"I'm doing well at the moment," says Lewis Moody with a smile, as he reflects on life after his MND diagnosis last October. His positive outlook is a testament to his inspirational approach to living with the disease.

Moody has set his sights on helping others with MND and supporting the search for a cure, drawing inspiration from rugby legends like Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, who tirelessly worked to raise awareness and funds for MND research after their own diagnoses. Now, Moody has teamed up with the 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation' to carry on their legacy. He has invited his former England teammates and friends from the rugby world to join him on a 500-mile bike ride from Newcastle to Twickenham, where they will deliver the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final on June 20. The ride, which starts on June 14, feels like a natural fit for Moody, who has been impressed by the foundation's work and feels a personal connection to Doddie.

"We've spent a long time trying to understand the MND space, and it became clear that the My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this area," he explains. Moody believes that the landscape has changed since Doddie and Rob's diagnoses, with more hope and a greater understanding of the disease.

However, he is keen to turn this hope into action and tangible outcomes. Living with MND means Moody must be mindful of his fatigue levels and temper his competitiveness during the cycle ride. "The reason we're doing it so soon is to make sure I can physically contribute and get through it," he says. "It's about bringing my mates back together and feeling that sense of connection.

We won't be racing; it's just about getting from A to B." Moody's specialists have cautioned him about extreme exertion, but he is determined to push through and make a difference. Since his diagnosis, Moody has noticed small changes in his daily life, such as decreased finger strength, but he is focusing on the things he can still do.

"I want to show that I can still do things like this, and that with the right mindset and support, we can overcome challenges," he says. Moody's involvement with the 'My Name's Doddie Foundation' gives him a sense of purpose, and he is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. "Being part of this campaign and foundation brings a smile to my face. It's a privileged position, and it's given me clarity on how I want to live my life from now on," he concludes.