Gay rugby star Gareth Thomas made friends with a homeless man
Gareth Thomas said he passed the man every day (Twitter/Gareth Thomas)
Former Wales rugby player Gareth Thomas has revealed he has become friends with a homeless man.
The star, who retired in 2011, said he passed the man on the street every day in Cardiff.
Thomas said he tried to buy him coffee whenever he could and also gave him cash.
“Everyday I pass this man, I buy him coffee, I talk to him, I give him some money,” he wrote on Twitter.
“With the money, he has saved it and bought waterproof clothes and boots.
“Oh and he’s homeless, but the relevance is, HE’S MY FRIEND.”
Everyday I pass this man, I buy him coffee , I talk to him, I give him some money.With the money, he has saved it and bought waterproof clothes and boots. Oh and he’s homeless, but the relevance is, HES MY FRIEND.❤️ pic.twitter.com/w41g2U5S8M
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) December 20, 2018
Gareth Thomas assaulted this year
Last month, Thomas revealed he had been assaulted by a 16-year-old boy in a homophobic attack.
He posted an emotional video on Facebook, in which he had visible scratches on his head and appeared to have suffered bruising as a result of the attack.
The rugby star came out as gay in 2009 and has campaigned for LGBT rights.
Thomas said on Twitter: “This morning I have decided to make what I hope will be a positive video.
“Last night I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.
“Why I want it to be positive: I want to say thank you to the police, who were involved and allowed me to do restorative justice to the people that did this because I thought they could learn more that way.
“And also to the people of Cardiff who supported me and helped me because there’s a lot of people out there who want to hurt us.
“But, unfortunately for them, there’s a lot more who want to help us heal. So this, I hope, will be a positive message.”
Last year, Thomas invited homophobic internet trolls to come and repeat their abuse to his face.
He issued an invitation to members of a Crystal Palace message board, after threatening homophobic comments were posted online.
“I would give my right arm to sit down in a room with one of these people, just to understand their views,” he said.
