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 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.'. But he decided to break the news to his parents and two older brothers after blackmailers started using his diagnosis as a weapon. Its sick and Ive been through hell, Gareth, 45, told the Sunday Mirror. 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. 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. He posted a video on his Twitter Page showing his bruised and cut face from the Saturday night 'hate crime' in the Welsh capital. 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. 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. I was being blackmailed and in my mind I thought you only get blackmailed for something really bad, which compounded the feeling of shame. 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. When Mr Thomas revealed he was HIV positive, Prince William tweeted: 'Courageous as ever, legend on the pitch and legend off it.'. Ive been threatened by people who said they would give away my secret. 'I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. American Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed with the disease six months before the 1988 Games in Seoul. He made his debut for Wales the following year, representing his country until 2007. 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. 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. He said he would 'never forget' the moment he found out his diagnosis, which came after a 'routine sexual health test' in Cardiff. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken of the support he receives from husband Stephen after revealing he is living with HIV. However, the virus will continue to cause progressive damage to a person's immune system. His older brothers are Richard and Steven. He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Because it's mine to tell. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. He explained it was no different to taking daily diabetes medication every day. He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. He contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide. 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. Since going public with the news on Sunday, he has been praised for his bravery by admirers including Princes William and Harry. 'I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. 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. I thought about driving off a cliff. Family: He married Jemma Thomas in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2009. Welcome to the Coronation! Gareth Thomas was forced to reveal his HIV diagnosis after sick blackmailers threatened to expose his secret. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 'I only found out about his illness when I arrived here at six this morning. He turned and rejoined the race but you could see tears in Gareths eyes. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "Im speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. All rights reserved. There has been an outpouring of support for Thomas after he became the first UK sports figure to reveal he is living with HIV. 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.'. He said: "She treated me with such empathy and understanding and after about 20 minutes I got myself together.". 'You wake up one morning thinking: 'I can handle it. Thomas said there was so much 'inaccurate information' about HIV that he wanted to counter, stressing, for instance, that there was 'no possibility' of him passing it on to others because of the drugs he is taking. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Stephen was the first to sob in the brief encounter but Gareth had to wipe away tears as he rejoined the race. Thomas carried on playing rugby until 2011 when he suffered a broken arm. Welcome to the Coronation! Lara Keay For Mailonline The happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. Thomas is pictured taking part in Dancing On Ice in January 2013 alongside his skating partner Robin Johnstone. 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.. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. ', Moving: Gareth Thomas is pictured on This Morning telling Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about his reasons for not revealing his diagnosis earlier. Thomas appeared as a contestant on TV's Celebrity Big Brother where he reached the final three. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. Brave Gareth left the track and leaned over a. 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. Gareth Thomas with his husband Stephen on Sunday Credit: Alamy Live News. The 46-year-old Welsh rugby. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury. 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. Im not afraid anymore - I did a freaking Ironman yesterday.'. Everything is fine,' and the next morning you don't want anyone to see your face, because you think that if people look at you, they will know.'. In the event he discovered he 'underestimated' them. Gareth Thomas, best known for being a Rugby Player, was born in Bridgend, Wales, UK on Thursday, July 25, 1974. 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. 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. It was horrendous. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. The 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. Ahead of the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, the former Wales rugby captain said he wanted to break the stigma around the virus. It is alleged he found out Mr Thomas had HIV when he saw a tablet marked GSK1. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. "Nobody can contract HIV if they use the same fork or the same glass.". We need to break the stigma. "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.". 'I fully expect him to become a leading light for HIV and Aids charities, that's the sort of bloke he is. 'I immediately thought I was going to die,' he said. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. It makes no difference to the measure of the man.'. The retired sportsman toldOK! 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. The Welsh rugby team, who are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, has also shown their support. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. 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. Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. 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. 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. 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. 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. '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! Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. 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'. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. 'I genuinely think it's going to save people's lives,' he said. Thomas was part of ITV's broadcast team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019. 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. During his time in France he was found guilty of assault in 2005. 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Thomas, wearing number 50, was given another huge cheer when his name was announced over the PA system at the event, which will take 17 hours for some competitors to complete. What will the next pandemic be? Speaking to the Mirror, Thomas said: Ive been living with this secret for years. 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.. 'To all my family, friends and supporters and sponsors, I love you and thank you xxxx. The 45 year old former rugby player announced he was. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has completed a 140-mile triathlon just a day after revealing he is living with HIV. Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, Peter Andre sets strict rules for Princess after 'signing deal with fashion retailer', Jake Gyllenhaal flaunts rock-hard abs as he slaps former MMA fighter for Road House remake. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. Last November Thomas was beaten up in Cardiff by a 16-year-old boy in a sickening homophobic attack. You can unsubscribe at any time. She told me in a quite matter of fact way I had tested HIV positive. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. You have our support Gareth. The couple were married for five years, during which time Jemma suffered three miscarriages. 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!' 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. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. I'd been through every emotion under the sun trying to deal with this. 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. Although Gareth Thomas is the first UK sportsman to bravely reveal his HIV diagnosis, he was not the first worldwide. 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. You're Not Alone. He was an ITV rugby pundit during the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. 'I'm sad for him but you've got to take your hat off to Gareth. 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 found out that he was HIV positive after he went for a routine sexual health test at a clinic in Cardiff. 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. 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). Rugby star Gareth Thomas spoke on Good Morning Britain about the misconceptions surrounding HIV as he celebrated his wedding anniversary. The fullback was the second highest try scorer for Wales, behind Shane Williams and captained for his country, and various club squads. I am delighted to say that the legal case against me has been settled by means of a Part 36 offer. The 45-year-old former Welsh rugby captain bravely told the world that he is living with HIV last week, after an . 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. 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. "I hope people lining the route cheer extra loudly when he passes them on the road.". 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 and his husband Stephen have revealed how Prince Harry got in touch after the former spoke out about his HIV diagnosis earlier this month. A year later he appeared on Dancing On Ice, when he was partnered with professional skater Robin Johnstone. 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. 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. 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. Last November Thomas was the victim of an homophobic attack while out with friends in Cardiff City Centre. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. "Then I was thinking how long have I got left? I was distraught.. 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. Mr Baum then "immediately" made an appointment for a HIV test. Not many people would come out with that then do an Ironman the next day. Gareth Thomas has adorably opened up on his unbreakable bond with husband Stephen Thomas-Williams after revealing he is living with HIV. their fourth in successionCooper rues 'self-inflicted' defeat Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper said:"I think a lot of it is self-inflictedWe rode our luck at times, of course we did, but we had to stay strongWe were really good to show great characterwinning their last nine league games straight after holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Kingsmeadow in February. 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. He said: "I think if you went out on the street right now and told 10 people you have HIV, 50 per cent of them would be scared youre going to give it to them. Ian Baum has alleged Mr Thomas hid his HIV status, "failing to take reasonable care" to ensure he did not pass it on. The gesture, which challenged the belief that HIV or AIDS could be transmitted by touch, showed Diana's compassion for other people and sparked the beginning of her work with people affected by the disease. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! 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. I've stood on so many cliff edges. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Thomas has devoted the last few months getting fit for Ironman Wales, which is taking place in the West Wales seaside resort of Tenby today.