When told in a 'matter of fact way' that he was HIV-positive, Thomas said he broke down. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. It doesn't control me.'. Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. 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. I wasn't expecting it at all. Thomas, 48, has been . Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune systemthe body's defence against diseases. ', Thomas came out at the end of his rugby career and said at the time: 'I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player, I am a rugby player first and foremost I'm a man.'. 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. 'We need to break the stigma once and for all. I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Gareth Thomas has thanked his husband Stephen for being his "beacon of light". Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. 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. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas hugs husband Stephen at Ironman Wales Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. 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. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! 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. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. More info. 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. Gareth Thomas (rugby) - Wikipedia We're very proud to call him a friend.'. 'Courageous' Gareth Thomas breaks down in tears hugging husband at end 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. When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. 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. 'For my own mental health and that of my family, this closure and acceptance from the other side is a hugely positive outcome. I was afraid of telling him, but I remember thinking, if you are who I think you are, this wont be an issue., And if it had been an issue, then it wouldnt have been the right match anyway.. And I just I felt like I had no control over my own life. "We should all be appalled by the way you were forced to speak your truth, it is yours and yours alone to share on your terms and I and millions stand with you.. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. The star later switched to rugby league and led Wales to victory over France in the European. Gareth Thomas breaks down and hugs husband during Ironman 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. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. Also in attendance was his husband, who shared an emotional embrace with Thomas during and after the race. The retired sportsman toldOK! 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. The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . ': Sir Clive Woodward interviews Eddie Jones ahead of England's World Cup bid. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. 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. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. 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. Explosive moment Gareth Thomas came out as gay to wife Jemma - mirror Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. Keen to get away from the neighbours? The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight, but revealed that the pair met while helping children who were struggling in school. 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. Praise:Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen (pictured) for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. "Hes had this condition for quite a while so hes been living with a terrible secret. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. Discover your rider rating - how many one-star reviews do 'I want to be a French child!' A guy from Bridgend without a single GCSE to his name for one moment changed the world,' he said. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. and I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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. Gareth Thomas hid the fact he had HIV then gave it to me, ex-partner Speaking ahead of a documentary for BBC Wales, he added that he had thought his life would be over after finding out the diagnosis. MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. Gareth Thomas jokes he's 'punching' with husband Stephen on 3 - mirror Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. By Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday, 'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. In the documents, he said the defendant caused him "serious physical and psychological injury". I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. Gareth Thomas poses for bubble bath photo shoot with boyfriend Ian Baum Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. , updated The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! 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. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. 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. 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. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Inside Gareth Thomas' marriage to childhood sweetheart Jemma - mirror He ran across and hugged a man who was visibly crying and that set Gareth off too. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. I've stood on so many cliff edges. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. "Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. 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. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. Thomas has confirmed that his husband does not have HIV. Gareth Thomas: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know - FamousDetails 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? Express. He was alive but lost to me. The allegations, referring to a period between 2013 and 2018, came before Mr Thomas announced in an interview and BBC documentary in 2019 that he was carrying HIV. "And having a strong support system and the personal strength and experience of overcoming those emotions got me through it. It almost felt as if someone I loved had suddenly died, but he was still standing there in front of me. Thomas had to learn how to do the front crawl to take part in the Ironman. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. 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).