Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health following his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis disclosed last October. With a calm smile, he told reporters, "I'm good at the moment," a response that balanced honesty with optimism and resonated deeply with fans and fellow players alike. Moody's perspective on living with MND is both realistic and inspiring.
He has set personal goals that serve his own well‑being, support his family, and, crucially, raise the profile of MND research. He hopes to contribute to the broader effort to find a cure, joining a lineage of rugby greats who have turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns.
Two such figures are Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow. After their own battles with MND, both men became synonymous with fundraising and awareness‑raising, primarily through the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). Recognising the impact of their work, Moody has aligned himself with the foundation, effectively taking up the baton they have carried for years. In a show of solidarity, Moody has invited former teammates from England's 2003 World Cup‑winning side, current and former Leicester Tigers players, and even erstwhile rivals from the international arena to join him on a 500‑mile cycling challenge.
The ride will commence on June 14 at the Newcastle Red Bulls, the most northerly rugby club in England, and conclude at Twickenham on June 20, where the group will hand over the match ball for the Premier Rugby European (PREM) Final. "We've spent a long time trying to understand the charitable landscape," Moody explained. "When we looked at where to focus our efforts, My Name's Doddie Foundation stood out as the leading force in the MND space.
It felt natural to partner with them." The decision to ride a half‑thousand miles so soon after his diagnosis stems from a desire to test his physical limits while still being able to contribute meaningfully. "I wanted to make sure I was physically capable of completing the challenge," he said. "It's about bringing my mates back together, recreating the camaraderie we enjoyed during the Ed Slater "4Ed" campaign, and proving that even with MND, we can still push ourselves. Moody acknowledges that the relationship between high‑intensity sport and MND remains a subject of ongoing research.
Nevertheless, he is acutely aware that his condition demands a careful balance between ambition and self‑care. "Specialists advise me to stay active but to avoid extreme exertion," he noted. "I have to listen to my body, monitor fatigue, and respect new boundaries that weren't there before." The former flanker described how MND manifests uniquely for each individual. For him, the most noticeable change is a subtle loss of hand strength, while his shoulder power has remained relatively stable.
Simple tasks—unscrewing a bottle cap, holding a fork, or cutting food—have become small but constant reminders of the disease. "These everyday challenges are mental hurdles," he reflected, "but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't." Moody's motivation goes beyond personal achievement. He wants to demonstrate that a diagnosis does not equate to defeat. "It's not about winning a race; it's about reaching the finish line and understanding my capabilities," he said.
"If I can show others—whether they face MND or any other adversity—that resilience and a supportive mindset make a difference, then the ride is worth every pedal stroke." His reputation for intensity on the field translates seamlessly into his charitable efforts. The nickname "Mad‑dog" captured his relentless drive as a player, and now it underscores his commitment to raising awareness for MND through MNDF. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," Moody affirmed. "No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged platform to influence change." Moody also highlighted the clarity the diagnosis has brought to his future plans.
"I now have a clear vision of how I want to live the rest of my life," he admitted. "It may sound odd, but there's a strange sense of privilege in being able to shape that narrative deliberately." The 500‑mile challenge will not be a competitive race; rather, it will be a collective journey focused on camaraderie and shared experience.
Participants will ride at a manageable pace, prioritising safety and enjoyment over speed. Moody believes that the shared discomfort of a long ride can forge stronger bonds, echoing the spirit of the "4Ed" campaign that honored former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. In addition to the ride itself, supporters can contribute directly to the cause. Donations to Moody's cycling challenge are being accepted through the Emma Live platform, while further information about the My Name's Doddie Foundation can be found on its official website.
Both avenues aim to funnel resources into vital research, support services, and awareness initiatives that benefit the wider MND community. As the rugby world watches, Moody's endeavor stands as a testament to the sport's enduring values of teamwork, perseverance, and compassion. By converting personal adversity into collective action, he hopes to inspire not only fellow athletes but anyone confronting a daunting diagnosis.
The upcoming ride from Newcastle to Twickenham will not only deliver a match ball for a prestigious final but also deliver a powerful message: with determination, support, and a clear purpose, even the toughest challenges can be met head‑on.