That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. He said: 'I've been living with this secret for years. The Celebrity Big Brother star, 45, stunned the sporting world yesterday by dramatically declaring he is living with the incurable virus. Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth Princess of Wales 'super impressed' after boy performs impromptu He explained it was no different to taking daily diabetes medication every day. 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. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Very little is known about Stephen, who Thomas said has lived a life out of the public eye. 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 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. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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. The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. The Princess of Wales, who attended the parade with her husband on Wednesday morning, presented . 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. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. But he decided to break the news to his parents and two older brothers after blackmailers started using his diagnosis as a weapon. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. 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. 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. I've stood on so many cliff edges. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. Thomas has devoted the last few months getting fit for Ironman Wales, which is taking place in the West Wales seaside resort of Tenby today. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. He also claimed Mr Thomas lied to him about his HIV status. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Gareth Thomas (rugby) - Wikipedia The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! When told in a 'matter of fact way' that he was HIV-positive, Thomas said he broke down. In a stunning show of solidarity, the Welsh rugby icon and his husband Stephen are ensuring everyone in. ', Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas is pictured in October 2010. Thomas has confirmed that his husband does not have HIV. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. 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 46-year-old Welsh rugby. "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. 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? I was in such a state. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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. Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. The sports legend told how he went through hell as he tried to keep his health battle hidden from his friends and family. 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. HIV (human immuno-deficency virus) attacks the body's immune system. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. '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! 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. Gareth Thomas hugs husband after finishing Ironman Wales to 'break the Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. I thought about driving off a cliff. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? These include: But Gareths condition is now under control to the point it is considered 'undetectable' and cannot be passed on. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. It almost felt as if someone I loved had suddenly died, but he was still standing there in front of me. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. The popular television regular and former Wales captain, who. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. Gareth takes one tablet a day, and it means he will not infect a sexual partner with HIV. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews. * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. Gareth Thomas reveals husband Stephen has been a 'beacon of light 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 was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis - mirror Ian Baum has. Since going public with the news on Sunday, he has been praised for his bravery by admirers including Princes William and Harry. 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. "When she said those words I broke down. 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. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. I know I have HIV, but HIV doesn't have me. The 45-year-old bravely told the world that he is living with HIV . The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. Gareth Thomas has adorably opened up on his unbreakable bond with husband Stephen Thomas-Williams after revealing he is living with HIV. I didnt feel anger if anything, I felt sorry for him.. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. Stephen Thomas, who lives with Gareth in Bridgend, is 56 years old and has a daughter, 23-year-old Anna. Lara Keay For Mailonline A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. Test your knowledge by naming all 20 of these famous films, Celebrity News, TV Shows & Photos | OK! When you have a secret that other people know about it makes you really vulnerable towards them. Though he admitted his diagnosis two years ago felt like a death sentence, he says he soon found that, with the right medication, it was manageable to the point that he does not suffer symptoms. 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. 2023 BBC. Gareth Thomas breaks down and hugs husband during Ironman 'I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. 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. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. 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. Its not like I blame people for not knowing this. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. 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. 'I genuinely think it's going to save people's lives,' he said. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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! Something went wrong, please try again later. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". 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? He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. He was alive but lost to me. And Thomas who won 100 caps for Wales and came out as gay in December 2009 while he was still playing said he wants to reduce the stigma of living with HIV. 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. Gareth Thomas poses for bubble bath photo shoot with boyfriend Ian Baum The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. 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. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. Mr Thomas had been sued for150,000 in damages by Mr Baum over claims he hadfailed to take 'reasonable care' before allegedly passing the virus onto him. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. He completed a two-mile swim in Tenby, West Wales, in just under 90 minutes before clambering on to his bike for a 112 mile cycle. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a safety barrier to embrace his husband of four-years Stephen, 56. He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. By Claire Jimenez (Grand Central, fiction) When 13-year-old Ruthy disappeared after track practice, it left the Ramirez family scarred. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. 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. The former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. 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, 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. 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. 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 admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. 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'. Gareth Thomas jokes he is "punching" as he celebrates three-year wedding anniversary, Gareth discussed the misconceptions surrounding HIV, Gareth and Ian are celebrating three years of marriage, Gareth takes daily medication and it ensures his HIV is not contagious. He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. The trio live together in Bridgend,. 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. 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. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. In the documents, he said the defendant caused him "serious physical and psychological injury". 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. 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. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! 15:01, Mon, Sep 23 . Speaking to the Mirror,he also told how he was threatened with blackmail, forcing him to tell his family of his HIV status before they heard it from someone else. 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, 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. "Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. 'It looks to me like he's sending a message out to the world about living with HIV.'. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! Prince William tweeted his support, describing Thomas as'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. Express. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a. 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. 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. Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. Tearful Gareth Thomas hugs husband during Ironman hours after revealing 'I immediately thought I was going to die,' he said. In 2020, Thomas was given a special prize at Wales' St David Awards for campaigning against HIV stigma, one year after publicly revealing he had the virus. Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. He was the first British rugby international. Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, Peter Andre sets strict rules for Princess after 'signing deal with fashion retailer', Jake Gyllenhaal flaunts rock-hard abs as he slaps former MMA fighter for Road House remake. He hopes that the revelation, and the acceptance that it generates, will fight anxieties about HIV that result from misinformation. Welcome to the Coronation! The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. 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. 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. 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. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. 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. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. "Hes had this condition for quite a while so hes been living with a terrible secret. Scott's Refrigerated Logistics that supplies to Coles and Woolworths Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. Open:The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. 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 also told that learning of his diagnosis has not been the last trauma he has had to undergo. 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'. 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . Yet it has been disclosed that the 56-year-old is from the Valleys - the stretch of land running fromCarmarthenshire to western Monmouthshire. 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HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the immunodeficiency is the weakening of the immune system by the virus, If untreated it can lead to late-stage HIV or Aids, the name for a collection of illnesses caused by the virus, Modern medication reduces the viral load to undetectable levels, meaning someone can't pass on HIV and their health is protected, There were more than 106,000 people living with HIV in the UK in 2020. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. Without medication people with HIV can develop AIDS. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Stephen, 56, added that he was full of pride for Gareth, who announced his HIV status shortly before participating in a gruelling Ironman Triathlon. 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