Lewis Moody, the former England rugby lock 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 warm smile, he answered the inevitable question, "How are you doing?" by saying, "I'm good at the moment." While the answer may seem simple, it carries a depth of resilience and optimism that has become a hallmark of his public journey. Moody’s perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting. He has set personal and collective goals that extend beyond his own wellbeing, aiming to support his family, raise awareness, and contribute to the broader effort to discover a cure.
Drawing inspiration from fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles—Scotland’s Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow—Moody has aligned himself with the My Name’s Doddie Foundation (MNDF). Both Weir and Burrow turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns that fund research and educate the public, and Moody now intends to carry that torch forward. To achieve this, Moody has organized a 500‑mile cycling challenge that will see him travel from Newcastle to Twickenham.
He has rallied an impressive roster of teammates and former rivals, including members of England’s 2003 World Cup‑winning squad, players from his Leicester days, and a host of international rugby contacts. The group will commence the ride on June 14 at the Newcastle Red Bulls, England’s most northerly club, and aim to deliver the match ball for the Premier Rugby European (PREM) Final at Twickenham on June 20. The event is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete effort to raise funds and visibility for MNDF. "We spent a long time figuring out how best to contribute to the MND community," Moody explained.
"It quickly became clear that the leading force was My Name’s Doddie Foundation, so we decided to focus our energy there." His family’s involvement underscores a broader theme: the importance of community and collaboration when confronting a disease that touches many lives. Moody also reflected on the evolution of the MND landscape since the diagnoses of Weir and Burrow. "The environment I entered is very different from the one they faced," he noted.
"There is a sense of hope now that was less apparent back then. Specialists speak about hope, and that optimism fuels my desire to translate it into action and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is deliberate. By tackling the challenge soon after his diagnosis, Moody wants to test his physical limits while he still feels capable of contributing meaningfully.
He acknowledges the delicate balance between staying active and respecting the fatigue that MND can impose. "Exercise is encouraged, but we must be careful not to over‑exert," he said. "The specialists warned me about extreme exertion, so I’ve set clear boundaries while still embracing the competitive spirit that has always driven me." Moody’s enthusiasm for the ride is also personal. He recalled the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester teammate Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022.
That experience highlighted the therapeutic value of gathering with fellow athletes, sharing the discomfort of physical challenge, and finding camaraderie without the pressure of competition. "It’s about bringing my mates back together," he said, "and feeling that collective drive, even if we’re just getting from point A to point B." Six months after publicly announcing his diagnosis, Moody described the subtle ways MND has manifested for him.
The most noticeable change is a slight weakness in his hand, while his shoulder strength remains relatively stable. He emphasized that the disease progresses uniquely in each individual, making daily adjustments essential. Simple tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food—have become small but significant tests of his adaptability. "I focus on what I can still do rather than what I can’t," he explained, noting that maintaining a positive mindset helps him navigate these challenges.
Beyond personal resilience, Moody hopes his actions will inspire others facing adversity. "When confronted with difficult news, whether it’s MND or any other challenge, having support and the right mindset can make a huge difference," he said. "Humans are incredibly resilient; we can achieve whatever we set our minds to, as long as we stay determined and supportive of each other." Moody’s reputation as a fierce competitor and a devoted teammate makes his involvement in the MNDF campaign unsurprising.
His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflects the intensity he brought to the field, and he now channels that same intensity into advocacy. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he affirmed.
"No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it does provide a strangely privileged platform to raise awareness and drive change." He concluded with a sense of clarity about his future. "I now have a clear vision of how I want to live my life moving forward," he said.
"It’s about embracing the journey, understanding my limits, and still pushing forward for a cause larger than myself." For those interested in supporting the My Name’s Doddie Foundation, more information can be found at https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Donations specifically for Lewis Moody’s cycling challenge are accepted via https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.