He will help us challenge out-of-date beliefs and this abhorrent stigma BY IAN GREEN

WHEN I was first diagnosed with HIV in 1996, I never thought I’d live to 50 – or that it would lead to me being good pals with a rugby legend. But that’s what has happened and I’m very glad it has.

Gareth Thomas has ‘come out’ about his HIV because he wants what all of us living with it want – the public to take notice of the incredible medical progress made.

For both of us, that includes now being able to say without doubt someone with HIV and on effective treatment – like me and Gareth – can’t pass it on.

This is backed by robust medical evidence and endorsed by hundreds of organisations across the globe, including us at Terrence Higgins Trust.

And with a front page exclusive in today’s Sunday Mirror, he’s well on his way to educating thousands and thousands about what it means to live with HIV in 2019.

It’s been a privilege to get to know Gareth .

At the Trust we’re big advocates of ensuring people diagnosed with HIV can meet others living with the virus who have been through that experience – taken the medication, told their family, experienced the stigma.

I hope I’ve helped Gareth process his diagnosis and played a role in preparing him for today’s announcement.

I was one of the first people he had ever met openly living with HIV. Now he’s met a range of different people and heard stories which have inspired him to speak publicly and challenge the stigma.

That includes one woman who uses our Cardiff support services.

She told him about the impact gossip and HIV-related stigma at school has on her young son.

It’s for people like her that Gareth is taking on today’s Ironman Wales – a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26 mile run – to prove HIV has changed a lot since many people last heard about it.

Because out-ofdate beliefs about

HIV are undeniably standing in the way of progress in the fight against it.

For example, our recent polling showed almost half of people would still feel uncomfortable kissing someone living with HIV.

To be clear: HIV has never been passed on through kissing or any other day-to-day contact.

But this is exactly why we need Gareth in our corner. He has the public profile and drive to get this out there.

After all, when was the last time HIV was explored in back pages with sports fans given an update on all the progress made?

Thank you, Gareth, for speaking out today. I’m excited to work with you to achieve so much more.