Former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 47-year-old expressed his hesitance to fully comprehend the implications of the diagnosis, which claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
In an interview with the BBC, Moody shared, “There’s something about facing the future and not wanting to process that at the moment. It’s not that I don’t grasp where it’s heading. We understand that. But there is a definite reluctance to confront the future currently.”
A key figure in England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team, Moody, alongside renowned players like Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson, had a successful career with Leicester, securing numerous domestic and European titles.
However, Moody now confronts his toughest challenge yet. His health concerns began with shoulder weakness during a gym session. Despite undergoing physiotherapy, the issue persisted, leading to scans that revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord due to MND.
Moody shared, “Receiving the MND diagnosis was emotional, yet it feels surreal because I don’t feel sick. My symptoms are minor with some muscle wasting in my hand and shoulder. I remain capable of performing tasks and hope to maintain this ability for as long as possible.”
Expressing his concerns for his family, especially his sons Ethan and Dylan, Moody stated, “I am more saddened by the impact on my loved ones, like having to tell my mother as her only child, than my own situation.”
Moody was set to participate in a charity rugby match last year organized by Rob Burrow and Ed Slater, who also battles MND but was sidelined due to a knee injury. While Burrow passed away in June 2024, Slater now relies on a wheelchair and speech assistance.
Acknowledging the adjustments needed for the future, Moody admitted, “The news is still fresh, as I only found out two weeks ago. I feel hesitant to seek support from others like Ed, but I intend to reach out when ready.”
With a notable international rugby career, Moody represented England in 71 matches, contributing to three Six Nations triumphs and the 2003 World Cup victory. He also participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, achieving numerous accolades with Leicester and Bath.
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