Ace Gareth hails ‘beacon of light’ in his HIV ordeal
Solid bond... Gareth with husband Stephen RUGBY star Gareth Thomas has praised his husband Stephen for “being a beacon of light” after he told the world of his HIV diagnosis.
The former rugby league and union player, 45, told OK Magazine: “He has been a beacon of light for me. Stephen was the only reason I got through the dark times.
“I think our relationship is unbreakable because of what we’ve been through.”
Teacher Stephen, 56, added: “It’s a massive weight off our shoulders. I am so proud of what Gareth’s done.
“I genuinely think it’s going to save people’s lives.”
Sexual health charity the Terrence Higgins Trust said it had experienced its busiest day since launching its HIV self-test kits after the ex-captain of Wales and the British and Irish Lions announced his diagnosis earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the NHS has reported a massive 12-fold increase in people getting advice on HIV.
The rugby ace married Stephen in 2016 and now wants to help others dealing with HIV.
However, Stephen claims Gareth was forced to make his diagnosis public after a newspaper threatened to publish the story.
Stephen said: “Seeing Gareth at his darkest points, when people were threatening him, was heartbreaking.
“I never, ever want to see Gareth in that position again.”
Gareth has said he “absolutely would not” have revealed his HIV diagnosis without the paper’s threat.
He added: “I’d try to hide how I was feeling because I didn’t want it to have an impact on my friends and family.
“But it becomes impossible when you start having panic attacks and you want to cry constantly. I’ve learned a lot about vulnerability and inner strength from Stephen.”
Gareth also lifted the lid on living with the virus in the BBC documentary Gareth Thomas: HIV And Me.
Doctors treating Gareth have said his condition is controlled to the extent that it is considered undetectable.
Gareth said: “I’m overwhelmed to hear of the positive reaction to my announcement and I hope it keeps on going.
“My message is about inspiring others to have the courage to speak out and not be afraid and to help educate people.”
Gareth, who came out as gay in 2009, is thought to be the first UK sportsman to go public about living with HIV.
He has revealed that he was driven to suicidal thoughts as a result of his diagnosis.