Lewis Moody Embarks on 500‑Mile Ride to Champion MND Awareness

Lewis "Mad‑Dog" Moody greets the question about his health with a calm smile, saying, "I'm good at the moment." After publicly sharing his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis last October, answering how he feels is never straightforward, yet his relaxed and heartfelt reply offers a comforting glimpse into his mindset. Moody’s perspective on living with MND is both uplifting and purposeful. He has set personal milestones that serve his own wellbeing, support his family, and, crucially, raise the profile of MND research and the tireless work of scientists racing toward a cure. Drawing inspiration from fellow rugby legends who have faced the same disease, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name’s Doddie Foundation (MNDF).

The foundation was created by former Scotland lock Doddie Weir and Great Britain star Rob Burrow, both of whom turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns for awareness and funding. Following in their footsteps, Moody has rallied his former teammates from England’s triumphant 2003 World Cup squad, his old Leicester colleagues, and even former opponents who have become friends over the years.

Together they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling challenge that begins at the Newcastle Red Bulls—England’s most northerly club—on 14 June and finishes at Twickenham on 20 June, where they will hand over the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final. “The family and I have spent months navigating the MND landscape, trying to understand where we could make the biggest impact,” Moody explained. “It quickly became clear that My Name’s Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this space, so partnering with them felt natural.” Moody notes that the environment he now occupies differs markedly from the one Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow entered. “There is a real sense of hope today,” he says.

“When I speak with specialists they talk about hope as a tangible element, something that perhaps wasn’t as prominent when those men were first diagnosed.” While hope provides emotional sustenance, Moody stresses that action fuels his energy. He wants to translate optimism into concrete steps and measurable outcomes.

The link between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and the onset of MND remains a subject of ongoing research, and Moody is mindful of his own limits. He acknowledges that living with MND forces him to moderate his competitive instincts and monitor fatigue closely, especially on a demanding 500‑mile ride.

"The timing is deliberate," he says. "I want to be sure I’m physically capable of contributing and seeing it through." For Moody, the ride is also about reconnecting with the camaraderie that defined his playing days.

He recalls the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester forward Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, describing it as a "connective feeling" that brought together a group of "competitive idiots" who love pushing their limits. While this ride won’t be a race, the shared challenge of covering the distance together offers a unique blend of discomfort and solidarity that he finds invigorating.

Medical advice has been cautious but supportive. Specialists encourage exercise to maintain fitness, yet they warn against extreme exertion that could accelerate fatigue. Consequently, Moody has established new personal boundaries: he will ride at a sustainable pace, prioritising health over speed.

"There’s nothing like gathering a bunch of tough‑as‑nails friends and feeling a little uncomfortable together," he jokes, "as long as we keep the race element out of it." Six months after his public announcement, Moody reflects on how MND manifests differently for each individual. "The most noticeable change for me is in my hand," he says. "My shoulder strength has dipped slightly, but not dramatically.

The daily challenge lies in the small tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food. Those moments test my mental resilience, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I’ve lost." Moody’s personal drive stems from a desire to prove that he can still achieve demanding goals despite the disease’s progression. "It’s not about winning a race; it’s about reaching the finish line, understanding my capabilities, and showing others that with support and the right mindset, we can overcome adversity," he asserts.

He emphasizes that humans are inherently resilient, and a positive outlook combined with community backing can empower anyone facing difficult news. Throughout his illustrious career, Moody earned respect from teammates and rivals alike. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," encapsulated the ferocious commitment and intensity he brought to every match. It is therefore no surprise that he now channels that same all‑in attitude into raising awareness for MND through the My Name’s Doddie Foundation.

"Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he says. "It brings a smile to my face. No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it does place me in a strangely privileged position.

I now have a clear vision of how I want to live my life moving forward." For more information about the My Name’s Doddie Foundation, visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Donations to support Lewis Moody’s 500‑mile cycling challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.