Lewis Moody, the former England flanker affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health, reassuring fans that he is "good at the moment" despite his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis disclosed last October. His calm, heartfelt response resonated deeply with supporters, highlighting both his personal resilience and his determination to use his platform for a cause larger than himself. Moody’s perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting. He has set a series of personal and charitable objectives designed to benefit his own wellbeing, support his family, and, crucially, raise awareness and funds for research aimed at finding a cure.

Drawing inspiration from fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). The foundation was founded by former Scotland lock Doddie Weir and later championed by Leeds and Great Britain great Rob Burrow, both of whom turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns for MND research. In a bid to continue that legacy, Moody has organized a 500‑mile cycling challenge that will see him travel from Newcastle to Twickenham.

He has invited members of England’s 2003 World Cup‑winning squad, current Leicester Tigers teammates, and former rivals who have become friends on the international stage to accompany him. The ride begins on June 14 at the Newcastle Red Bulls, England’s most northerly club, and concludes on June 20 at the PREM Rugby Final in Twickenham, where the group will hand over the match ball. "We spent a long time trying to understand where we could make the biggest impact," Moody explained.

"It quickly became clear that My Name’s Doddie Foundation is the leading force in the MND space, so we decided to focus our energy there." He emphasized that the foundation’s work feels like a natural fit, not only because of its high profile but also because of the personal connection he feels to Doddie and Rob’s stories. Moody noted a shift in the atmosphere surrounding MND since his diagnosis.

"When Doddie and Rob were first diagnosed, the conversation was largely about coping and survival. Today, there’s a palpable sense of hope," he said.

"Specialists talk about hope as a realistic element, and that optimism fuels my desire to turn that hope 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 that living with MND forces him to moderate his competitive edge and be mindful of fatigue, especially over a grueling 500‑mile distance. "The reason we’re doing it now is to make sure I can actually complete it while I’m still able," he said.

"It’s about bringing my mates back together. I loved the Ed Slater ride – that sense of camaraderie among a group of ‘competitive idiots’ who love pushing themselves.

This isn’t a race; it’s simply getting from point A to point B, but doing it together makes it special." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion must be approached with caution. "Doctors say stay active, but be careful. You’ll fatigue faster, you need to listen to your body," Moody recounted. "There are new boundaries for me now, but I still relish the chance to share a little discomfort with friends, minus the pressure of competition." Six months after publicly revealing his condition, Moody describes the disease as highly individualised.

"The most noticeable change is in my hand strength. My shoulder strength has dipped a little, but not dramatically," he noted.

He highlighted the daily challenges of simple tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food—and how these minor setbacks can be mentally taxing. Yet he remains optimistic, focusing on what he can still do rather than what he cannot. "Everything is moving slowly, but I’m hopeful that it will continue at this pace," he said, tapping his fingers for luck.

Moody’s motivation extends beyond personal achievement. He wants to demonstrate that even after a life‑altering diagnosis, one can still pursue meaningful goals.

"It’s not about winning a race; it’s about reaching the finish line, understanding my limits, and showing others that with support and the right mindset, we can still achieve great things," he affirmed. He believes his story can inspire anyone facing adversity, not just those with MND, by illustrating human resilience. Throughout his distinguished career, Moody earned respect from teammates and opponents alike. His nickname, ‘Mad‑dog,’ reflected his ferocious commitment on the field, a trait he now channels into advocacy.

"Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he said. "It brings a smile to my face. No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it does give you a strangely privileged perspective. I now have clarity about how I want to live the rest of my life." Moody’s challenge is supported by a dedicated donation page (https://uk.emma‑live.com/LewisMoodyCycle) and further information about the My Name’s Doddie Foundation can be found at https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/.

By cycling 500 miles, gathering former rivals, and delivering the match ball at a premier rugby event, Moody aims to keep the conversation about MND alive, fund vital research, and prove that hope, when paired with decisive action, can move mountains—or at least 500 miles of English countryside.