Gareth Thomas is appearing on This Morning on Tuesday 17 September on ITV1 from 10.30am to discuss his Ironman Wales feat. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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 former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. Gareth told The Mirror that Stephen does not have HIV. Very little is known about Stephen, who Thomas said has lived a life out of the public eye. "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. The sports legend told how he went through hell as he tried to keep his health battle hidden from his friends and family. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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. . Gareth Thomas has hit out at Twitter after a video he shared of himself dancing with his husband was abruptly removed from his feed by the social media platform. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isn't used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews. 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. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. 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. We need to break the stigma once and for all. 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. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. We need to break the stigma. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. Gareth Thomas came close to suicide after confessing to his wife that he was gay. 'He is a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this illness. Gareth and Ian, 51, have finally decided to open up about their year-long love, celebrating going public with a magazine shoot. 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. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. What a super hero this bloke is. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. After retiring from the game Thomas launched a successful media career while volunteering for charities and is an active supporter of Childline. HIV (human immuno-deficency virus) attacks the body's immune system. "Hes a remarkable individual who is mentally equipped to deal with this. As the players become aware of the news, I'm sure they'll talk about it.'. 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. It doesn't control me.'. 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. He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Thomas did not say when he was diagnosed, but revealed that he had to tell a number of former sexual partners as a matter of 'duty' so they could get themselves tested too. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Jemma suffered three miscarriages as the couple tried to start a family during their marriage. "And having a strong support system and the personal strength and experience of overcoming those emotions got me through it. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. I was in such a state. 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. Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. I thought about driving off a cliff. 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. 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. As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. Thomas had to learn how to do the front crawl to take part in the Ironman. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. ', Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas is pictured in October 2010. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. 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. But he decided to break the news to his parents and two older brothers after blackmailers started using his diagnosis as a weapon. 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. What will the next pandemic be? 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. It was horrendous. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. I wasnt expecting it at all. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. 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 was greeted with cries of 'Come on Alfie' and 'Go Gareth' as he emerged triumphant from the first two legs of the race. He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. And the legend has been met with support since he revealed his diagnosis - with Prince William even tweeting out a message to Gareth. "Im speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. 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. I just thought, how can somebody put him in that position? I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 'I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. I wasn't expecting it at all. Discover your rider rating - how many one-star reviews do 'I want to be a French child!' 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. An emotional Gareth Thomas broke down in tears and hugged his husband during the gruelling Ironman competition in Tenby. 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 married 35-year-old Cardiff Blues player, who in 2007 became the first ever Welshman to win 100 caps for his country, admitted he had been suicidal at times as he hid his sexuality from his. When told in a 'matter of fact way' that he was HIV-positive, Thomas said he broke down. You have our support Gareth. 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. Rugby star Gareth Thomas spoke on Good Morning Britain about the misconceptions surrounding HIV as he celebrated his wedding anniversary. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. 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. 'I had a fear people would judge me and treat me like a leper because of a lack of knowledge. 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. The virus is now 'undetectable' in his system and cannot be passed on providing he continues to take his medication every day. I thought about driving off a cliff. He is one of more than 2,000 amateur competitors who lined up at 7am for the swimming leg of the race. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". In the video posted to his Twitter page, he said: "I want to share my secret with you. 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. 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. Prince Harry heaped praise on the rugby hero for his bravery. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. >document.documentElement.className = document.documentElement.className.replace('no-js', 'js');.no-js img.lazyload { display: none; } figure.wp-block-image img.lazyloading { min-width: 150px; } .lazyload, .lazyloading { opacity: 0; } .lazyloaded { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 400ms; transition-delay: 0ms; }{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement": [ {"@type":"ListItem","position": 1,"name":"Home","item": {"@type":"Thing","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en","@id":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en" } }, {"@type":"ListItem","position": 2,"name":"sports","item": {"@type":"Thing","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/","@id":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/" } }, {"@type":"ListItem","position": 3,"name":"gareth thomas husband","item": {"@type":"Thing","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband","@id":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband" } } ]}{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","author":"Pwapgh.com","dateCreated":"2022-12-13 09:49:28","dateModified":"2022-12-13","datePublished":"2022-12-13 09:49:28","headline":"gareth thomas husband | heracles fc | sports | Pwapgh.com","image":"https://www.pwapgh.com/uploads/sports/ffcac1bcbe07a2963d04052ba5182deb.jpg","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband","mainEntityOfPage": {"@type":"WebPage","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/en/sports-gareth-thomas-husband" },"publisher": {"@type":"Organization","logo": {"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pwapgh.com/wp-content/images/logo.png" },"name":"Pwapgh.com" }}. