Rugby legend Gareth Thomas recently completed the gruelling Pen y Fan challenge in Wales as part of his efforts to combat HIV stigma. Thomas took on the challenge in partnership with ViiV Healthcare and Terrence Higgins Trust as part of the Tackle HIV campaign. The challenge involved scaling the highest peak in South Wales ten times, equivalent to climbing Mount Everest, and Thomas finished in an impressive 17 hours and 20 minutes, completing his 10th descent at 5 am on a Friday morning.
Throughout the challenge, Thomas faced harsh conditions including driving rain and 30mph headwinds, but he remained determined to prove that living with HIV does not limit his physical capabilities. The Tackle HIV campaign aims to raise awareness and educate the public to tackle the stigma associated with HIV. Thomas highlighted the importance of demonstrating that the virus does not restrict what he is capable of doing physically.
For most of the challenge, Thomas was supported by his Tackle HIV team, who have been with him on the Tackle HIV Bus Tour. The campaign seeks to change perceptions of HIV and promote allyship among those living with the virus. The team is currently on a tour of universities to spread awareness and understanding about HIV, starting in Manchester and travelling to Cardiff and Durham.
Campaign advocate Becky Mitchell emphasised the significance of allyship in supporting those living with HIV. ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell added that allyship plays a crucial role in the HIV response, encouraging more people to stand up for their peers impacted by HIV globally. Tackle HIV continues to be a vital campaign led by Gareth Thomas in partnership with ViiV Healthcare and Terrence Higgins Trust. For more information, visit tacklehiv.org and follow @tacklehiv.