Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain affectionately known as "Mad Dog," recently shared a candid update on his health, saying with a warm smile, "I'm good at the moment." This reassuring comment came after he publicly disclosed his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) last October. While the question of how he feels now is inevitably difficult, his calm and heartfelt reply offered a comforting glimpse into his current state. 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 people affected by the disease.
His ambition is not limited to personal coping; he wants to contribute to the ongoing research efforts that seek a cure for MND. Inspired by fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody has chosen to follow in the footsteps of Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Great Britain and Leeds star Rob Burrow.
Both Weir and Burrow turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns that raised awareness and funds for MND research. In a similar spirit, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF), the charity established by Weir, and is preparing to take up the baton they have carried. To mark this new chapter, Moody has invited former teammates from England's victorious 2003 World Cup squad, current Leicester Tigers players, and even erstwhile opponents who have become friends over the years. Together they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling journey that begins at the Newcastle Red Bulls club on June 14 and concludes at Twickenham on June 20, where they will deliver the match ball for the Premier Rugby European (PREM) Final.
Moody explained the reasoning behind his partnership with MNDF: "We spent a long time trying to understand the landscape of MND charities, and it quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force. It felt natural to focus our efforts there." He added that the foundation's work resonates deeply with him because of the personal connections he feels to both Doddie and Rob.
"The environment I find myself in now is very different from the one Doddie and Rob entered when they were diagnosed," Moody noted. "There is a real sense of hope now.
When I speak with specialists they talk about hope, something that wasn't as prominent when they first received their diagnoses. Hope is valuable, but I want to translate that hope into concrete action and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is deliberate. Moody wants to test his physical capacity while he still feels able to contribute meaningfully. He acknowledges that MND can affect stamina and that he must monitor fatigue levels carefully during the 500‑mile trek.
"The reason we are doing this now is to make sure I can physically manage it," he said. "I want to bring my mates back together and recreate the camaraderie we felt during the Ed Slater '4Ed' campaign, when we rode together for another MND cause." Moody emphasized that the event will not be a race. "We will simply be moving from point A to point B," he explained.
"The competitive element is stripped away, allowing us to focus on the shared experience and the cause rather than finishing times." Medical advice has been a guiding factor throughout the planning. Specialists have cautioned that while exercise is beneficial for people with MND, extreme exertion can accelerate fatigue. Moody therefore respects new boundaries: "I have to be careful, listen to my body, and avoid over‑exertion, but I also love the feeling of pushing myself alongside friends who understand the challenge." Since announcing his diagnosis six months ago, Moody has observed subtle changes in his physical abilities.
He reports that the most noticeable decline is in hand strength, with a slight reduction in shoulder power that has not progressed dramatically since his diagnosis. Simple daily tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food—have become small yet significant reminders of the disease's impact. Nevertheless, he adopts a pragmatic mindset, focusing on what he can still do rather than dwelling on limitations. "I want to demonstrate that I can still achieve meaningful goals," Moody said.
"Even as the disease progresses, I need to temper my expectations, but the objective is not to win a race; it's to reach the finish line, to understand my capabilities, and to show others that resilience and support can enable us to keep moving forward." Moody's message extends beyond his personal journey. He wants anyone confronting a serious health challenge to recognize that with the right support network and a determined mindset, humans can achieve remarkable feats. "We are resilient creatures," he affirmed.
"If we set our minds to something, we can accomplish it." Throughout his distinguished rugby career, Moody earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike for his ferocious commitment and intensity on the field—qualities that earned him the nickname "Mad‑dog." It is 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 reflected.
"No one wants to be diagnosed with MND, but the situation provides a strange sort of privilege: a clear sense of how I want to live my life from now on. It brings a smile to my face to know I can contribute to something larger than myself." For those interested in learning more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation, visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/.
Donations to support Lewis Moody's cycling challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.