William And Kate Praise Gareth Thomas After HIV Announcement
Prince William and Kate praised Gareth Thomas, a rugby legend in Wales, after discovering that he is living with HIV.
The Rugby legend spoke for the first time in public to tell about his diagnosis. The royal couple shared a video of Gareth, talking about his diagnosis.
The message was: ” Courageous as ever – legend on the pitch and legend off it. You have our support Gareth. W.”
The post also included what Gareth said in the recording: “Hello, I’m Gareth Thomas, and I want to share my secret with you. Why? Because it’s mine to tell you. Not the evils that make my life hell, threatening to tell you before I do. And because I believe in you, and I trust you. I am living with HIV.”
“Now you have that information, that makes me extremely vulnerable, but it does not make me weak. Now even though I’ve been forced to tell you this, I choose to fight, to educate and break the stigma around this subject.
“And that begins today, when I take on the toughest Iron Man in the world in Tenby and I push myself physically to the limits. I’m asking you to help me to show that everyone lives in fear of people’s reactions and opinions, but that doesn’t mean we have to hide. But to do this, I really, really need your support.”
In a “Mirror” interview on Sunday, the 45-year-old star spoke for the first time about his diagnosis.
Now, Gareth is hoping to break the stigma around the condition, and is due to talk about his diagnosis in a BBC Wales documentary which will air on Wednesday.
Gareth, shortly after talking about his diagnosis, took part in a 140-mile Ironman triathlon on Sunday.
In just under an hour and a half, he completed the 2.4 mile swim before switching to the 112-mile race in south Pembrokshire.
He will continue to run a 26.2-mile marathon across Tenby, South West Wales.
Many other public people along with the Duke and Duchess have shown their support for Gareth Thomas.
Newsreader Huw Edwards shared Gareth’s video and wrote: “This takes exceptional courage,” while Shane Williams – who is also taking part in the Ironman triathlon – wrote: “One of the bravest people I know! Love ya pal and see you on the beach! Let’s smash this.”