Lewis Moody, the former England rugby stalwart, recently shared a candid update on his health, smiling as he said, "I'm good at the moment." This simple affirmation comes after he publicly disclosed his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) last October, a revelation that has drawn widespread sympathy and admiration. While the question of how he feels now is inevitably complex, his calm and heartfelt response has resonated deeply with fans and fellow players alike.
Moody's perspective on living with MND is nothing short of inspirational. He has set a series of personal and charitable goals that aim to support his own well‑being, his family, and the broader community of individuals affected by the disease. Central to his mission is the desire to aid the countless researchers and clinicians who are working tirelessly to uncover a cure for MND.
Drawing motivation from two rugby icons 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, whose own MND diagnosis turned him into a leading advocate for research funding, and by Rob Burrow, the celebrated Leeds and Great Britain scrum‑half who also used his platform to raise awareness. By joining forces with MNDF, Moody hopes to continue the legacy of these pioneers and to add his own voice to the growing chorus demanding progress against the disease.
To raise both funds and public attention, Moody has organized a 500‑mile cycling challenge that will take him from the northern rugby hub of Newcastle to the iconic Twickenham Stadium in London. 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 when he and his fellow riders deliver the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final at Twickenham. The event is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete effort to bring together former teammates from England's 2003 World Cup‑winning squad, old Leicester colleagues, and even erstwhile opponents who have become friends over the years.
Moody explained why partnering with MNDF felt like a natural fit: "We spent a long time trying to understand where we could make the biggest impact. It quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in the MND space, so we decided to focus our energy there." His family, too, has been involved in the decision‑making process, ensuring that the campaign aligns with both personal values and the broader needs of the MND community. The former captain also reflected on the evolution of the MND landscape since the diagnoses of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
"The environment I entered is vastly different to the one they faced," he said. "When I speak with specialists now, there is a genuine sense of hope that wasn't as prevalent back then.
Hope is essential, but it must be paired with action. My focus is turning that hope into tangible steps and measurable outcomes." While the scientific link between high‑intensity sport and MND remains a subject of ongoing research, Moody is acutely aware of the need to balance his competitive spirit with the realities of his condition.
He acknowledges that the physical demands of a 500‑mile ride require careful monitoring of fatigue and energy levels. "The timing of the ride is deliberate," he noted.
"I want to be sure that, physically, I can contribute and see it through without compromising my health." Moody also highlighted the camaraderie that fuels his motivation. He recalled the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, describing the experience as a powerful reminder of the bond shared among athletes who push their limits. "Being surrounded by competitive idiots again was exhilarating," he laughed, adding that while the ride won't be a race, the shared challenge of covering the distance together will be a unique source of comfort and solidarity.
Medical professionals have advised caution, emphasizing the importance of staying active while avoiding extreme exertion that could accelerate fatigue. "Exercise is beneficial, but we must be vigilant about over‑exertion," Moody explained.
"There are new boundaries for me now, but I still love the feeling of collective discomfort—just without the pressure of competition." Six months after his public announcement, Moody described how MND manifests uniquely for each individual. He reported that the most noticeable change is a subtle loss of hand strength, while his shoulder power has not declined dramatically. "The daily challenges are often the small things—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food," he said. "These minor obstacles can be mentally taxing, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't." Moody's personal philosophy centers on demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
"I want to show that I can still accomplish things like this," he affirmed. "Even as the disease progresses, I need to temper my mindset and accept new limits, but it's not about winning a race.
It's about reaching the finish line, understanding my capabilities, and proving to anyone facing a tough diagnosis that with support and the right mindset, we can still achieve great things." Known affectionately as "Mad‑dog" for his fierce dedication on the field, Moody's intensity now channels into raising awareness for MND through MNDF. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he said.
"No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it does give me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." The My Name's Doddie Foundation continues to fund research, support families, and advocate for policy changes that could accelerate a cure. Those interested in learning more about the foundation can visit its website, and donations specifically for Moody's cycling challenge are accepted through a dedicated fundraising page. By uniting the rugby community, fans, and the wider public, Lewis Moody hopes his 500‑mile journey will not only raise vital funds but also inspire a broader conversation about hope, action, and the enduring spirit of those living with MND.