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 disclosed his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis in October of the previous year. While the question of how he feels is inherently complex, his calm and heartfelt reply resonated with fans and supporters alike.
Moody's perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting. He has set a series of personal and charitable objectives that aim to benefit himself, his family, and the broader community of individuals affected by MND.
Central to his mission is the desire to contribute to the ongoing search for a cure, a cause that has already inspired many in the rugby world. 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 established 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 substantial funds and awareness for MND research. By joining forces with MNDF, Moody hopes to continue the legacy they began.
In a bid to rally his former teammates and rivals, Moody has issued an invitation to members of England's 2003 World Cup‑winning squad, players from his long‑standing club Leicester Tigers, and a host of international colleagues. Together, they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling challenge that begins at the Newcastle Red Bulls club—England's most northerly rugby team—on June 14. The journey will culminate at Twickenham on June 20, where the group will deliver the official match ball for the Premier Rugby European (PREM) final.
Moody explained why supporting MNDF felt like a natural extension of his own efforts: "We've spent a long time trying to understand the landscape of MND charities. It quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this space, so we wanted to focus our energy there." His comment underscores the strategic decision to partner with an organisation that already has a proven track record of impact. The upcoming ride also serves as a tribute to the late Doddie Weir and to Rob Burrow, whose advocacy transformed public perception of MND. "The environment I entered is very different from the one Doddie and Rob faced," Moody noted.
"There is a sense of hope now that wasn't as prominent when they were first diagnosed. When I speak with specialists, they emphasise optimism, and that optimism fuels my determination to translate hope into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." While the link between high‑impact sports and the onset of MND remains a subject of scientific investigation, Moody is acutely aware of the need to balance his competitive spirit with the realities of his condition. He acknowledges that his energy levels and fatigue thresholds must be carefully managed throughout the 500‑mile trek. "The timing of the ride is intentional," he said.
"I want to ensure that physically I feel capable of completing the challenge without compromising my health." Moody also reflected on previous fundraising events, such as the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. "That experience reminded me how powerful it is to bring a group of competitive, slightly mad friends together," he recalled. "This time we won't be racing, just moving from point A to point B, but the camaraderie and shared discomfort will be a reminder of what we can achieve when we support each other." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion can accelerate fatigue.
"Specialists gave me the green light for a bike ride, but they also warned me to stay within safe limits," Moody explained. "There are new boundaries for me now, but I love the idea of a collective challenge that pushes us just enough to feel alive without risking our health." Six months after publicly revealing his diagnosis, Moody describes the progression of his disease as highly individualised.
He notes subtle changes, particularly in hand strength, while his shoulder power remains largely unchanged. "The smallest daily tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food—become mental hurdles," he said. "I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't, and that mindset helps me stay positive." Beyond personal resilience, Moody hopes his journey will inspire others facing daunting news, whether it be MND or any other life‑altering condition. "I want to show that with the right support and mindset, we can still achieve great things," he asserted.
"Humans are remarkably resilient; if we set our minds to a goal, we can accomplish it." Moody's reputation as a fierce competitor and a respected teammate makes his commitment to the MNDF cause unsurprising. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflects the intensity he brought to the field, and that same intensity now drives his fundraising efforts.
"Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he said. "No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective.
I now have a clear vision of how I want to live the rest of my life, and that clarity fuels my determination to make a difference." For those who wish to learn more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation or contribute to Moody's cycling challenge, further information and donation links are available at the foundation's website and the dedicated fundraising page.