Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. HIV (human immuno-deficency virus) attacks the body's immune system. 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. Keen to get away from the neighbours? 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!' See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. It was horrendous. 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'. The 45-year-old bravely told the world that he is living with HIV . 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. '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! 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. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. 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". 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'. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. Thomas appeared as a contestant on TV's Celebrity Big Brother where he reached the final three. 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. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. There has been an outpouring of support for Thomas after he became the first UK sports figure to reveal he is living with HIV. "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.. 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. 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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. W.', Surf's up! 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 CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. I thought about driving off a cliff. 16:23 GMT 15 Sep 2019 I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. 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. "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. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. 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"Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. Yet it has been disclosed that the 56-year-old is from the Valleys - the stretch of land running fromCarmarthenshire to western Monmouthshire. 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. Thomas did not say when he was diagnosed, but revealed that he had to tell a number of former sexual partners as a matter of 'duty' so they could get themselves tested too. In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". Why? 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 . 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. I thought about driving off a cliff. 6ft 3in, 16 stone, Gareth went straight to hospital after sobbing on the shoulder of the doctor who gave him the news. 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. 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. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. Mr Baum is suing the TV personality for 150,000. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. Read about our approach to external linking. The pair are seen canoodling in a bubble bath as they strip off for. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. But he decided to break the news to his parents and two older brothers after blackmailers started using his diagnosis as a weapon. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. Test your knowledge by naming all 20 of these famous films, Rory Tingle, Home Affairs Correspondent For Mailonline, Do not sell or share my personal information. 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.. Stephen Thomas, who lives with Gareth in Bridgend, is 56 years old and has a daughter, 23-year-old Anna. 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. A guy from Bridgend without a single GCSE to his name for one moment changed the world,' he said. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. 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. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Minds website. Some of the other popular airports, and their flight times, include: gambling fish shooting deposit 50 thousand. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also tweeted his support, saying the rugby legend has 'shown enormous strength' in sharing his HIV status. Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. '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.'. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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. He will now feature in a new documentary entitled: Gareth Thomas: HIV and ME, which will air on BBC One on Wednesday September 18 at 9pm. 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. 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 retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. 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. Thomas was part of ITV's broadcast team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019. He played for Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and played in four tournaments altogether. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. 'I immediately thought I was going to die,' he said. 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. Speaking at the Ironman Wales race today, spectator Adam Davies, 45, of Swansea, said: 'He was in sports mode - he looked pretty determined and engrossed in the race. 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 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. He tweeted today: 'I'm making this announcement first before the tabloids take my truth. Copyright 2021-2022 Pwapgh.com. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. 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. 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? 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? I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. 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To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, over the course of this week, we will tell you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans - and share tips from mental health experts. 2023 BBC. Jemma suffered three miscarriages as the couple tried to start a family during their marriage. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. Thomas had to learn how to do the front crawl to take part in the Ironman. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. 'I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. I've stood on so many cliff edges. When told in a 'matter of fact way' that he was HIV-positive, Thomas said he broke down. 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. "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". Gareth was blowing kisses to the crowd when he saw people he knew behind a barrier. 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. 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? Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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. 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'. "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. 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. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. 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. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. 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. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. Ian Baum has. 'I fully expect him to become a leading light for HIV and Aids charities, that's the sort of bloke he is. "And having a strong support system and the personal strength and experience of overcoming those emotions got me through it. 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. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. Commenting on Thomas going public, a close friend who also played for Wales, said: 'Everyone is shocked and worried for Gareth - but the important thing is he's fit and well. Without medication people with HIV can develop AIDS. Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. 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. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. After retiring from the game Thomas launched a successful media career while volunteering for charities and is an active supporter of Childline. HIV stays in the body for life, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. 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 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. Last November Thomas was beaten up in Cardiff by a 16-year-old boy in a sickening homophobic attack. 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The Celebrity Big Brother star, 45, stunned the sporting world yesterday by dramatically declaring he is living with the incurable virus. That is why it is so important to get tested early if you have been at risk of HIV, as it will mean that you can access treatment that will prevent you ever getting AIDS. 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. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Gareth went to hug his husband during the race, Tears were streaming down his face as he continued running, Stephen smiling after the emotional encounter with his husband, Gareth was cheered by spectators as he took on the gruelling Ironman challenge in Wales, It came after he opened up about his secret HIV battle, Prince William sent Gareth a message of support, Gareth Thomas celebrates as he crosses the finish line, Gareth is embraced by former Wales international rugby team mate Shane Williams by the finish line, The rugby legend celebrates with his husband Stephen, Prince William speaks with Gareth at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on February 4, 2007, Gareth started the contest with a two mile swim, He then completed on a 112 mile bike ride, Gareth Thomas was seen smiling and pumping his fist as crowds cheer him on, Gareth was married to teen sweetheart Jemma for six years before coming out, He appeared on Dancing on Ice with dance partner Robin Johnstone in 2013, He was capped 100 times for Wales and met former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 to discuss homophobia and transphobia in sport, The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis, Gareth with Denise Welch on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012, Wales and Lions Rugby legend Gareth Thomas reveals he is HIV positive, sick blackmailers had started using his diagnosis as a weapon, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). 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. 'I've always been a huge fan - this won't change anything. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. 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. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. 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. 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. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below. 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 former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. 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. You're Not Alone. 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. 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. 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. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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. 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. 'This is not an admission of liability or guilt. 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. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. 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. I know I have HIV, but HIV doesn't have me. Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. Gareth Thomas has adorably opened up on his unbreakable bond with husband Stephen Thomas-Williams after revealing he is living with HIV. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. 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.