Lewis Moody, the former England rugby stalwart, recently shared a candid update on his health, reassuring fans that "I'm good at the moment," he said with a warm smile. This brief, heartfelt reply came after he disclosed his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) last October, a revelation that has resonated deeply within the rugby community and beyond. While the question of how he feels now is inherently complex, Moody's calm and emotional response offered a comforting glimpse into his current state of mind.
Moody's perspective on living with MND is nothing short of inspirational. He has set a series of personal and collective goals aimed at supporting his own well‑being, assisting his family, and contributing to the broader fight against the disease. Central to his mission is the desire to aid the many researchers and volunteers who are tirelessly working to discover a cure for MND.
Drawing motivation from fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). The foundation was created by Scotland lock forward Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow, both of whom turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns for MND awareness and fundraising.
By joining forces with MNDF, Moody is effectively taking up the baton they once carried, continuing the legacy of using sport as a platform for change. To amplify the impact of his effort, Moody has reached out to his former teammates from England's victorious 2003 World Cup squad, as well as current and former Leicester Tigers players and a host of international opponents who have become friends over the years. Together, they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling journey that begins at Newcastle Red Bulls—England's most northerly rugby club—on June 14 and concludes at Twickenham on June 20.
The ride will culminate in the delivery of the match ball for the Premier Rugby European (PREM) Final at Twickenham, a symbolic gesture that ties his personal challenge to a major rugby event. Moody explained why partnering with MNDF felt like a natural fit: "We've spent a long time trying to understand the MND landscape, and it quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this space.
It made sense for us to focus our energy there." He highlighted the deep personal connection he feels to Doddie Weir's work, noting that the foundation's ethos aligns with his own hopes for the future. "The environment I'm entering is very different from the one Doddie and Rob faced," Moody reflected. "There is a sense of hope now that wasn't as prevalent when they were first diagnosed.
Specialists talk about hope, and that optimism fuels my drive to turn that hope into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." Moody is also mindful of the ongoing scientific debate about the relationship between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and the onset of MND. While the exact links remain unclear, he acknowledges that his own condition forces him to balance competitiveness with careful management of fatigue. "The timing of the ride is intentional," he said.
"I want to ensure that physically I can give my best, contribute meaningfully, and safely complete the challenge." He recalled a previous fundraising ride organized in memory of former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. "That experience brought my mates back together," Moody said. "Being surrounded by a group of competitive, slightly crazy friends who love pushing their limits was invigorating, even though we weren't racing. It was simply about moving from point A to point B, and that camaraderie was priceless." Medical advice has been a crucial part of Moody's planning.
Specialists have granted him permission to undertake the ride, emphasizing the importance of staying active while warning against extreme exertion that could accelerate fatigue. "There are new boundaries for me now," he admitted.
"But I love the idea of sharing a bit of discomfort with friends, removing the race element, and focusing on the collective journey." Six months have passed since Moody made his diagnosis public, and he notes that MND manifests uniquely in each individual. "The most noticeable change for me is in my hand," he explained. "My shoulder strength has dipped slightly, but not dramatically. The real challenge lies in the daily micro‑tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food—those small hurdles test my mental resilience as much as my physical ability.
I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't, and so far, progress remains slow but steady." From a personal standpoint, Moody wants to demonstrate that he can still achieve meaningful feats despite the disease's progression. "It's not about winning a race; it's about reaching the finish line, understanding my limits, and showing that with support and the right mindset, we can all be resilient," he said. "When faced with difficult news, whether it's MND or any other challenge, humans have an incredible capacity to adapt and persevere if we set our minds to it." Throughout his distinguished playing career, Moody earned the nickname "Mad‑dog" for his fierce commitment and intensity on the field. That same all‑in attitude now fuels his dedication 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 does provide a strange sort of privilege—a clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." Moody's involvement underscores the broader role that athletes can play in charitable causes, using their public profiles to draw attention, inspire fundraising, and encourage research.
By cycling 500 miles, he not only highlights the urgency of MND research but also showcases the power of community, friendship, and collective action. For those interested in learning more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation, further details can be found at https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Donations to support Lewis Moody's cycling challenge are welcomed at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.