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. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. 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. 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. 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. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. 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. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. What will the next pandemic be? The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. In 2017 he made a TV documentary called Gareth Thomas v Homophobia challenging gay taunts used by soccer fans at Premiership matches. Discover your rider rating - how many one-star reviews do 'I want to be a French child!' Welcome to the Coronation! He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. 'I fully expect him to become a leading light for HIV and Aids charities, that's the sort of bloke he is. 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. Gareth Thomas came close to suicide after confessing to his wife that he was gay. 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 12:35 GMT 17 Sep 2019. 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. 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 cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. Ive been threatened by people who said they would give away my secret. When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. "When she said those words I broke down. 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. 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. I've stood on so many cliff edges. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Stephen Thomas, who lives with Gareth in Bridgend, is 56 years old and has a daughter, 23-year-old Anna. 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. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Despite the emotional revelation last night, hesaid he is 'fitter now than when he played rugby' and before he was diagnosed with the condition. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. 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. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. Thomas has reduced his illness to an undetectable state by taking a daily tablet, meaning he cannot pass HIV on to others. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a. He completed the swim section in an estimated 1 hour 29 minutes and looked fresh and strong at the transition to the cycle element of the race which ends with a full marathon. Gareth Thomas CBE (born 25 July 1974), [1] nicknamed "Alfie", is a Welsh former professional rugby union and rugby league player, who represented Wales in both sports. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. He told The Sunday Mirror: Ive been living with this secret for years. The Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend has revealed that, three years ago, he married his husband Stephen. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. 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. 'I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. 'I've always been a huge fan - this won't change anything. 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. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. I know I have HIV, but HIV doesn't have me. More info. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. In court papers, Mr Baum claimed he had a relationship with him between 2013 and 2016 and that he was HIV negative when the relationship began. Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth Thomas., 9781445439624 | eBay 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. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune systemthe body's defence against diseases. 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.. The pair are seen canoodling in a bubble bath as they strip off for. 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. The court papers state that when he found out he was positive for the virus, he was left "devastated". Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. 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. 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. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. "Two thirds of people would consider ending or would end a relationship if they found out that their partner was HIV positive. 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! 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. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. 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. , updated This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas revealed on Saturday he is HIV positive in an emotional interview. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. "I'd probably say I am, my husband married me because of my rugby prowess and rugby strength," said Gareth. Thomas appeared as a contestant on TV's Celebrity Big Brother where he reached the final three. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . 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. Mr Thomas, who made a public announcement he. Mr Thomas' legal team has been asked to comment, but it is understood that he is strongly contesting the claim. 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. He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. 'I only found out about his illness when I arrived here at six this morning. 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. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. 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. 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. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. "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. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. 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. 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. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. I immediately thought I was going to die. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. Thomas has confirmed that his husband does not have HIV. 'For my own mental health and that of my family, this closure and acceptance from the other side is a hugely positive outcome. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. 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! I just thought, how can somebody put him in that position? 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. 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. 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 credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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Thomas (pictured centre) took part in the Wales Ironman competition in Tenby after confirming his HIV status, Support: After becoming the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive, he began the gruelling Ironman Wales triathlon, but broke down after completing the swim and cycle (pictured), 'It is not connected to death it is connected to life and that is what Im doing to the max,' he said. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. 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?' "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". 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. Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. 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. "But now at 45 I no longer have that, so I am holding on for dear life!". 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. They include: After this illness, which normally lasts one to two weeks, HIVsufferers will have no symptoms for up to 10 years - during which time they will look and feel well. What a super hero this bloke is. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. 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. "To me, wanting to die was just a natural thought and felt like the easier way out, but you have to confront things. 2023 BBC. The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. It doesn't control me.'. By Claire Jimenez (Grand Central, fiction) When 13-year-old Ruthy disappeared after track practice, it left the Ramirez family scarred. I was in such a state. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. You have our support Gareth. Why? Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. '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! The retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. 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. 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. You have our support Gareth. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. 'We need to break the stigma once and for all. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. 15:01, Mon, Sep 23 . In 1987, Princess Diana shocked the worldas she shook hands with an AIDS patientat Middlesex Hospital in London at the opening of the UK's first treatment unit. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 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. Because it's mine to tell. EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide. '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.'. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. 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. Thomas, wearing number 50, was given another huge cheer when his name was announced over the PA system at the event, which will take 17 hours for some competitors to complete. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. 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. 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. Some of the other popular airports, and their flight times, include: gambling fish shooting deposit 50 thousand. He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. 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 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.". As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. He had wanted to keep the information from his parents, Yvonne, 70, and Barry 69, fearing it would 'hurt' them. All rights reserved. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV.