Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. HIV (human immuno-deficency virus) attacks the body's immune system. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. Welsh rugby fan Sue Parry, 58, added: 'I didn't know until someone in the crowd said. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. 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. 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. 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. 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? 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. The retired sportsman toldOK! In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Welcome to the Coronation! 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. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. Who is Gareth Thomas' husband? Express. In the video posted to his Twitter page, he said: "I want to share my secret with you. 'I fully expect him to become a leading light for HIV and Aids charities, that's the sort of bloke he is. "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. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. I thought about driving off a cliff. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. I thought about driving off a cliff. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. Love Island's Olivia Hawkins breaks silence as she returns to the UK, Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. "Im speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. The former rugby star has also been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health, and is an ambassador for the Terrence Higgins Trust HIV charity. Test your knowledge by naming all 20 of these famous films, Celebrity News, TV Shows & Photos | OK! 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. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. 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. He explained it was no different to taking daily diabetes medication every day. "Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his HIV. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas revealed on Saturday he is HIV positive in an emotional interview. 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. 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 . Gareth Thomas CBE is a widely celebrated international rugby star, former Welsh Rugby Captain and former British and Irish Lions Captain. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he spoke to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. He said he would 'never forget' the moment he found out his diagnosis, which came after a 'routine sexual health test' in Cardiff. 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. 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. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. and He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. 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. These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. 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. Earlier he finished a 2.3 mile swim in the event which started at 7am on Sunday morning. He found out that he was HIV positive after he went for a routine sexual health test at a clinic in Cardiff. I've stood on so many cliff edges. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. However, nowadays it can be fully controlled by drugs which stop it developing into AIDS. Speaking to the Mirror,he also told how he was threatened with blackmail, forcing him to tell his family of his HIV status before they heard it from someone else. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. 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. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. When told in a 'matter of fact way' that he was HIV-positive, Thomas said he broke down. He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. 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.. 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". Gareth Thomas has thanked his husband Stephen for being his "beacon of light". The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. In a stunning show of solidarity, the Welsh rugby icon and his husband Stephen are ensuring everyone in. I've stood on so many cliff edges. '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! He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. 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'. View our online Press Pack. 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. That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. By What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? He described him as a 'role model challenging stigma and prejudice', 'offering hope and resolve to others'. 'It's always sad when an ex-professional sportsman picks up an illness of any kind. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. . 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. HIV stays in the body for life, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. The court papers state that when he found out he was positive for the virus, he was left "devastated". 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. Also in attendance was his husband, who shared an emotional embrace with Thomas during and after the race. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. The retired Welsh rugby star, who today has taken the brave step of telling the world of his HIV+ status,. 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.'. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. In court papers, Mr Baum claimed he had a relationship with him between 2013 and 2016 and that he was HIV negative when the relationship began. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? 'Everyone supported him when he came out as gay and that support will be even stronger now.'. 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. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. I didnt want my brother, who didn't have the knowledge of it, to be afraid of me cuddling my niece.'. He also appeared on Dancing on Ice as a pundit and has been given his own shows on BBC Wales including Run for Your Life when he trained a group of overweight and unfit women from the Welsh Valleys to get fit for the Cardiff Half Marathon. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. 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. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. 'People in Wales will back him, the same as we did when he came out as gay. I wasnt expecting it at all. 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. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. 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. Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. 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. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. But he decided to break the news to his parents and two older brothers after blackmailers started using his diagnosis as a weapon. 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 began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. 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. What will the next pandemic be? They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. His husband Stephen and Stephen's daughter Anna, 23, who all live together in Bridgend joined thousands on the sidelines of the marathon section of Ironman. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. You're Not Alone. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. And Thomas who won 100 caps for Wales and came out as gay in December 2009 while he was still playing said he wants to reduce the stigma of living with HIV. 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. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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 with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. Jemma suffered three miscarriages as the couple tried to start a family during their marriage. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. 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'. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. 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. Discover your rider rating - how many one-star reviews do 'I want to be a French child!' This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. 7. We need to break the stigma. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday, 'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! And the legend has been met with support since he revealed his diagnosis - with Prince William even tweeting out a message to Gareth. The question about TrainwrecksTV net worth is one of the most enigmatic topic around him. 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. 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. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. Rugby star Gareth Thomas spoke on Good Morning Britain about the misconceptions surrounding HIV as he celebrated his wedding anniversary. Keen to get away from the neighbours? 16:23 GMT 15 Sep 2019 ': Sir Clive Woodward interviews Eddie Jones ahead of England's World Cup bid. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. 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. The 45-year-old bravely told the world . He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. 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. A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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). Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". , updated 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. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. 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. The ex fullback completed the course in the seaside resort of Tenby, south Wales, with a time of 12 hours 18 minutes and 29 seconds. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. He said: 'I always say now, 'I'm living with HIV. 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. 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. "I'd probably say I am, my husband married me because of my rugby prowess and rugby strength," said Gareth. 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. In the documents, he said the defendant caused him "serious physical and psychological injury". 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. He was alive but lost to me. He was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. The sports legend told how he went through hell as he tried to keep his health battle hidden from his friends and family. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. "Two thirds of people would consider ending or would end a relationship if they found out that their partner was HIV positive. 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 This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. 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 January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. 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.'. Thomas was part of ITV's broadcast team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019. Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. Its not like I blame people for not knowing this. 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. Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. 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. A guy from Bridgend without a single GCSE to his name for one moment changed the world,' he said. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. 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. 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. 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. 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. 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? "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. 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. 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