Lewis Moody answered the question about his condition with a calm smile, saying, "I'm good at the moment." After publicly sharing his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis in October, he knows the query is never easy, yet his relaxed and heartfelt reply offered comfort to fans and friends alike. Moody’s perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting. He has set personal goals that serve his own wellbeing, support his family, and, crucially, raise the profile of MND research.

By championing the cause, he hopes to aid the many scientists and volunteers who are racing against time to find a cure. Inspired by fellow rugby legends who have turned their diagnoses into advocacy, Moody has taken up the torch from Scotland lock Doddie Weir and Leeds‑based Great Britain great Rob Burrow.

Both men became synonymous with fundraising and awareness‑building after their own battles with MND. Moody has now partnered with the My Name’s Doddie Foundation (MNDF), the charity that grew out of Weir’s own efforts, to continue that legacy.

To mark the partnership, Moody has rallied his former teammates from England’s 2003 World Cup‑winning side, his old Leicester colleagues, and even former opponents who have become friends over the years. Together they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling challenge that starts at the Newcastle Red Bulls—England’s most northerly club—on 14 June and finishes at Twickenham on 20 June, where they will hand over the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final. "We spent a long time figuring out where we could make the biggest impact," Moody explained. "The most obvious choice was My Name’s Doddie Foundation, because it’s already the leading force in the MND space.

It felt natural to align with them." Moody acknowledges that the environment he now operates in differs from the one Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow first entered. "When I speak with specialists today, there’s a real sense of hope that wasn’t as prominent when they were diagnosed," he said. "Hope is wonderful, but I’m driven by action. I want to turn that hope into concrete steps and measurable outcomes." The link between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and MND remains a subject of ongoing research.

What Moody does know is that his condition forces him to moderate his competitive instincts and monitor fatigue carefully, especially on a grueling 500‑mile ride. "I chose to do this now because I need to test my limits while I still feel physically capable of contributing," he added. "It’s also about reuniting with my mates.

I loved the Slater ride—Ed Slater’s 4Ed campaign after his own MND diagnosis—and the camaraderie of a group of competitive, slightly mad, athletes pushing each other. This time, though, we won’t be racing; we’ll simply be getting from point A to point B, because the last ride nearly exhausted me." Medical advice has been cautious.

Specialists encourage exercise to maintain fitness but warn against extreme exertion that could accelerate fatigue. "There are new boundaries for me now," Moody said.

"But I still relish the chance to share a bit of discomfort with friends, minus the pressure of competition." It has been just over six months since Moody disclosed his diagnosis, and he emphasizes that MND manifests uniquely in each individual. "The most noticeable change for me is in my hand," he noted. "My shoulder strength is a little lower, but not dramatically so.

The real challenge is the daily little things—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food. Those tiny tasks become mental hurdles, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can’t." Moody wants his journey to illustrate that, even as the disease progresses, people can still achieve meaningful feats. "I’m not trying to win a race against the illness; I’m trying to reach the finish line and understand my current capabilities," he said.

"I hope my story shows anyone facing a tough diagnosis that, with support and the right mindset, we can be resilient. Humans are remarkably tough, and we can accomplish what we set our minds to." 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 fuels his dedication to the My Name’s Doddie Foundation. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he affirmed. "No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective.

It forces me to clarify how I want to live the rest of my life." For those who wish to learn more about the foundation’s work, visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Donations to support Moody’s cycling challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.