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. Thomas, 48, has been . 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. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. 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. 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. Scott's Refrigerated Logistics that supplies to Coles and Woolworths You have our support Gareth. W.', Surf's up! His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. It almost felt as if someone I loved had suddenly died, but he was still standing there in front of me. We need to break the stigma. They split up after he told her he was gay - and he went public about his sexuality 10 years ago. Gareth takes one tablet a day, and it means he will not infect a sexual partner with HIV. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. But he came back today looking stronger than ever as he competed in the Ironman contest to cheers of "come on Alfie" and "Go Gareth". He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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?' Keen to get away from the neighbours? Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. We need to break the stigma once and for all. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. "Two thirds of people would consider ending or would end a relationship if they found out that their partner was HIV positive. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. Explosive moment Gareth Thomas came out as gay to wife Jemma - mirror 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. Tearful Gareth Thomas hugs husband during Ironman hours after revealing Thomas had to learn how to do the front crawl to take part in the Ironman. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. I thought about driving off a cliff. The Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend has revealed that, three years ago, he married his husband Stephen. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope. He also claimed Mr Thomas lied to him about his HIV status. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. 2023 BBC. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. The star later switched to rugby league and led Wales to victory over France in the European. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. 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. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. 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. 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. 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. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. Gareth Thomas came close to suicide after confessing to his wife that he was gay. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. He was the first British rugby international. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. He told The Sunday Mirror: Ive been living with this secret for years. He had wanted to keep the information from his parents, Yvonne, 70, and Barry 69, fearing it would 'hurt' them. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune systemthe body's defence against diseases. "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. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. An emotional Gareth Thomas broke down in tears and hugged his husband during the gruelling Ironman competition in Tenby. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. Gareth Thomas baffled as Twitter suspends his account after - mirror 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. Mr Baum is suing the TV personality for 150,000. Inside Gareth Thomas' marriage to childhood sweetheart Jemma - mirror He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? Despite the emotional revelation last night, hesaid he is 'fitter now than when he played rugby' and before he was diagnosed with the condition. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. You're Not Alone. Jemma suffered three miscarriages as the couple tried to start a family during their marriage. It doesn't control me.'. * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. 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. He is one of more than 2,000 amateur competitors who lined up at 7am for the swimming leg of the race. 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. 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. Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Gareth Thomas breaks down and hugs husband during Ironman 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). While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. 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! Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. Gareth Thomas has thanked his husband Stephen for being his "beacon of light". He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. 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. Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis left him suicidal - Mirror Online. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary. 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. Not the evils threatening to tell you before I do. Claire Jimenez's 'What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez' is our must-read new The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. 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. He ran across and hugged a man who was visibly crying and that set Gareth off too. He was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. However, the virus will continue to cause progressive damage to a person's immune system. Gareth Thomas denies court claim that he infected ex-partner with HIV Gareth Thomas husband: Is he married? The emotional moment he broke He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. He posted a video on his Twitter Page showing his bruised and cut face from the Saturday night 'hate crime' in the Welsh capital. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also tweeted his support, saying the rugby legend has 'shown enormous strength' in sharing his HIV status. It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. I immediately thought I was going to die. 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. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. He said: 'I've been living with this secret for years. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? 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. 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. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. The married 35-year-old Cardiff Blues player, who in 2007 became the first ever Welshman to win 100 caps for his country, admitted he had been suicidal at times as he hid his sexuality from his. 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'. Ian Baum has. View our online Press Pack. The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . W.', His brother Prince Harry called Thomas an 'absolute legend' and said: '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.'. '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.'. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. "To me, wanting to die was just a natural thought and felt like the easier way out, but you have to confront things. Shania Twain reveals ex-husband Robert 'Mutt' Lange is still with her former BFF 15 years after affair was exposed - but says: 'I got what I deserved!' by remarrying pal's spouse He explained it was no different to taking daily diabetes medication every day. The virus is now 'undetectable' in his system and cannot be passed on providing he continues to take his medication every day. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas broke into tears at the end of a gruelling Ironman race hours after he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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 legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales He will appear on ITV as a pundit. Gareth Thomas almost broke down in tears as he thanked his husband and stepdaughter for their support following his decision to reveal his HIV diagnosis. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. Gareth Thomas - Latest news, reaction, results, pictures, video - The 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. 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. I was in such a state. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. Those diagnosed with the virus once had a bleak prospect. By 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. 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. He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. I thought about driving off a cliff. 'I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. 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. 12:35 GMT 17 Sep 2019. 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. 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. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. Welcome to the Coronation! AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. A year after rugby star Gareth Thomas came out as gay, his ex-wife has finally found happiness. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews. Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. 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!' All rights reserved. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. 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. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. MORE : Gareth Thomas to work with Prince Harry to break HIV stigma, MORE : Gary Lineker leads support for Gareth Thomas after Celebrity Big Brother star reveals HIV diagnosis, Mikel Arteta explains why he didnt speak to William Saliba for first week of Arsenals pre-season tour, Ex-Chelsea and Manchester City star Wayne Bridge says even Arsenal fans know they wont win Premier League, Bruce Willis, 67, spotted for first time as he steps out for coffee in Santa Monica after sharing dementia diagnosis, Roy Keane expects Premier League teams to target Man Utd winger Antony: He will learn the hard way, Single mum worried sick after being fined for parking outside McDonalds, popular television regular and former Wales captain, Gareth Thomas to work with Prince Harry to break HIV stigma, Gary Lineker leads support for Gareth Thomas after Celebrity Big Brother star reveals HIV diagnosis, Do not sell or share my personal information. 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. Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth The rugby-playing pal added: "Hes been a great ambassador for Wales and the gay community since coming out. I am delighted to say that the legal case against me has been settled by means of a Part 36 offer. 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. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. 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. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband? The Celebrity Big Brother star, 45, stunned the sporting world yesterday by dramatically declaring he is living with the incurable virus. Rugby star Gareth Thomas sued after ex-partner gets HIV Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton today hailed "courageous" Gareth Thomas as the rugby hero competed in a gruelling Ironman contest just hours after bravely revealing his battle with HIV. I didnt want my brother, who didn't have the knowledge of it, to be afraid of me cuddling my niece.'. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. The year after he came out he was voted the most influential gay person in the UK and has since worked with multiple LGBT charities among others. >document.documentElement.className = document.documentElement.className.replace('no-js', 'js');.no-js img.lazyload { display: none; } figure.wp-block-image img.lazyloading { min-width: 150px; } .lazyload, .lazyloading { opacity: 0; } .lazyloaded { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 400ms; transition-delay: 0ms; }{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement": [ {"@type":"ListItem","position": 1,"name":"Home","item": {"@type":"Thing","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en","@id":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en" } }, {"@type":"ListItem","position": 2,"name":"sports","item": {"@type":"Thing","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/","@id":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/" } }, {"@type":"ListItem","position": 3,"name":"gareth thomas husband","item": {"@type":"Thing","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband","@id":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband" } } ]}{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","author":"Pwapgh.com","dateCreated":"2022-12-13 09:49:28","dateModified":"2022-12-13","datePublished":"2022-12-13 09:49:28","headline":"gareth thomas husband | heracles fc | sports | Pwapgh.com","image":"https://www.pwapgh.com/uploads/sports/ffcac1bcbe07a2963d04052ba5182deb.jpg","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband","mainEntityOfPage": {"@type":"WebPage","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband" },"publisher": {"@type":"Organization","logo": {"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/wp-content/images/logo.png" },"name":"Pwapgh.com" }}.