gareth thomas husband gareth thomas husband

More info. These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. He told The Sunday Mirror: Ive been living with this secret for years. 'He burst into laughter and cheer joy as they embraced on the finish line.'. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. 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. 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. I was in such a state. Because it's mine to tell. All rights reserved. Its sick and Ive been through hell, Gareth, 45, told the Sunday Mirror. The 46-year-old Welsh rugby. That shows that discrimination, that stigma, is still around, but medicine and science has moved so far. HIV carriers can be charged with grievous bodily harm if they fail to declare their status to potential sexual partners and pass on the infection. 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. 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 added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. 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. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. 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. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Keen to get away from the neighbours? Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. I just thought, how can somebody put him in that position? The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a safety barrier to embrace his husband of four-years Stephen, 56. "But now at 45 I no longer have that, so I am holding on for dear life!". His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. 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.. Stephen is 56 years old and has a daughter, Anna, who is 23. 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. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles. The Princess of Wales, who attended the parade with her husband on Wednesday morning, presented . MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. The 45-year-old was cheered and . 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. 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. 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. After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! "And having a strong support system and the personal strength and experience of overcoming those emotions got me through it. 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. and We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. 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. Well done: The 45-year-old is pictured on his bike this morning after completing a 2.3-mile swim. 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. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. 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. He ran across and hugged a man who was visibly crying and that set Gareth off too. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. By Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. Unathi Nkayi also confirmed that she and her ex-husband Thomas Msengana are in a good place, adding that he is her greatest love and that their love had evolved and grown in a way that did not . I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. Express. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. Gareth was expected to cross the finishing line in Tenby at about 7pm. 2023 BBC. 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. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. 'I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. Its not like I blame people for not knowing this. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. 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. But 12 years later, when oldest sister Jessica sees a woman . He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. He was the first British rugby international. The 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. 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 said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. Ever since, Mr Thomas has championed equality and inclusion, including for all of those living with HIV, and been a respected spokesman for the LGBT community. You can unsubscribe at any time. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. 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? Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. In a stunning show of solidarity, the Welsh rugby icon and his husband Stephen are ensuring everyone in. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. "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 was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. . They split up after he told her he was gay - and he went public about his sexuality 10 years ago. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? What a super hero this bloke is. "Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. 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? It almost felt as if someone I loved had suddenly died, but he was still standing there in front of me. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 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. ': Sir Clive Woodward interviews Eddie Jones ahead of England's World Cup bid. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. 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. Head coach Warren Gatland said last night: 'There hasn't been a lot of conversation about it because it's very fresh news to us at this stage. He explained: I needed to take control of my life. 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? Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. I've stood on so many cliff edges. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. I thought about driving off a cliff. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. "Now even though I've been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight to educate.". 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). Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, A shocking insight into the lives of young people in care, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Nelson's 97th-minute stunner gives Arsenal victory, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78. Thomas is the youngest of three sons. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. 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. Welcome to the Coronation! 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. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". 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. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a. Open:The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. He said he would 'never forget' the moment he found out his diagnosis, which came after a 'routine sexual health test' in Cardiff. 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!' The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. Ian Baum has. 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. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. , updated '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! When you have a secret that other people know about it makes you really vulnerable towards them. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. 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'. We need to break the stigma. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. 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. 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. He said he was "shocked" to find after conducting a survey that 50% of people said they felt they could contract HIV from a partner if that partner was on effective treatment . Get all the juiciest gossip delivered to your inbox with our celebs newsletter, GMB's Dr Hilary says second COVID wave is 'inevitable' and doctors are terrified, Hero NHS nurse who found lump in her own breast makes life-changing decision, Kate Garraway shares Derek's final words as he believed he was about to die, Spencer Matthews sparks concern as Finding Michael documentary pulled at 11th hour, Cyclist pavement killer risks losing home as neighbours break silence, HONEYTRAP HELL: Watch the moment dad lets two women into flat who seduced and drugged him before stabbing him to death over fake Rolex he'd shown off online, Moment sonic boom 'like a gas explosion' shakes homes as RAF Typhoon aircraft scrambled, Cher, 76, shares candid update on relationship with 37-year-old boyfriend, Cristiano Ronaldo hugs boy, 10, whose dad died in Turkey-Syria earthquake in moving clip, Bus carrying 40 schoolchildren plunges down creek in French Alps, Matt Hancock's 41-hour battle to save career after Gina Coladangelo affair revealed, Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan unrecognisable after quitting TV role for rock band, Saturday Kitchen fans in hysterics as guest repeats X-rated word live on BBC, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. I thought about driving off a cliff. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. 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. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. 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'. And I just I felt like I had no control over my own life. We need to break the stigma once and for all. He will appear on ITV as a pundit. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. 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. After retiring from the game Thomas launched a successful media career while volunteering for charities and is an active supporter of Childline. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Read about our approach to external linking. Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. 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. Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. But he decided to break the news to his parents and two older brothers after blackmailers started using his diagnosis as a weapon. 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. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. You're Not Alone. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. 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. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday!