The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. 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. The rugby-playing pal added: "Hes been a great ambassador for Wales and the gay community since coming out. 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. 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. 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. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. Gareth Thomas came close to suicide after confessing to his wife that he was gay. 'I immediately thought I was going to die,' he said. We need to break the stigma once and for all. Gareth Thomas is showing it's not all doom and gloom amid the coronavirus lockdown. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband? By Jason Chester and Sebastian Murphy-bates For Mailonline, Published: 08:05 GMT, 24 September 2019 | Updated: 10:34 GMT, 24 September 2019. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. But 12 years later, when oldest sister Jessica sees a woman . Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a safety barrier to embrace his husband of four-years Stephen, 56. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. In 2017 he made a TV documentary called Gareth Thomas v Homophobia challenging gay taunts used by soccer fans at Premiership matches. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? 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. 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. Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas revealed on Saturday he is HIV positive in an emotional interview. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. 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. 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. By Claire Jimenez (Grand Central, fiction) When 13-year-old Ruthy disappeared after track practice, it left the Ramirez family scarred. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. 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.'. He came out as gay in 2009 following a split from his wife and childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2007, becoming the first openly-gay rugby player in Britain. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. 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'. 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Because it's mine to tell. He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! 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 made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. 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. 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. A guy from Bridgend without a single GCSE to his name for one moment changed the world,' he said. 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. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. It was horrendous. Welcome to the Coronation! Thomas and his husband, who married in front of close friends, including close friend 'H' from the bands Steps, met while working with trouble school children. ', Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas is pictured in October 2010. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope. 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. Test your knowledge by naming all 20 of these famous films, Celebrity News, TV Shows & Photos | OK! He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. 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. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. Onlooker Sue Moore, 58, said: It was a very emotional moment - no one expected it. As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. Fresh from completing an Ironman Triathlon, he told Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that he didn't want loved ones to be scared of catching the illness. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. 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. 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. "Im speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. Thomas, 48, has been . 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.. Gareth told The Mirror that Stephen does not have HIV. Thomas has reduced his illness to an undetectable state by taking a daily tablet, meaning he cannot pass HIV on to others. 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 Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Mr Thomas' legal team has been asked to comment, but it is understood that he is strongly contesting the claim. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. 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". It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Complete Encyclopedia Formula One (Motor Racing), Hill, Tim and Gareth Thomas., at the best online prices at eBay! The 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? Although Gareth Thomas is the first UK sportsman to bravely reveal his HIV diagnosis, he was not the first worldwide. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. The court papers state that when he found out he was positive for the virus, he was left "devastated". Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. Gareth was blowing kisses to the crowd when he saw people he knew behind a barrier. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. He said he would 'never forget' the moment he found out his diagnosis, which came after a 'routine sexual health test' in Cardiff. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. 12:35 GMT 17 Sep 2019. Well done: The 45-year-old is pictured on his bike this morning after completing a 2.3-mile swim. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. In a message from the Kensington Palace Twitter, the future king said: "Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. 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. 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. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. Stephen Thomas, who lives with Gareth in Bridgend, is 56 years old and has a daughter, 23-year-old Anna. 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. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. Brooklyn celebrates turning 24 by heading out in Paris with wife Nicola Peltz and Nicola Peltz's fans question if 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria Beckham is REALLY over as she posts Victoria Beckham leads the sweet birthday messages for son Brooklyn's 24th as the family finally reunite in Tragedies of Everest: The adventurers forever frozen in ice after losing their lives scaling the world's 'Why the last-minute delay?' I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! 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 think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Since going public with the news on Sunday, he has been praised for his bravery by admirers including Princes William and Harry. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. He said: 'I've been living with this secret for years. "He was trying to comfort and reassure me and telling me to go and speak to the doctors, but Id already made my mind up that my life was over.". "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. There has been an outpouring of support for Thomas after he became the first UK sports figure to reveal he is living with HIV. You're Not Alone. 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. Gareth, who was married to teen sweetheart Jemma for six years before coming out, said: I sat down on a chair next to a doctors bench. Last night, a close friend of the ex-player, who is fighting HIV with antiretroviral drugs, said: "Everyone is shocked and worried for Gareth but the important thing is hes fit and well. . '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.'. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. Thomas has confirmed that his husband does not have HIV. Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. The sports legend told how he went through hell as he tried to keep his health battle hidden from his friends and family. '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! "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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. After becoming the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive yesterday, he began the gruelling Ironman Wales triathlon, which began with a two-mile swim in the early hours this morning. 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. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. Brooklyn celebrates turning 24 by heading out in Paris with wife Nicola Peltz and Nicola Peltz's fans question if 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria Beckham is REALLY over as she posts Victoria Beckham leads the sweet birthday messages for son Brooklyn's 24th as the family finally reunite in Tragedies of Everest: The adventurers forever frozen in ice after losing their lives scaling the world's 'Why the last-minute delay?' I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. The former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. He was alive but lost to me. The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. Thomas completed the challenge inTenby, Pembrokeshire, in 12 hours and 18 minutes. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. Read about our approach to external linking. 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!' 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. The 46-year-old Welsh rugby. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. REVEALED: Huge sonic boom felt by thousands across the country was caused by RAF Typhoon jets scrambling to Do YOU know your Adam and Eve from your Ruby Murray? 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. By Rory Tingle, Home Affairs Correspondent For Mailonline and Jake Ryan For The Mail On Sunday, Published: 14:05 GMT, 30 January 2023 | Updated: 14:59 GMT, 30 January 2023. The retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. 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. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. 16:23 GMT 15 Sep 2019 Gareth Thomas came out to his wife without warning by telling her over the phone: "We need to talk." The Welsh rugby ace, who today has bravely revealed his HIV+ status, had wrestled with his. Mr Baum is suing the TV personality for 150,000. Magazine, Do not sell or share my personal information. 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. ', Moving: Gareth Thomas is pictured on This Morning telling Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about his reasons for not revealing his diagnosis earlier. Stephen, 56, added that he was full of pride for Gareth, who announced his HIV status shortly before participating in a gruelling Ironman Triathlon. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. 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. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". 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. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. , updated Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. 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.