Latest news with #TackleHIVChallengingStigmaGarden
South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Sally Gunnell relishing taking part in latest Tackle HIV challenge
Gunnell has been a long-standing supporter of the organisation, taking on several endurance events alongside the campaign's figurehead, former Wales rugby international Gareth Thomas, and wants to keep playing her part in spreading the word. 'These challenges are hard, they are not for the feint-hearted, by any means,' she said. 'You have to physically be able to walk for that amount of time up those hills. That is the thing that has really astounded me, that you can live with HIV and just carry on living a normal life, being able to do such challenges. 'Gareth has done triathlons, marathons, you name it, he has physically been able to do it. What he can do with it physically is just incredible 'We have heard so many bad stories in the past around AIDS and HIV, so events like this are really about changing that story.' The Snowdonia 10 Peak Challenge crosses the most remote mountain range in Wales and England - the Carneddau - a route 25 km in length which has 1200m of ascent and descent. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tackle HIV (@tacklehiv) Gunnell has been warming up for her latest hike by lacing up her walking boots on the South Downs, near her home in Sussex, while temperatures of zero degrees are expected at the summits. But with Thomas at the helm and some invaluable local knowledge, Gunnell knows she is in safe hands. 'There's about 12 of us, including people guiding us up who we will be relying on,' she said. 'They are all different backgrounds and ages, we will be out there for a good 10-12 hours, we will need each other to get ourselves through. 'Gareth is incredible. He has so much stamina and I have experienced watching him at various events relentlessly spreading the word. 'He is always bubbly, he will keep us going and he will be the leader out there. He always has a good story to tell and that's what we will need to hear.' The Snowdonia mission will build on the initiative's recent appearance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden was designed by award-winning designer Manoj Malde and marked a celebration of how far science and medicine have come in the treatment of HIV since it was discovered over 40 years ago. And the ability to spread the campaign's messages on such a stage proved invaluable, according to Viiv Healthcare's Helen McDowell. 'We have been super happy with the impact the Flower Show has had on the campaign,' said McDowell, Head of Government affairs & Global Public Health at the organisation. 'We had people coming to the garden saying they had marked it down as they had read about it or seen it on TV in the preview shows. 'We got lots of interest, lots of people wanted to learn about the message of the garden. Elements like the U=U bench, in particular, were a real draw for people to understand more about HIV. 'It has been really well received and gained a huge international following, which is also important. HIV is not something that respects borders, it is a truly global challenge, so it was really good to do something that is so local and British that can also reach so far.
South Wales Guardian
26-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Sally Gunnell relishing taking part in latest Tackle HIV challenge
Gunnell has been a long-standing supporter of the organisation, taking on several endurance events alongside the campaign's figurehead, former Wales rugby international Gareth Thomas, and wants to keep playing her part in spreading the word. 'These challenges are hard, they are not for the feint-hearted, by any means,' she said. 'You have to physically be able to walk for that amount of time up those hills. That is the thing that has really astounded me, that you can live with HIV and just carry on living a normal life, being able to do such challenges. 'Gareth has done triathlons, marathons, you name it, he has physically been able to do it. What he can do with it physically is just incredible 'We have heard so many bad stories in the past around AIDS and HIV, so events like this are really about changing that story.' The Snowdonia 10 Peak Challenge crosses the most remote mountain range in Wales and England - the Carneddau - a route 25 km in length which has 1200m of ascent and descent. A post shared by Tackle HIV (@tacklehiv) Gunnell has been warming up for her latest hike by lacing up her walking boots on the South Downs, near her home in Sussex, while temperatures of zero degrees are expected at the summits. But with Thomas at the helm and some invaluable local knowledge, Gunnell knows she is in safe hands. 'There's about 12 of us, including people guiding us up who we will be relying on,' she said. 'They are all different backgrounds and ages, we will be out there for a good 10-12 hours, we will need each other to get ourselves through. 'Gareth is incredible. He has so much stamina and I have experienced watching him at various events relentlessly spreading the word. 'He is always bubbly, he will keep us going and he will be the leader out there. He always has a good story to tell and that's what we will need to hear.' The Snowdonia mission will build on the initiative's recent appearance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden was designed by award-winning designer Manoj Malde and marked a celebration of how far science and medicine have come in the treatment of HIV since it was discovered over 40 years ago. And the ability to spread the campaign's messages on such a stage proved invaluable, according to Viiv Healthcare's Helen McDowell. 'We have been super happy with the impact the Flower Show has had on the campaign,' said McDowell, Head of Government affairs & Global Public Health at the organisation. 'We had people coming to the garden saying they had marked it down as they had read about it or seen it on TV in the preview shows. 'We got lots of interest, lots of people wanted to learn about the message of the garden. Elements like the U=U bench, in particular, were a real draw for people to understand more about HIV. 'It has been really well received and gained a huge international following, which is also important. HIV is not something that respects borders, it is a truly global challenge, so it was really good to do something that is so local and British that can also reach so far. 'Events like this (Snowdonia) challenge also demonstrate the ability to really thrive with HIV, and through these different ways we reach more people and educate more people about the realities of living with HIV in 2025.'
