Gareth Thomas CBE, a legendary figure in Welsh rugby, has not only made his mark on the field but also off it, through his courageous journey with HIV.
Known for his exceptional career, Thomas was the first Welsh rugby union player to play in 100 test matches and has been a prominent figure in the sport and rugby commentary.
In 2009, Thomas made headlines by coming out as gay, becoming the first openly gay professional rugby union player.
This was a monumental step in breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes in the world of sports.
However, his journey of advocacy took a significant turn in 2019 when he publicly shared that he was living with HIV, having been diagnosed in 2012.
Thomas is driven by a desire to combat the stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV.
He is a patron of Terrence Higgins Trust and launched the “Tackle HIV” campaign, which seeks to educate the public about HIV and reduce the stigma associated with the virus.
Copyright 2024 © Terrence Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg. no. 288527) Company reg. no. 1778149 and a registered charity in Scotland (reg. no. SC039986). Registered office: 437 & 439 Caledonian Road, London, N7 9BG.
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