Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health, reassuring fans that he is feeling "good at the moment" despite his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis revealed last October. His calm, heartfelt response resonated deeply, highlighting both his personal resilience and his determination to turn his diagnosis into a catalyst for positive change. Moody’s perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting.
He has set a series of goals that serve his own wellbeing, support his family, and, crucially, raise the profile of MND research for the benefit of countless others still awaiting a cure. Drawing inspiration from fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles—Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow—Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF), a charity that has become a leading force in the fight against MND. To honour the legacy of Weir and Burrow, Moody is organising a 500‑mile charity cycling challenge that will run from Newcastle to Twickenham.
He has invited his former teammates from England’s triumphant 2003 World Cup squad, current Leicester Tigers players, and even erstwhile opponents who have become friends over the years. The ride begins on June 14 at the Newcastle Red Bulls, the most northerly English club, and culminates on June 20 at the PREM Rugby Final in Twickenham, where the riders will deliver the official match ball.
Moody explained why partnering with MNDF felt like a natural step: "We spent a long time figuring out where to focus our efforts, and it quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading organisation in the MND space. The work Doddie has done feels like a direct continuation of what we want to achieve." He also noted a shift in the emotional climate surrounding MND. "When Doddie and Rob were first diagnosed, hope was harder to find.
Today, specialists speak about hope more openly, and that optimism fuels my drive. Hope alone isn’t enough; I want to translate it into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is deliberate. Moody wants to test his physical limits while he still feels capable of contributing meaningfully.
He acknowledges the delicate balance required when living with MND: "I have to temper my competitiveness and listen to my body, especially on a grueling 500‑mile journey. The aim is to prove I can still push myself responsibly." Moody recalled a previous fundraising ride for former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022.
"That experience was fantastic—being surrounded by a group of competitive, slightly mad friends who love a challenge. This time we’re not racing; we’re simply getting from point A to point B, but the camaraderie and shared discomfort are incredibly motivating." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion must be approached with caution.
"Doctors say stay active, but watch for fatigue and avoid over‑exertion. I now have new boundaries, yet I still love the feeling of a shared challenge." Six months after his public announcement, Moody describes the progression of his condition as highly individual.
He notes a subtle decline in hand strength and a slight reduction in shoulder power, though the changes are not yet dramatic. "The smallest daily tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork—can become mental hurdles, but I focus on what I can still do rather than what I’ve lost. So far, everything remains manageable, and I’m hopeful it will stay that way." Beyond personal achievement, Moody wants his journey to serve as a beacon for anyone facing adversity.
"I want to show that even with a difficult diagnosis, you can still achieve meaningful goals. It’s not about winning a race; it’s about reaching the finish line, understanding your limits, and proving to yourself and others that resilience is possible." Moody’s reputation for intensity on the field translates seamlessly into his charitable efforts. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflects a relentless commitment that now fuels his advocacy for MND awareness.
"Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he says. "No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." For those interested in supporting the My Name's Doddie Foundation, further information is available at https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Donations specifically for Lewis Moody’s cycling challenge can be made through https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.