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gareth Thomas lays bare extent of trolling and death threats after HIV diagnosis
Gareth Thomas has revealed the heartbreaking comments he has received after opening a pub with his husband following his HIV diagnosis Former rugby player Gareth Thomas invited his family to share his debut garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, admitting his HIV diagnosis is "hard for my whole family". Husband Stephen Williams-Thomas finds he is praised as a "great man" for marrying the star. "It's like you're a faulty good," says Gareth, speaking candidly. The couple run a pub together, Ty-risha in Bridgend, but Gareth, 50, endures negative comments, including about him helping in the kitchen. "Somebody said, 'I'm not going to come there for food in case Gareth peels the chips.' And I was like, well, why wouldn't he come here? 'In case he cuts his finger.' "That's a discriminative comment, but purely just because of his ignorance and lack of knowledge." However, Gareth, whose Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma garden features at the flower show, says he remains "hands on" behind the bar. "I'm fully hands on," he says. "There's interaction with society, the bar is almost like a security. "I can pull the perfect pint, though some people actually said to me that it looked like a map of the world when I tried to do a shamrock." The Welsh rugby union star was diagnosed with HIV in 2012, and revealed to the Sunday Mirror that he had contracted the virus in an emotional interview in 2019. But he finds he endures more discrimination every time he opens up about the issue. Gareth has received death threats for his efforts to reduce the stigma of HIV, but sees his role as a campaigner to persevere. "People scream in my face - but I absorb that discrimination, and I see it as an opportunity for them to learn," he says."If somebody comes to you with hatred and you go back around with hatred, then it's never solved. "Hatred can create more hatred. If somebody comes to me with hatred and I come back with love, then their hatred is almost diminished. "And I don't want to be that person who comes back with hatred. I want to represent the community." He continues: "Sadly, we live in an environment where I have to assess my environment every day. Thank God I've got my family's support. "But I put everything into playing rugby. So I put everything into being a campaigner as I did through my rugby. I have that mentality. If you make me the underdog, then I'll come back until you make me the favourite. I want to be an example." His parents and husband, Stephen, visited his garden for a VIP event last week. Gareth said it was important for him to include running water, to replicate the effect nature had on him when he was struggling with his diagnosis. "Nature saved me when I was feeling suicidal," he said. * The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden features at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025, designed by Manoj Malde.
South Wales Argus
23-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Gareth Thomas stepping out of his comfort zone at Chelsea Flower Show.
Created by award-winning designer Manoj Malde, the Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden will be on show at the prestigious event from 20 to 24 May in a bid to challenge harmful stereotypes and showcase the narratives of those living with HIV. Thomas, who leads the Tackle HIV campaign, revealed his pride in the project's beauty and theme after first coming to the flower show two years ago and feeling uncomfortable in the environment due to his HIV status. The Wales rugby icon now hopes that by bringing his and other's stories to life through the garden, he can help educate new audiences on the stigmas surrounding the virus. Created by award-winning designer Manoj Malde, the Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden will be on show at the prestigious event from 20 to 24 May in a bid to challenge harmful stereotypes and showcase the narratives of those living with HIV. (Image: imagecomms) "When I came before, I felt like I was amongst a demographic who potentially didn't have the understanding around HIV, or the only education on it they had had was delivered to them about 40 years ago," he said. "But I felt as a campaigner, going to places and doing things that make you feel uncomfortable are actually the places where you need to be, because that's where you change minds. "This garden is all about celebrating science and medicine, which allows people like me to be able to live normal, happy, healthy lives, not restricted by the virus. "People can come and see that narrative, have that understanding, and that helps break down the stigma engrained in society around HIV." The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden reflects the significant advancements made in HIV treatment, prevention and care over the last 40 years. From the hexagonal paving that reflects a key chemical structure found within many HIV medications to the words "Undetectable = Untransmittable" etched onto a bench, conveying a crucial educational message about the empowerment provided by effective HIV treatment, each part of the garden tells a crucial part of the story. Created by award-winning designer Manoj Malde, the Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden will be on show at the prestigious event from 20 to 24 May in a bid to challenge harmful stereotypes and showcase the narratives of those living with HIV. (Image: imagecomms) "We have been in the HIV response for the last 40 years, bringing the first medication to market, and transforming the treatment landscape," said Audrey Abernathy, Vice President and Head of External Affairs and Communications at ViiV Healthcare. "But the story that this garden tells is one that hopes to really tackle stigma, because without focusing on tackling stigma as well as medicinal and biopharmaceutical interventions, we're never going to end the epidemic. "Bringing this understanding to new audiences and more unexpected audiences was really important for us to do." In order to bring his vision to life, designer Malde contracted JJH Landscapes to build The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden. It was an emotional and rewarding project that Justin Himpson was thrilled for his team to be a part of over the past year. "Building a garden at Chelsea is the pinnacle of landscaping and horticulture," he said. "But what this garden is about, and being able to get that across through landscaping and art, has been really inspirational. "It has also been a very emotional build throughout and I think we've delivered something spectacular." The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden will feature at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025, designed by Manoj Malde and built by JJH Landscapes and Tisserand English Gardens. Tackle HIV is a campaign led by Gareth Thomas in partnership with ViiV Healthcare, with Terrence Higgins Trust as the charity partner, which aims to tackle the stigma and misunderstanding around HIV. For more information visit and follow @tacklehiv.
