Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas has revealed in an interview that a family member has died of coronavirus.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, the former Wales captain said he wanted to be real and honest so people could see the reality of the virus.
“There’s a lot of sadness, unless we confront that we’ll never get over it”@gareththomas14 tells @TherealNihal how he’s dealt with his fear and is trying to support his loved ones after losing a family member to coronavirus.
— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) April 7, 2020
🎧 Listen on @BBCSounds – https://t.co/4SnxX4mbI0 pic.twitter.com/Qr2sOel4FV
The 45-year-old also said he is “petrified” for his daughter, who works for the National Health Service.
“This virus has affected me, I have had family members die, I have friends and family in hospital,” Thomas said.
“I have someone who has a funeral tomorrow and none of us can go, and my daughter works for the NHS and I am petrified for her.
“I have all this fear so I don’t just want to share happiness, I want people to see the reality of what is going on in the world right now.”
He also addressed trolls on Twitter, who are wishing Boris Johnson the worst after he was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Sunday night – 10 days after testing positive for coronavirus – due to “persistent” symptoms of COVID-19.
“This morning I was looking to see how Boris Johnson was an I cannot believe the hatred,” said Thomas.
He went onto make an incredible statement. Watch the full video below…
Disagreeing doesn’t justify hatred. Get well soon.❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/BThKLjKtNc
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) April 7, 2020
LIST | Jamie Roberts and four other rugby stars working in hospitals during crisis
Here are five rugby players who are doing their bit on the frontline of the fight against the Coronavirus.
1. Jamie Roberts (Doctor)
The Wales international, who is a qualified Doctor, has volunteered his services and is now working for the Cardiff and Vale Health board after flying home from South Africa. He will operate as a clinical innovation fellow – a role which will see him working in Cardiff in a motivational and communications capacity.
Hats off to @Jamiehuwroberts for this. It was good to speak to him about the latest challenge he has taken on.https://t.co/eE9FfYdwz4
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) April 7, 2020