Lara Keay For Mailonline As one of the most-capped players in the history of Welsh rugby union, Thomas is a titan of the game. 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. 'I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.'. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. 12:35 GMT 17 Sep 2019. '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! 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.'. I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. In the video posted to his Twitter page, he said: "I want to share my secret with you. Princess of Wales 'super impressed' after boy performs impromptu After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. Thomas was part of ITV's broadcast team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019. He split with his wife Jemma in 2009 upon revealing his true sexuality, seven years after they married. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. We need to break the stigma once and for all. 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. 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. Prince William tweeted his support, describing Thomas as'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. 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. 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. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. 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. If HIV is caught late, it can lead to more complications and could ultimately lead to AIDS. 'Courageous' Gareth Thomas breaks down in tears hugging husband at end Lara Keay For Mailonline It almost felt as if someone I loved had suddenly died, but he was still standing there in front of me. 16:23 GMT 15 Sep 2019 The 46-year-old Welsh rugby. Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. Keen to get away from the neighbours? '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.'. 2023 BBC. Single mother faces 170 parking fine after overstaying at McDonald's for just 14 minutes while she treated Man had sex with his wife on bollard in protest after it had been erected by neighbour to stop him parking From Prince Harry 'peeing his pants' the day he met Meghan to what the Queen REALLY thought of Archie and Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. What a super hero this bloke is. Tearful Gareth Thomas hugs husband during Ironman hours after revealing Open:The former rugby international, 45, confirmed he is living with HIV in September, after secretly living with the virus for years. The star later switched to rugby league and led Wales to victory over France in the European. He admitted cheating on her multiple times, insisting he always practised safe sex when sleeping with men. By In 1987, Princess Diana shocked the worldas she shook hands with an AIDS patientat Middlesex Hospital in London at the opening of the UK's first treatment unit. 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. Gareth Thomas hugs husband after finishing Ironman Wales to 'break the The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. Its sick and Ive been through hell, Gareth, 45, told the Sunday Mirror. At club level Thomas played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and French side Toulouse. Thomas said of his husband: Stephen is from the Valley and isnt used to media attention or the idea of giving interviews., The former British Lions captain added: He loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what Im doing.. Mr Baum is suing the TV personality for 150,000. 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. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. He told the show that he wanted to hold people without them fearing him due to misconceptions about HIV being so easily passed. Gareth Thomas jokes he's 'punching' with husband Stephen on 3 - mirror I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". A 16-year-old boy was later dealt with by restorative justice and met with Thomas to apologise for his actions. 'I only found out about his illness when I arrived here at six this morning. 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? Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. 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. I thought I could suppress it, keep it locked away in some dark corner of myself, but I couldn't. 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!' I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. The former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. The rugby-playing pal added: "Hes been a great ambassador for Wales and the gay community since coming out. 'We need to break the stigma once and for all. Gareth married his teenage sweetheart Jemma in 2002. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Gareth Thomas reveals he's living with HIV and says diagnosis - mirror 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. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. He hung up his boots in 20111 and came. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". . He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. 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. Those diagnosed with the virus once had a bleak prospect. In November 2018 he was assaulted in Cardiff city centre in a homophobic attack. 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. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. He spoke about the stigma still surrounding HIV after revealing he has it last September, and he is launching an anti-ignorance campaign. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. Mr Thomas, who made a public announcement he. Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. A day later he competed in the Ironman Wales challenge, finishing in a time of 12 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. 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. 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. 'I've always been a huge fan - this won't change anything. He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. 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. 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. Following their divorce in 2009, Thomas announced his sexuality to the world and went on to marry partner Stephen, who does not share his health status, seven years later. ', He added: 'I was trying to support him and hold him, but it was the most horrible time. The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! 6ft 3in, 16 stone, Gareth went straight to hospital after sobbing on the shoulder of the doctor who gave him the news. 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. 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. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. Not the evils threatening to tell you before I do. "By doing the Ironman contest he is showing everyone that hes still an incredible athlete. Gareth Thomas broke down as he hugged Stephen during the Ironman, Gareth Thomas celebrates completing the Ironman, Gareth Thomas: Carol Vorderman reacts to star's HIV diagnosis, Prince Harry backs rugby star Gareth Thomas over HIV revelation, William tribute to Gareth Thomas after rugby star has HIV.