Lewis Moody, the former England rugby star, recently shared a reassuring smile when asked how he is coping after disclosing his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis last October. While the question is inevitably difficult, his calm and heartfelt reply offered a touching glimpse into his current state.
Moody's perspective on living with MND is nothing short of inspirational. He has set personal goals that benefit himself, his family, and the wider community of those affected by the disease.
Moreover, he hopes his efforts will contribute to the relentless work of researchers racing to uncover a cure. Drawing motivation from fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody looks to the late Scotland lock Doddie Weir and the Leeds and Great Britain icon Rob Burrow. Both men transformed their diagnoses into powerful campaigns that raised awareness and vital funds for MND research. Following their example, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF), taking up the torch they carried.
To amplify the cause, Moody has reached out to his former teammates from England's triumphant 2003 World Cup squad, his old club Leicester Tigers, and even former opponents who have become friends over the years. Together they will tackle a 500‑mile cycling challenge that begins at Newcastle's northernmost club, the Newcastle Red Bulls, on June 14 and concludes at Twickenham on June 20, where they will hand over the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final. "Our family has spent a long time trying to understand the MND landscape," Moody explained.
"When we decided whether to partner with an existing charity or start our own, it quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this space. It felt natural to join them." The initiative also nods to the broader rugby calendar, with references to the Six Nations 2026 results, live Sky Sports coverage, and related podcasts, underscoring how intertwined the sport and the cause have become.
Moody acknowledges that the environment he now navigates differs from the one Doddie and Rob entered. "I feel a sense of hope that perhaps wasn't as present when they were first diagnosed," he said. "Hope is valuable, but I channel it into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." He is mindful of the ongoing debate about the relationship between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and the onset of MND. While the science remains inconclusive, Moody knows he must balance his innate competitiveness with the reality of his fatigue levels during a grueling 500‑mile ride.
"We scheduled the ride soon so I could test my physical limits while I still feel capable of contributing fully," he added. "For me, it's about reuniting with my mates. I loved the Ed Slater ride—"4Ed"—and the camaraderie of a group of competitive, slightly mad individuals pushing themselves together. This time, though, there will be no race; it's simply about getting from point A to point B, especially after the last ride left me exhausted.
Medical specialists have given cautious approval for the challenge. They encourage regular exercise but warn against extreme exertion, fatigue, and the need for vigilant self‑care. "There are new boundaries for me now," Moody said, "but I still relish the chance to share a bit of discomfort with friends, minus the competitive pressure." Six months have passed since Moody made his diagnosis public. He emphasizes that MND manifests uniquely in each person.
"The most noticeable change is in my hand," he noted. "My shoulder strength has dipped slightly, but not dramatically since the diagnosis." He describes the daily frustration of minor losses—like a reduced grip when opening a bottle or handling a fork. "Those little challenges are mentally taxing, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't," he explained, adding that, for now, his progress remains slow but steady.
Moody also wants to demonstrate that he can still achieve meaningful feats despite the disease's progression. "It's not about racing to a finish line; it's about reaching the end, understanding my capabilities, and showing others that even when faced with tough news—whether MND or any other hardship—support and the right mindset allow us to be resilient," he said.
Known affectionately as "Mad‑Dog" for his fierce commitment on the field, Moody's all‑in attitude now extends to raising MND awareness through the My Name's Doddie Foundation. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he affirmed. "No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have a clear vision of how I want to live my life moving forward." For more information 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.