Lewis Moody, the former England flanker affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a reassuring update on his health, smiling as he said, "I'm good at the moment." This candid response came after he publicly disclosed his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) last October. While the question of how he feels now is inevitably complex, his calm and heartfelt answer offered a comforting glimpse into his current state. Moody's perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting. He has set a series of personal and charitable goals that aim to support his own wellbeing, his family, and the broader community of people affected by the disease.

Central to his mission is the desire to contribute to the ongoing search for a cure, a quest that involves countless researchers, clinicians, and volunteers working tirelessly around the globe. Drawing inspiration from fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF).

The foundation was created by former Scotland lock Doddie Weir, whose own MND diagnosis sparked a wave of fundraising and awareness efforts. Likewise, former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow turned his diagnosis into a rallying point for MND research. By joining forces with MNDF, Moody hopes to carry forward the torch that these icons lit, adding his own voice to the growing chorus of support. To translate his commitment into action, Moody has organised a 500‑mile cycling challenge that will take him from Newcastle to Twickenham.

The ride is scheduled to begin on June 14 at the Newcastle Red Bulls, England's most northerly club, and will culminate on June 20 at the PREM Rugby Final in Twickenham, where the riders will deliver the match ball. Moody has reached out to former teammates from England's victorious 2003 World Cup squad, as well as old rivals and friends from the international rugby community, inviting them to accompany him on the journey. "We've spent a long time trying to understand the landscape of MND charities," Moody explained.

"When we looked at where we could focus our energy, My Name's Doddie Foundation stood out as the leading force. It felt natural to partner with them." Moody acknowledges that the environment he now navigates differs from the one Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow entered.

"There is a stronger sense of hope today," he said. "When I speak with specialists, they talk about optimism, something that wasn't as prominent when those men were first diagnosed.

Hope is valuable, but I find my energy comes from turning that hope into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." The link between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and the onset of MND remains a subject of ongoing research, and Moody is mindful of the need to balance his competitive spirit with the realities of his condition. He admits that fatigue is a critical factor to monitor throughout the 500‑mile trek. "The timing of the ride is intentional," he noted. "I want to ensure that physically I feel capable of contributing and completing the challenge." Moody also highlighted the camaraderie that motivated him to launch the ride.

He recalled the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. "That experience showed me how powerful it is to bring a group of competitive, slightly crazy friends together," Moody said. "We won't be racing, but simply moving from point A to point B, sharing the discomfort and the joy of pushing ourselves as a team." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion must be approached with caution.

Specialists warned that individuals with MND can experience rapid fatigue and need to protect themselves from over‑exertion. Moody has therefore set personal boundaries for the ride, emphasizing safety while still embracing the challenge.

"There is something special about feeling a bit of discomfort together, without the pressure of competition," he added. Six months have passed since Moody first went public with his diagnosis, and he continues to observe the subtle ways MND manifests in his body. "The most noticeable change is in my hand," he explained.

"My shoulder strength has dipped slightly, but not dramatically since the diagnosis. The daily battle is often with small tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food.

These minor obstacles can be mentally taxing, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I have lost." Moody's personal philosophy revolves around demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. "I want to prove that I can still achieve things like this," he said. "Even as the disease progresses, I need to temper my mindset and accept that winning isn't the point. The goal is to finish, to understand my limits, and to show others that with support and the right attitude, we can overcome difficult news.

Humans are remarkably resilient, and we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to." Throughout his distinguished playing career, Moody earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflected his fierce commitment and intensity on the field, qualities he now channels into his advocacy work.

"Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he affirmed. "It brings a smile to my face, even though no one wants to be diagnosed with MND. It feels oddly privileged to have this clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." Moody's ride is more than a personal challenge; it is a statement of solidarity with the MND community and a call to action for supporters worldwide. Those interested in learning more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation can visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/, and contributions to Moody's cycling fundraiser are accepted at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.

By pedalling 500 miles, Moody hopes to raise both awareness and vital funds that will bring us one step closer to a future without MND.