He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. 'I genuinely think it's going to save people's lives,' he said. 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. 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. "We should all be appalled by the way you were forced to speak your truth, it is yours and yours alone to share on your terms and I and millions stand with you.. The court papers state that when he found out he was positive for the virus, he was left "devastated". Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times. When you have a secret that other people know about it makes you really vulnerable towards them. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. We need to break the stigma once and for all. MOST infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeksafter coming into contact with HIV. Read about our approach to external linking. This was around the time a film was due to be made about Thomas's life. When told in a 'matter of fact way' that he was HIV-positive, Thomas said he broke down. Express. Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? and Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 14, 2019. In 2017 he made a TV documentary called Gareth Thomas v Homophobia challenging gay taunts used by soccer fans at Premiership matches. 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. After missing two months, he announced he would be retiring from the sport in October that year. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. Welsh rugby fan Sue Parry, 58, added: 'I didn't know until someone in the crowd said. 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. Sergeant Gareth Lucas, his father, said Thomas self-taught himself backflips on YouTube Credit: . , updated 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. The rugby star compared his condition to 'living with diabetes or high blood pressure' and appears to be as fit as ever. 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. The cause will be close to William's heart as his mum Princess Diana was known for her work with HIV patients. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 'I've always been a huge fan - this won't change anything. 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. The 46-year-old Welsh rugby. 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. Stephen, 56, added that he was full of pride for Gareth, who announced his HIV status shortly before participating in a gruelling Ironman Triathlon. 12:35 GMT 17 Sep 2019. But he loves me and supports me 100 per cent in what I'm doing.. Gareth Thomas jokes he is "punching" as he celebrates three-year wedding anniversary, Gareth discussed the misconceptions surrounding HIV, Gareth and Ian are celebrating three years of marriage, Gareth takes daily medication and it ensures his HIV is not contagious. 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.. 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. Thomas completed the challenge inTenby, Pembrokeshire, in 12 hours and 18 minutes. 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. It is claimed he called Mr Thomas for an explanation and according to the documents, Mr Thomas was "very repentant and apologetic". "On googling the GSK1 pill, the claimant discovered that the defendant was taking antiviral HIV medication," the documents said. Thomas said he 'knew he was gay' at the age of around 16 or 17, but failed to accept it until years later. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. The former fullback entered the sea at Tenby's north Beach at 7am along with 2,300 other competitors. This is a subject that because of the 80s scenarios people dont talk about it because thats the only information they have. Gareth Thomas has credited husband Stephen for supporting him as he went public with his HIV diagnosis. Stephen was the first to sob in the brief encounter but Gareth had to wipe away tears as he rejoined the race. 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. 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. He said: Gareth, you are an absolute legend! 'We need to break the stigma once and for all. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Following his diagnosis revelation, there has been a huge outpouring of support. They split in 2007 with the divorce finalised in 2009. That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. What will the next pandemic be? The 45-year-old former Welsh rugby captain bravely told the world that he is living with HIV last week, after an . The star later switched to rugby league and led Wales to victory over France in the European. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. "I'd probably say I am, my husband married me because of my rugby prowess and rugby strength," said Gareth. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. Then I was thinking, 'How long have I got left?'. 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. Brooklyn celebrates turning 24 by heading out in Paris with wife Nicola Peltz and Nicola Peltz's fans question if 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria Beckham is REALLY over as she posts Victoria Beckham leads the sweet birthday messages for son Brooklyn's 24th as the family finally reunite in Tragedies of Everest: The adventurers forever frozen in ice after losing their lives scaling the world's 'Why the last-minute delay?' Lara Keay For Mailonline 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 contracted the disease from his manager,James Babbitt, who he had entered a romantic relationship with. The popular television regular and former Wales captain, who took part in the 140-mile triathlon in Tenby, says he wants to end the stigma associated with the condition. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. 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. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. By You're Not Alone. Thomas made the announcement yesterday -saying sick blackmailers had started using his diagnosis as a weapon. . Thomas was part of ITV's broadcast team for the World Cup in Japan in 2019. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. With 100 appearances he was the most capped Welsh Rugby Union player ever until 2011 when the accolade was taken by Stephen Jones. Rugby star Gareth Thomas spoke on Good Morning Britain about the misconceptions surrounding HIV as he celebrated his wedding anniversary. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 'I'm sad for him but you've got to take your hat off to Gareth. 'I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. 15:01, Mon, Sep 23 . More info. Last November Thomas was beaten up in Cardiff by a 16-year-old boy in a sickening homophobic attack. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday, 'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. However, nowadays it can be fully controlled by drugs which stop it developing into AIDS. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, is married to Stephen. I was in a dark place, feeling suicidal. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. The former Wales captain said he had made the decision to settle with Ian Baum 'for myown mental health and that of my family' - insisting that the move was 'not an admission of liability or guilt'. Rugby legend Gareth Thomas has agreed to pay75,000 plus costs to a former partner who accused him ofhiding his HIV status during their relationship. 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! 'It was who I was, and I just couldn't ignore it any more. 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 happy couple were married in front of 70 family and friends including Gareths close pal H from pop band Steps. 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Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Without medication people with HIV can develop AIDS. 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.. The former Wales captain stopped mid-race to lean over the . All rights reserved. His father Barry, 69, is a retired postal worker, and his mother Yvonne, 70, a former hospital secretary. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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.