GARETH THOMAS
Prince William & Prince Harry Praise 'Courageous' Rugby Legend After He Reveals He's Living with HIV
Kate Middleton and Prince William show support for Gareth Thomas after he reveals he has HIV
'Gareth has shown incredible courage after revealing that he has HIV'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have praised Gareth Thomas for his courage and bravery after the former Wales rugby captain revealed that he is living with HIV.
Prince William and Kate shared Gareth Thomas' video where he spoke about his HIV
Gareth continued: "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."
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Gareth has been friends with the royals for many years
The 45-year-old sports star had spoken for the first time about his diagnosis on Sunday in an interview with The Mirror. He admitted that after finding out he had HIV, he wanted to take his own life.
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The former rugby captain attended William and Kate's wedding in 2011
Along with Prince William and Kate, many other public figures have shown their support for Gareth. 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."
Prince William & Prince Harry Praise 'Courageous' Rugby Legend After He Reveals He's Living with HIV
"You have our support Gareth," Prince William wrote on social media