Lewis Moody answered the question about his current health with a calm smile, saying, "I'm good at the moment." After publicly revealing his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis last October, any inquiry into his condition carries weight, yet his relaxed and heartfelt reply was uplifting. His perspective on living with MND is both hopeful and motivating, and he has set a series of objectives that serve his own wellbeing, support his family, and aid the wider community of those battling the disease.
Moody draws inspiration from fellow rugby legends who have turned their own diagnoses into powerful campaigns for research and awareness. Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow became household names for their tireless fundraising after being diagnosed with MND, and Moody has now taken up their mantle by partnering with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF).
He has rallied his old teammates from England’s victorious 2003 World Cup squad, members of his former club Leicester Tigers, and even former opponents who have become friends, to join him on a 500‑mile cycling challenge. The ride will begin on June 14 at Newcastle’s northernmost club, the Red Bulls, and finish at Twickenham on June 20, where the group will deliver the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final.
For Moody, supporting MNDF feels like a natural extension of his own journey. "We spent a long time trying to understand the charitable landscape," he explained, "and it quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in the MND space." The decision to align with MNDF also reflects a personal connection to Doddie Weir’s legacy and the remarkable work he has done for the cause.
Moody notes that the environment he now operates in differs from the one Doddie and Rob entered, yet he senses a stronger undercurrent of optimism. "When I talk to specialists they speak about hope," he said, "and that hope fuels my desire to translate it into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." He acknowledges that the link between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and the onset of MND remains uncertain, but he is mindful of his own limits. Managing fatigue is crucial for a 500‑mile ride, and he has timed the challenge to ensure he feels physically capable of completing it.
"The aim is to bring my mates back together," Moody added, recalling the camaraderie of the "4Ed" campaign organized for former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. "It’s about sharing that competitive spirit without turning it into a race. We’ll simply get from point A to point B, enjoying the discomfort of a long ride together." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion can accelerate fatigue.
Moody respects those boundaries, yet he relishes the chance to experience collective discomfort in a supportive setting, stripping away the pressure of competition. It has now been just over half a year since Moody made his diagnosis public. He emphasizes that MND manifests uniquely in each individual.
The most noticeable change for him so far is a slight reduction in hand strength, while his shoulder power has remained relatively stable. Small daily challenges—such as opening a bottle, holding a fork, or cutting food—serve as constant reminders of the disease, but he tries to focus on what he can still do rather than what he cannot. "I want to prove that I can still achieve things like this," he said, "even as the condition progresses. It’s not about winning a race; it’s about reaching the finish line, understanding my capabilities, and showing others that resilience is possible when you have support and the right mindset." Throughout his distinguished playing career, Moody earned the nickname "Mad‑Dog" for his fierce commitment and intensity on the field.
That same all‑in attitude now drives his fundraising efforts for MNDF, and it should come as no surprise to anyone who knows him. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he reflected. "No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it does give you a strangely privileged perspective.
I now have crystal‑clear clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." For anyone interested in learning more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation, visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Contributions to Moody’s cycling challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.