Lewis Moody, the former England flanker affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health, reassuring fans that "I'm good at the moment" with a warm smile. His response came after the rugby world learned of his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis last October. While any answer to the question of how he feels now would be fraught with complexity, his calm and heartfelt reply resonated deeply with supporters. Moody's perspective on living with MND is nothing short of inspiring.

He has set a series of personal and charitable objectives that aim to benefit himself, his family, and the broader community of people affected by the disease. Central to his mission is the desire to contribute to the ongoing quest for a cure, supporting the countless researchers and clinicians who are racing against time to unlock new treatments.

Drawing motivation 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 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 substantial funds for MND research. By joining forces with MNDF, Moody hopes to continue the baton they have passed down. To mark his commitment, Moody has rallied former teammates from England's 2003 World Cup‑winning side, current Leicester Tigers players, and even former opponents who have become friends over the years.

Together, they will undertake a 500‑mile cycling journey that begins at the Newcastle Red Bulls club—England's most northerly rugby hub—on June 14 and concludes at Twickenham on June 20. Upon arrival, the group will present the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final, symbolising the link between sport and the fight against MND.

"We've spent a long time trying to understand this space and deciding whether to partner with an existing charity or start something new," Moody explained. "It quickly became clear that the leading force in the MND arena is My Name's Doddie Foundation.

Working with them feels like a natural fit." Moody also reflected on the evolution of the MND landscape since the diagnoses of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. "The environment I entered is very different from the one they faced," he said.

"There is a sense of hope now that wasn't as prevalent before. When I speak with specialists, hope is a recurring theme, and that optimism fuels my drive to translate hope into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." While the scientific community continues to investigate possible links between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and the onset of MND, Moody acknowledges that his own condition forces him to moderate his innate competitiveness. He must remain vigilant about fatigue, especially during a demanding 500‑mile ride.

"The timing of the challenge is deliberate," he noted. "I want to make sure I feel physically capable of completing it, and I also want to bring my mates back together. I loved the "4Ed" campaign ride with Ed Slater, another former Leicester player diagnosed with MND, because it reminded me of the camaraderie that comes from pushing ourselves alongside like‑minded, competitive friends. This time, though, we aren't racing against the clock; we're simply moving from point A to point B, enjoying the journey and each other's company." Medical experts have given Moody a cautious green light.

They advise regular exercise to maintain fitness but warn against extreme exertion, noting that individuals with MND may experience quicker fatigue and need to monitor their bodies closely. "There are new boundaries for me now," Moody admitted. "But I love the chance to share a bit of discomfort with others, as long as we keep the competitive edge out of it." Six months have passed since Moody made his diagnosis public, and he emphasizes that MND manifests uniquely in each person.

"The most noticeable change for me is still in my hand," he said. "My shoulder strength has dipped slightly, but not dramatically since the diagnosis. The real challenge is the day‑to‑day little things—like opening a bottle, holding a fork, or cutting food. Those small tasks become mental hurdles, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't." Moody's personal philosophy centers on proving that he can still achieve meaningful goals despite the disease's progression.

He wants to demonstrate that, even when faced with daunting news, a supportive network and a resilient mindset enable people to accomplish remarkable feats. "Humans are resilient buggers," he laughed, "and if we set our minds to something, we can do it." His reputation for dedication and intensity on the field—attributes that earned him the nickname "Mad‑dog"—now translate into his off‑field advocacy.

Joining the My Name's Doddie Foundation feels like a natural extension of his all‑in attitude. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," Moody said.

"It brings a smile to my face. No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged position. I now have crystal‑clear clarity about how I want to live my life from this point forward." For anyone interested in learning 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.