Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health following his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis disclosed last October. When asked how he was feeling, he smiled and replied, "I'm good at the moment," a simple yet heartfelt answer that resonated with fans and supporters alike. While the question of his condition is inevitably complex, his calm and emotional response offered a comforting glimpse into his current state.
Moody's perspective on living with MND is both pragmatic and uplifting. He has set a series of personal and charitable goals designed to benefit himself, his family, and the wider community of individuals affected by the disease.
Central to his mission is the desire to contribute to the ongoing search for a cure, supporting the countless researchers and clinicians who are working tirelessly to understand and ultimately eradicate MND. 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 established by former Scotland lock Doddie Weir, who, after his own MND diagnosis, became a powerful advocate for awareness and fundraising. Likewise, former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow turned his diagnosis into a platform for change. By joining MNDF, Moody is taking up the baton they have carried, adding his own voice and energy to the cause. In a bid to rally support from his rugby family, Moody has invited former teammates from England's triumphant 2003 World Cup squad, current and former Leicester Tigers players, and even erstwhile opponents who have become friends over the years.
Together, they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling challenge, starting at Newcastle Red Bulls—the most northerly English club—on June 14 and concluding at Twickenham on June 20. The ride will culminate in the delivery of the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final, symbolising the link between sport, camaraderie, and charitable action. "We've spent a long time trying to understand where we could make the biggest impact," Moody explained.
"When we looked at the landscape, My Name's Doddie Foundation stood out as the leading force in the MND space. It felt natural to partner with them." Moody also reflected on the evolution of the MND community since the diagnoses of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
"The environment I entered is markedly different," he said. "There is a stronger sense of hope now, reinforced by specialists who speak about optimism and tangible progress. Hope is valuable, but for me it translates into action—turning that optimism into concrete steps and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is intentional. Moody wants to test his physical limits while he still feels capable of contributing meaningfully.
He acknowledges the delicate balance required to manage his condition, noting that he must monitor fatigue and avoid overexertion. "The reason we are doing this now is to ensure I can physically complete the challenge," he added.
"It's about bringing my mates together, reliving the camaraderie of the "4Ed" campaign with Ed Slater, and experiencing that collective push without the pressure of competition." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but moderation is essential. Specialists have cautioned against extreme exertion, warning that individuals with MND may fatigue more quickly and need to protect their remaining strength.
Moody respects these boundaries, yet he remains eager to share the experience of collective effort. "There’s nothing like feeling a little discomfort together while removing the race element," he said. "It’s about solidarity, not speed." Six months after publicly revealing his diagnosis, Moody described the nuanced way MND manifests for him. The most noticeable change, he noted, is a subtle loss of hand strength.
While his shoulder power has slightly diminished, the decline is not dramatic. "The smallest daily tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food—can become mental challenges," he explained.
"I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can’t, and that mindset helps me stay positive." Moody emphasized that his participation in the ride is also a personal statement of resilience. "I want to demonstrate that I can still achieve things, even as the disease progresses," he said. "It’s not about winning a race; it’s about reaching the finish line, understanding my limits, and showing others that with support and the right mindset, we can still accomplish great things.
Humans are remarkably resilient, and we can rise to any challenge if we set our minds to it." His reputation as a fierce competitor and dedicated teammate has always been evident on the field, and that same intensity now fuels his advocacy work. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," Moody affirmed.
"It brings a smile to my face. No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have clarity about how I want to live the rest of my life, and I intend to make the most of every moment." For those wishing to learn more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation or to support Moody's cycling challenge, further information and donation links are available on the foundation’s website and the dedicated fundraising page. Through this 500‑mile journey, Lewis Moody hopes to raise not only funds but also awareness, inspiring others to join the fight against MND and to recognize the power of collective effort in the face of adversity.