Lewis Moody, the former England flanker affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a reassuring smile when asked how he was coping after publicly revealing his motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis last October. "I'm good at the moment," he replied, a response that was both candid and uplifting. While the question itself is fraught with difficulty, his calm and heartfelt answer resonated with fans and fellow players alike. Moody's perspective on living with MND is nothing short of inspirational.
He has set personal objectives that serve not only his own well‑being but also aim to benefit his family and the wider community of individuals affected by the disease. More importantly, he hopes to contribute to the relentless effort of researchers racing to find a cure.
Drawing motivation from rugby legends who 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 and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow, both of whom turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns that raised awareness and funds for MND research. By joining forces with MNDF, Moody is effectively taking up the baton they passed on.
To amplify the cause, Moody has rallied his former teammates from England's victorious 2003 World Cup squad, as well as old rivals turned friends from the international rugby circuit. Together, they will undertake a 500‑mile cycling journey that begins at Newcastle Red Bulls, England’s most northerly club, on 14 June and culminates at Twickenham on 20 June. The ride will conclude with the delivery of the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final, a symbolic gesture that ties sport and charity together.
"We've spent a long time trying to understand the landscape of MND charities," Moody explained. "When we looked at where to focus our energy, it quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this space. It felt natural to partner with them." Moody acknowledges that the environment he now navigates differs markedly from the one Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow entered when they were diagnosed. "There is a sense of hope that perhaps wasn't as pronounced back then," he said.
"Specialists talk about hope, and while hope alone is comforting, I want to translate that hope into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." The link between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion and MND remains a subject of ongoing research, but Moody is acutely aware of his own limits. He knows that living with MND requires him to moderate his competitive instincts and monitor fatigue closely, especially on a grueling 500‑mile ride.
"The timing is intentional," he noted. "I want to be sure that physically I can contribute and see the ride through. It's about bringing my mates back together.
I loved the Ed Slater ride – the '4Ed' campaign – and the camaraderie of being with a group of competitive, slightly mad individuals who love pushing their limits. This time, though, we're not racing; we're simply moving from point A to point B, enjoying each other's company while respecting our new boundaries." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion must be approached with caution. "Doctors say stay active, but also watch for rapid fatigue and take care of yourself," Moody recounted.
"There are new boundaries for me now, but I still relish the chance to share a bit of discomfort with friends, minus the race pressure." Six months have passed since Moody first disclosed his diagnosis, and he emphasizes that MND manifests uniquely in each person. "The most noticeable change for me is in my hand," he said.
"My shoulder strength is slightly reduced, but not dramatically. The daily challenge lies in the small things – opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food. Those minor obstacles can be mentally taxing, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't." Moody wants his journey to demonstrate that, even as the disease progresses, he can still achieve meaningful goals.
"It's not about winning a race; it's about reaching the finish line, understanding my capabilities, and showing others that resilience is possible," he affirmed. "When faced with difficult news – whether it's MND or any other hardship – the right support and mindset can empower us to keep moving forward." Throughout his distinguished career, Moody earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflected the ferocity and commitment he brought to the field, and that same all‑in attitude now fuels his advocacy for MND awareness through MNDF. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he said.
"No one wants a diagnosis like this, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have clear clarity about how I want to live the rest of my life, and I intend to make the most of it." For more information about the My Name's Doddie Foundation, visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Donations to support Lewis Moody's cycling challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.