17 September 2019 - Rugby legend Gareth Thomas forced to reveal he has HIV and hopes to break stigma
Gareth Thomas: Ex-Wales rugby captain has HIV
Daniel Davies (BBC, 15/09/2019)
Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has revealed he is HIV positive, saying he wants to "break the stigma" around the condition.
He said he wants to show how people with HIV are misrepresented as "walking around with walking sticks who are close to dying".
He has also spoken about "shame" and "fear" of keeping his condition secret.
Gareth Thomas revealing HIV status will 'tackle stigma'
Mark Brown (The Guardian, 15/09/2019)
Gareth Thomas’s decision to reveal he is living with HIV will have a “massive impact” in helping to dispel myths and stigma around the condition, the head of the Terrence Higgins Trust has said.
The former Wales and British Lions rugby captain revealed on Sunday that he tested as HIV positive a number of years ago. By speaking openly, Thomas said he hopes to educate and empower others in the same position.
Jeremy Corbyn, Stephen Fry, Kelly Holmes and Prince William were among those to tweet messages of support, with the latter writing: “Courageous as ever – legend on the pitch and legend off it. You have our support Gareth. W.”
True sporting hero Gareth Thomas conquers both 140-mile Ironman and one of society's deepest prejudices
Jim White (Telegraph, 16/09/2019)
On Sunday, the Pembrokeshire coastal town of Tenby was filled, as it always is at this time of year, with thousands of people watching pain in action. It was the Tenby Ironman, the ludicrously demanding mega triathlon involving swimming, cycling and running distances most of us would find exhausting if we were obliged to complete them in the back of a taxi.
It only began in 2011 but the event has established itself as the most relished on the Ironman calendar. Thousands pour into the picturesque little resort, filling the bars, hotels and cafes and crafting ever more elaborate good luck messages into the sandy beach. Such has been the economic benefit it is reckoned the weekend delivers around £3.5 million into local tills.
Gareth Thomas ‘to work with Prince Harry to break HIV stigma’
Chris Caulfield (Metro, 16/09/2019)
Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas is planning to team up with the Duke of Sussex to raise awareness of HIV. Thomas, 45, this weekend revealed he had the virus and vowed to ‘break the stigma’ after blackmailers put the former Great British Lion ‘through hell’ by threatening to expose his secret. The pairs’ actions would build on the legacy laid down by Diana, Princess of Wales, as they seek to change people’s attitudes towards HIV and AIDS.