He added:'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. 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. Rugby star Gareth Thomas spoke on Good Morning Britain about the misconceptions surrounding HIV as he celebrated his wedding anniversary. Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one of them now. Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player. But he came back today looking stronger than ever as he competed in the Ironman contest to cheers of "come on Alfie" and "Go Gareth". I'm speaking out because I want to help others and make a difference.. 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. The Princess of Wales, who attended the parade with her husband on Wednesday morning, presented . I wasnt expecting it at all. Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. Stephen Adams for The Mail on Sunday He revealed that afterwards he was 'threatened by people who said they would give away my secret', who he feared would 'use it as a weapon' against him and his family. Last November Thomas was beaten up in Cardiff by a 16-year-old boy in a sickening homophobic attack. '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.'. The rugby legend yesterday said he is revealing his diagnosis because he wanted to 'make a difference' by helping end the stigma surrounding the virus. 'I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what I've been through.'. 6ft 3in, 16 stone, Gareth went straight to hospital after sobbing on the shoulder of the doctor who gave him the news. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. Though he admitted his diagnosis two years ago felt like a death sentence, he says he soon found that, with the right medication, it was manageable to the point that he does not suffer symptoms. And he believes announcing his positive status to the world has helped strengthen his relationship with Stephen, who does not have the virus. He said he hoped his public acknowledgement of his sexuality would help other young gay sportsmen seek support from charities and help groups. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? 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. He aimed to challenge preconceptions that people living with HIV are weak with his show of strength. Retired Welsh rugby star who retired as the Wales National team's third-time leader in match appearances. 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. As he drove to Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he called a friend in tears: "I told him, Ive got HIV Im going to die. The former Lions captain considered 'driving after a cliff' after the diagnosis Credit: Getty Images - Getty. Actor Tom Hardy was due to play Thomas, but the film later fell through. 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. He came 413th out of 2,039 participants. I maintain my innocence in all the meritless allegations. Two years later he was banned from the game for four week on misconduct charges. W". After hugs and waves to the crowd Stephen wrapped Thomas in a ankle-length camouflage parker coat with a pink lining. By Samantha Masters. 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. 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. He told the Daily Mail in December 2009: 'I was like a ticking bomb. The trio live together in Bridgend, Wales. The former Wales captain has had an emotional 24 hours after he revealed to . He played for Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and played in four tournaments altogether. 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. "I dont blame people for thinking it, because I did too, but we need to change that by talking about it and educating people.". He went on: 'Sometimes I felt so alone and depressed. 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. HIV (human immuno-deficency virus) attacks the body's immune system. 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. These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that theirbody is trying to fight HIV. Ian Baum has. 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. 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 45-year-old was cheered on by the crowds and his parents Yvonne and Barry. 'He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to. Mr Thomas said: 'Many people live in fear and shame of having HIV, but I refuse to be one. For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below. 'He must be so tough mentally and physically to take part today.'. He had wanted to keep the information from his parents, Yvonne, 70, and Barry 69, fearing it would 'hurt' them. By I thought about driving off a cliff. He told The Sunday Mirror: Ive been living with this secret for years. 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. He began his sporting career with his native Bridgend in 1994, staying there for three years. 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). Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears as he was embraced by his husband just 24 hours after revealing he has been 'living with HIV for years'. Prince William tweeted his support, describing Thomas as'Courageous as ever legend on the pitch and legend off it. I felt like an express train was hitting me at 300mph. RUGBY legend Gareth Thomas broke down in tears hugging his husband during an Ironman race today just hours after revealing he is HIV positive. Why? This is a subject that because of the 80s scenarios people dont talk about it because thats the only information they have. The former rugby player has kept his marriage out of the limelight,. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is caught early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. 'Gareth is inspirational, he's changed the lives of so many people. Only once the immune system is already severely damaged will the person show new symptoms. After marrying childhood sweetheart Jemma in 2002, the couple struggled with relationship problems. In September 2019 he became the first major British sports star to come out as HIV-positive. "People will rally around him in the same way they did when he talked about his sexuality 10 years ago. Gareth Thomas has revealed he married husband Stephen nearly three years ago, as he told the world of his HIV diagnosis. The former Wales and British and Irish Lions player, who came out as gay in 2009, yesterday revealed he kept his HIV status a secret over fears he would be 'treated like a leper' - and was today hailed for his bravery by Princes William and Harry. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. After the blackmail threat he decided he had no option but to tell them. While he was still playing in France he suffered a major health scare after a neck injury.