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Rugby legend Gareth Thomas breaks down HIV stigma at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Rugby legend Gareth Thomas breaks down HIV stigma at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 Thomas leads the Tackle HIV campaign and revealed his pride in the Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden's beauty and theme after first coming to the flower show two years ago and feeling uncomfortable in the environment due to his HIV status. Tackle HIV ambassador Gareth Thomas (second from left) at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (Image: imagecomms ) Rugby legend Gareth Thomas is stepping out of his comfort zone to break down the stigma surrounding HIV at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. Created by award-winning designer Manoj Malde, the Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden will be on show at the prestigious event from 20 to 24 May in a bid to challenge harmful stereotypes and showcase the narratives of those living with HIV. Thomas, who leads the Tackle HIV campaign, revealed his pride in the project's beauty and theme after first coming to the flower show two years ago and feeling uncomfortable in the environment due to his HIV status. The Wales rugby icon now hopes that by bringing his and other's stories to life through the garden, he can help educate new audiences on the stigmas surrounding the virus. Tackle HIV ambassador Gareth Thomas has 100 caps for Wales (Image: imagecomms ) "When I came before, I felt like I was amongst a demographic who potentially didn't have the understanding around HIV, or the only education on it they had had was delivered to them about 40 years ago," he said. Article continues below "But I felt as a campaigner, going to places and doing things that make you feel uncomfortable are actually the places where you need to be, because that's where you change minds. This garden is all about celebrating science and medicine, which allows people like me to be able to live normal, happy, healthy lives, not restricted by the virus. "People can come and see that narrative, have that understanding, and that helps break down the stigma engrained in society around HIV." The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden reflects the significant advancements made in HIV treatment, prevention, and care over the last 40 years. From the hexagonal paving that reflects a key chemical structure found within many HIV medications to the words "Undetectable = Untransmittable" etched onto a bench, conveying a crucial educational message about the empowerment provided by effective HIV treatment, each part of the garden tells a crucial part of the story. "We have been in the HIV response for the last 40 years, bringing the first medication to market, and transforming the treatment landscape," said Audrey Abernathy, Vice President and Head of External Affairs and Communications at ViiV Healthcare. Tackle HIV ambassador Gareth Thomas (right), with Amanda Holden (left) at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (Image: imagecomms ) "But the story that this garden tells is one that hopes to really tackle stigma, because without focusing on tackling stigma as well as medicinal and biopharmaceutical interventions, we're never going to end the epidemic. Bringing this understanding to new audiences and more unexpected audiences was really important for us to do." In order to bring his vision to life, designer Malde contracted JJH Landscapes to build The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden. It was an emotional and rewarding project that Justin Himpson was thrilled for his team to be a part of over the past year. "Building a garden at Chelsea is the pinnacle of landscaping and horticulture," he said. "But what this garden is about and being able to get that across through landscaping and art, has been really inspirational. It has also been a very emotional build throughout and I think we've delivered something spectacular." Article continues below The Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden will feature at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025, designed by Manoj Malde and built by JJH Landscapes and Tisserand English Gardens. Tackle HIV is a campaign led by Gareth Thomas in partnership with ViiV Healthcare, with Terrence Higgins Trust as the charity partner, which aims to tackle the stigma and misunderstanding around HIV. For more information visit and follow @tacklehiv.
