Rugby legend hopes garden will help end the stigma around HIV

WALES rugby legend Gareth Thomas stepped out of his comfort zone to break down the stigma surrounding HIV at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, which ran from May 20 to 24.

- MEGAN ARMITAGE

Created by award-winning designer Manoj Malde, the Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden is on show at the prestigious event 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 attending the flower show two years ago and feeling uncomfortable in the environment due to his HIV status.

The Wales rugby icon, who was born in Sarn, near Bridgend, now hopes that by bringing his and others' stories to life through the garden, he can help educate new audiences on the stigmas surrounding the virus.

"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.