liability or guilt'. 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. The retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. 'This is not an admission of liability or guilt. 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. 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. He tweeted today: 'I'm making this announcement first before the tabloids take my truth. Inside Gareth Thomas' marriage to childhood sweetheart Jemma - mirror And the legend has been met with support since he revealed his diagnosis - with Prince William even tweeting out a message to Gareth. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. 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. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. Get all the juiciest gossip delivered to your inbox with our celebs newsletter, GMB's Dr Hilary says second COVID wave is 'inevitable' and doctors are terrified, Hero NHS nurse who found lump in her own breast makes life-changing decision, Kate Garraway shares Derek's final words as he believed he was about to die, Spencer Matthews sparks concern as Finding Michael documentary pulled at 11th hour, Cyclist pavement killer risks losing home as neighbours break silence, HONEYTRAP HELL: Watch the moment dad lets two women into flat who seduced and drugged him before stabbing him to death over fake Rolex he'd shown off online, Moment sonic boom 'like a gas explosion' shakes homes as RAF Typhoon aircraft scrambled, Cher, 76, shares candid update on relationship with 37-year-old boyfriend, Cristiano Ronaldo hugs boy, 10, whose dad died in Turkey-Syria earthquake in moving clip, Bus carrying 40 schoolchildren plunges down creek in French Alps, Matt Hancock's 41-hour battle to save career after Gina Coladangelo affair revealed, Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan unrecognisable after quitting TV role for rock band, Saturday Kitchen fans in hysterics as guest repeats X-rated word live on BBC, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. After retiring from the game Thomas launched a successful media career while volunteering for charities and is an active supporter of Childline. The rugby-playing pal added: "Hes been a great ambassador for Wales and the gay community since coming out.