Lewis Moody, the former England lock affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health following his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis last October. When asked how he was feeling, he smiled and replied, "I'm good at the moment." The simplicity of his answer belied the emotional weight behind it, offering a heartfelt glimpse into his resilience. Moody's perspective on living with MND is both uplifting and purposeful. He has set a series of personal and charitable objectives that aim to support his own well‑being, his family, and the broader community of individuals battling the disease.
His ambition extends beyond personal coping; he wants to contribute to the relentless search for a cure. Inspired by fellow rugby legends who turned their diagnoses into platforms for change, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). The foundation was established by former Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Great Britain and Leeds star Rob Burrow, both of whom have become synonymous with MND advocacy after their own battles with the condition. By joining forces with MNDF, Moody hopes to carry forward the torch they lit.
To raise both awareness and funds, Moody has organized a 500‑mile cycling challenge that will take him from the northernmost English rugby club, the Newcastle Red Bulls, to the iconic Twickenham Stadium. The ride is scheduled to start on June 14 and conclude on June 20, when the team will deliver the match ball for the Premier Rugby European (PREM) Final at Twickenham. Moody has reached out to former teammates from England's 2003 World Cup‑winning side, current Leicester players, and even past opponents who have become friends over the years, inviting them to join the journey. "We spent a long time figuring out where we could make the biggest impact," Moody explained.
"It quickly became clear that the leading force in the MND space is My Name's Doddie Foundation, so that’s where we’re focusing our energy." His family, too, has been instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of MND charities and support networks. Moody acknowledges that the environment he now operates in differs from that experienced by Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. "There is a sense of hope that wasn’t as pronounced when they were first diagnosed," he said. "Specialists talk about hope, and while hope alone isn’t enough, it fuels the actions I want to take.
I want to turn that hope into concrete steps 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 is mindful of the fatigue that MND can cause, especially during prolonged exertion.
"The reason we’re doing it now is to make sure I can physically handle it and still give back," he added. Moody also highlighted the camaraderie that the ride will foster.
He recalled the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. That event brought together a group of competitive, yet supportive, individuals who thrive on pushing each other.
"It’s about re‑uniting with those mates and feeling that competitive spirit again, without the pressure of racing. It’s simply about getting from point A to point B together," he said, laughing at the notion of "competitive idiots" who love a good challenge. Medical advice has been a guiding factor.
Specialists have encouraged moderate exercise but warned against extreme exertion, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of fatigue and overall health. "There are new boundaries for me now, but I love the idea of sharing a bit of discomfort with friends while removing the race element," Moody noted. Six months after publicly disclosing his diagnosis, Moody reflects on the unique progression of MND.
"The disease manifests differently in each person," he observed. "For me, the most noticeable change is in my hand. My shoulder strength is slightly reduced, but not dramatically. The daily challenge lies in the small tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food.
Those little things become mental hurdles, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I’ve lost." He emphasizes that his goal isn’t to prove he can outrun the disease, but to demonstrate that he can still achieve meaningful milestones. "It’s about reaching the finish line, understanding my capabilities, and showing others that, even when faced with daunting news, we can still be resilient," he said.
"Humans are remarkably tough; with the right support and mindset, we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to." Moody’s reputation as a fierce competitor and a respected teammate makes his involvement in the MNDF campaign unsurprising. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflects the intensity he brought to the field, and that same intensity now drives his charitable efforts. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he affirmed.
"No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strange sort of privilege—a clarity about how I want to live my life from now on." 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 500‑mile cycle challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.