Stephen Thomas, who lives with Gareth in Bridgend, is 56 years old and has a daughter, 23-year-old Anna. 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. The gesture, which challenged the belief that HIV or AIDS could be transmitted by touch, showed Diana's compassion for other people and sparked the beginning of her work with people affected by the disease. 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. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! 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. 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. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. 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. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". 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 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. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. The 45-year-old bravely told the world that he is living with HIV . 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. He will appear on ITV as a pundit. 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. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. 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'. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. The question about TrainwrecksTV net worth is one of the most enigmatic topic around him. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. 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. When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. 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. Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. I immediately thought I was going to die. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. 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. * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. Someone with AIDS has both HIV and at least one of a specific list of 'AIDS-defining' diseases, which include tuberculosis, pneumonia and some types of cancer. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. He also told that learning of his diagnosis has not been the last trauma he has had to undergo. 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. 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. and The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. 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! Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. The retired sportsman toldOK! Thomas, who has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, got to know Prince William after the prince was made the vice royal patron for the Welsh Rugby Union in 2006. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. By Samantha Masters. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . I thought about driving off a cliff. Spectator Emma Barazia, 49, said: 'Gareth was a great rugby player but he's going to be a bigger hero to so many people now. I didnt feel anger if anything, I felt sorry for him.. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. He posted a video on his Twitter Page showing his bruised and cut face from the Saturday night 'hate crime' in the Welsh capital. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. 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. "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. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. 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. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. What will the next pandemic be? W". Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. 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? ': Sir Clive Woodward interviews Eddie Jones ahead of England's World Cup bid. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. An emotional Gareth Thomas broke down in tears and hugged his husband during the gruelling Ironman competition in Tenby. 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. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband? This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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. You can unsubscribe at any time. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. 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. Its not like I blame people for not knowing this. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. 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. 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. More info. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . Stephen was the first to sob in the brief encounter but Gareth had to wipe away tears as he rejoined the race. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Gareth takes one tablet a day, and it means he will not infect a sexual partner with HIV. Although Gareth Thomas is the first UK sportsman to bravely reveal his HIV diagnosis, he was not the first worldwide. 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. By Claire Jimenez (Grand Central, fiction) When 13-year-old Ruthy disappeared after track practice, it left the Ramirez family scarred. Jemma suffered three miscarriages as the couple tried to start a family during their marriage. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. What a super hero this bloke is. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. He found out that he was HIV positive after he went for a routine sexual health test at a clinic in Cardiff. Thomas has confirmed that his husband does not have HIV. 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. Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. 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. I just thought, how can somebody put him in that position? 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 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. 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. He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. 'For my own mental health and that of my family, this closure and acceptance from the other side is a hugely positive outcome. Demi Moore is supported by Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Liv Kim Kardashian shares sweet snap of daughter 'Chi Chi', 20 Jennifer Lopez's Hustlers inspiration Samantha Barbash vows Charlie's Angels stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella 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!' Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' 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. 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. We need to break the stigma once and for all. By 'People in Wales will back him, the same as we did when he came out as gay. "Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. 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. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. 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. With 100 test match appearances he was the most capped Welsh rugby union player until he was overtaken by Stephen Jones in September 2011. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. "Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. and Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? Thomas had to learn how to do the front crawl to take part in the Ironman. As the players become aware of the news, I'm sure they'll talk about it.'. "I'd probably say I am, my husband married me because of my rugby prowess and rugby strength," said Gareth. 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.. 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. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. He ran across and hugged a man who was visibly crying and that set Gareth off too. '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! Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. 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). He tweeted today: 'I'm making this announcement first before the tabloids take my truth. He is one of more than 2,000 amateur competitors who lined up at 7am for the swimming leg of the race. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? The trio live together in Bridgend,. I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. Copyright 2021-2022 Pwapgh.com. 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". 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. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. It was horrendous. 'It looks to me like he's sending a message out to the world about living with HIV.'. Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. 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've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. He played for Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and played in four tournaments altogether. I am delighted to say that the legal case against me has been settled by means of a Part 36 offer. 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below. 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. The comments below have been moderated in advance. 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. As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. 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.'. , updated In the video posted to his Twitter page, he said: "I want to share my secret with you. MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. The 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. Keen to get away from the neighbours? You have our support Gareth. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in 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. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. "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. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Very little is known about Stephen, who Thomas said has lived a life out of the public eye. Gareth is one of the worlds leading international try-scorers, and he has been supported throughout his career by Jemma, who he met when the pair were youngsters. Ian Baum has. The overriding question that everybody said to me the first question everyone says to me when I tell them Im living with HIV is Are you going to be OK?, And its a really compassionate question to ask. 'I 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! EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. I wasn't expecting it at all. Welsh rugby fan Sue Parry, 58, added: 'I didn't know until someone in the crowd said. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. 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. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis left him suicidal - Mirror Online. 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. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. 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. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". 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 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. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. The retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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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. Stephen is from the Valley and isnt used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews, but he loves me and supports me 100% in what Im doing. It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. 6ft 3in, 16 stone, Gareth went straight to hospital after sobbing on the shoulder of the doctor who gave him the news. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. ', Mr Thomas announcing the move on Twitter today - he maintains innocence, Thomas played 100 times for Wales during his illustrious career before he retired from the game in 2011. 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But, this is meant the nicest way possible, its a really uneducated question., Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me will be shown on BBC One Wales on Wednesday 18 September 9pm, Chelsea confirm Reece James will miss Leeds clash due to hamstring injury, Narco-tourists in luxury cars comb French beaches after cocaine washes ashore, House with its own train and private working railway on sale for 500,000, Cher, 76, shares sweet update about boyfriend Alexander Edwards, 37, after solo appearance, Frenkie de Jong happy at Barcelona despite Manchester United plotting another summer move, Do not sell or share my personal information.
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