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. Thomas appeared as a contestant on TV's Celebrity Big Brother where he reached the final three. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. 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. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. I've stood on so many cliff edges. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? 'I've always been a huge fan - this won't change anything. In a stunning show of solidarity, the Welsh rugby icon and his husband Stephen are ensuring everyone in. Heiress, 42, poses with her son Phoenix and husband Carter Reum - after revealing she's frozen . 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. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. 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. 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. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. 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. The couple live in Bridgend, 20 miles west of Cardiff with Stephen's daughterAnna, 23. 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.. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a safety barrier to embrace his husband of four-years Stephen, 56. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. 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. 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. 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. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. 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. With 100 test match appearances he was the most capped Welsh rugby union player until he was overtaken by Stephen Jones in September 2011. 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. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. 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. Stephen is from the Valley and the pair live together in Bridgend with Stephens daughter, Anna. 'As the largest HIV charity in the UK said, there are no winners in HIV cases like these, and that is certainly the case. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Minds website. Express. Piers and Susanna wished him a happy three-year anniversary. By Samantha Masters. A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. 'My parents and loved ones are fine with it,' he said. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. However, nowadays it can be fully controlled by drugs which stop it developing into AIDS. Mr Thomas, 48, was accused by Mr Baum, 59, of 'assault, battery, infliction of intentional harm and negligence'. Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. He said: 'I always say now, 'I'm living with HIV. "But now at 45 I no longer have that, so I am holding on for dear life!". Thomas is the youngest of three sons. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas, 48, denies court claim that he infected ex-partner with HIV The retired rugby star was accused of 'concealing' his HIV-positive condition Carriers can be charged. ', Mr Thomas announcing the move on Twitter today - he maintains innocence, Thomas played 100 times for Wales during his illustrious career before he retired from the game in 2011. 'I immediately thought I was going to die,' he said. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. Gareth Thomas has credited his husband Stephen Williams Thomas with helping him through being blackmailed over his HIV diagnosis. For other inquiries, Contact Us. The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after. These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. 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 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. "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.". In 2020, Thomas was given a special prize at Wales' St David Awards for campaigning against HIV stigma, one year after publicly revealing he had the virus. By Claire Jimenez (Grand Central, fiction) When 13-year-old Ruthy disappeared after track practice, it left the Ramirez family scarred. Lara Keay For Mailonline 'I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. Prince William tweeted his support, describing Thomas as'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. 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. I immediately thought I was going to die. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. Gareth Thomas has thanked his husband Stephen for being his "beacon of light". Gareth takes one tablet a day, and it means he will not infect a sexual partner with HIV. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. 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. 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. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. 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'. 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 He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. 12:35 GMT 17 Sep 2019. He explained it was no different to taking daily diabetes medication every day. 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. 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. "I'd probably say I am, my husband married me because of my rugby prowess and rugby strength," said Gareth. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Its sick and Ive been through hell, Gareth, 45, told the Sunday Mirror. 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. His autobiography Proud was released in 2015, which gave distressing details about his battle with his sexuality. She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. Ive felt shame and keeping such a big secret has taken its toll. All rights reserved. 15:01, Mon, Sep 23 . I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. He said: "She treated me with such empathy and understanding and after about 20 minutes I got myself together.". The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". Lara Keay For Mailonline 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 . Thomas is the youngest of three sons. 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. Ian Baum has accused the former Wales rugby captain of "deceptively" transmitting HIV to him, Gareth Thomas disclosed he was HIV positive in 2019, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. 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'. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? * Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV, Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox. "Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. 16:23 GMT 15 Sep 2019 Rugby legend Gareth Thomas broke into tears at the end of a gruelling Ironman race hours after he went public with his HIV diagnosis. 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.