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. I am delighted to say that the legal case against me has been settled by means of a Part 36 offer. The Welsh rugby legend had previously sobbed as he bravely appeared on This Morning to discuss why he didn't go public about living with the virus two years ago. Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary with husband Stephen Williams-Thomas, and Piers asked: "Are you punching as heavily as I am?". Thomas (pictured centre) took part in the Wales Ironman competition in Tenby after confirming his HIV status, Support: After becoming the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive, he began the gruelling Ironman Wales triathlon, but broke down after completing the swim and cycle (pictured), 'It is not connected to death it is connected to life and that is what Im doing to the max,' he said. Keen to get away from the neighbours? They split up after he told her he was gay - and he went public about his sexuality 10 years ago. 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 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.". American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. 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. , updated "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. Copyright 2021-2022 Pwapgh.com. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. Well done: The 45-year-old is pictured on his bike this morning after completing a 2.3-mile swim. "The defendant pleaded with him to keep his HIV status secret, the claimant agreed and the relationship continued," it added. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. 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. 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. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. In January 2012 he went into the Celebrity Big Brother House, finishing in the final three. "It is quite easy to educate people, but to re educate people when they think they know everything about HIV, is even more difficult.". After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. He also receives regular counselling and check-ups. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. 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. 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. 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. 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. Despite cracking his head in the early rounds, Louganis emerged from the Games as a double-gold medalist and subsequently revealed his 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. 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. Not the evils threatening to tell you before I do. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. A day later he competed in the Ironman Wales challenge, finishing in a time of 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. Since he came out in 2009, Thomas has worked with numerous charities, including ChildLine, the Terrance Higgins Trust and Stonewall. "When she said those words I broke down. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. 16:23 GMT 15 Sep 2019 I've felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. 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. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. His husband does not have HIV and the couple live in Bridgend, South Wales, with Stephen's 23-year-old daughter Anna. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. Read about our approach to external linking. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. I thought about driving off a cliff. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. "Now even though I've been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight to educate.". 'I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. Thomas, though, also revealed he was forced to make the admission. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. You have our support Gareth. 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. "Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.". We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. By Samantha Masters. She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. 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. What a super hero this bloke is. 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. You have our support Gareth. I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. Read about our approach to external linking. "Two thirds of people would consider ending or would end a relationship if they found out that their partner was HIV positive. 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? Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! The sporting legend waved at the crowds as he prepared for a marathon later. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. W". He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. He is one of more than 2,000 amateur competitors who lined up at 7am for the swimming leg of the race. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. When people find out they look at you differently, treat you differently or they act differently,' he said. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. I just thought, how can somebody put him in that position? 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). The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . '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.'. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". Gareth Thomas CBE (born 25 July 1974), [1] nicknamed "Alfie", is a Welsh former professional rugby union and rugby league player, who represented Wales in both sports. 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. The 45-year-old bravely told the world that he is living with HIV . He was the first British rugby international. . A South Wales Police spokesman said: "We can confirm a local 16-year-old boy was dealt with by way of restorative justice following the incident at around 9pm. 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. The man-hug moment came as Gareth completed the 112-mile cycle ride element of the endurance race and was about to start a full marathon. The sports legend told how he went through hell as he tried to keep his health battle hidden from his friends and family. Thomas completed the challenge inTenby, Pembrokeshire, in 12 hours and 18 minutes. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. That is why it is so important to get tested early if you have been at risk of HIV, as it will mean that you can access treatment that will prevent you ever getting AIDS. That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? 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. In the documents, he said the defendant caused him "serious physical and psychological injury". Rugby legend Gareth Thomas broke into tears at the end of a gruelling Ironman race hours after he went public with his HIV diagnosis. You have our support Gareth. 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. : 'He has been a beacon of light for me. Thomas made the announcement yesterday -saying sick blackmailers had started using his diagnosis as a weapon.