Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health following his motor neuron disease (MND) diagnosis last October. With a warm smile, he told reporters, "I'm good at the moment," a simple yet heartfelt response that resonated with fans and fellow players alike.
While the question of his condition is inevitably difficult, his calm and emotional reply offered a glimpse of the resilience that defines his outlook. Moody’s perspective on living with MND is nothing short of inspiring.
He has set a series of personal and charitable goals that aim to support his own well‑being, his family, and the broader community of individuals battling the disease. Central to his mission is the desire to contribute to the relentless search for a cure, a cause championed by countless researchers and advocates worldwide.
Drawing motivation from two rugby legends who faced similar battles, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name’s Doddie Foundation (MNDF). The foundation was created after Scotland lock forward Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow were diagnosed with MND. Both men turned their personal struggles into powerful campaigns that raised awareness and funds for vital research.
Moody now seeks to carry that torch forward, joining forces with MNDF to amplify the message. To achieve this, Moody has rallied his former teammates from England’s triumphant 2003 World Cup squad, as well as old rivals turned friends from the international rugby circuit. Together they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling challenge that begins at Newcastle’s Red Bulls club on June 14 and culminates at Twickenham on June 20, where they will deliver the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final.
The ride is not only a test of physical endurance but also a symbolic gesture of unity and purpose. Speaking about his decision to partner with MNDF, Moody explained, "We spent a long time trying to understand the landscape of MND charities.
It quickly became clear that My Name’s Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this space, so it felt natural to focus our efforts there." His family’s involvement in this decision underscores the collaborative nature of his campaign. Moody also reflected on the evolution of the MND community since the diagnoses of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. "The environment I entered is different from the one they faced," he said. "There is a real sense of hope now, and specialists are talking about that hope.
When I was diagnosed, hope was more elusive. Today, I feel energized to turn that hope into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is intentional. Moody wants to ensure he is physically capable of completing the journey without jeopardising his health.
He noted, "The reason we’re doing this so soon is to test my limits while I still feel strong enough to contribute. It’s about proving to myself and to others that I can still push forward despite the diagnosis." Moody’s enthusiasm for the event is also rooted in camaraderie. He recalled the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester teammate Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022.
That experience highlighted the powerful bond formed when athletes come together for a common cause. "It’s great to be surrounded by a group of competitive lunatics again," Moody laughed, adding that while the ride won’t be a race, the shared challenge will foster a unique sense of solidarity.
Medical experts have cautioned that intense physical exertion can accelerate fatigue in people with MND, so Moody is mindful of his limits. "Exercise is beneficial, but we must be careful not to over‑exert," he acknowledged. "There are new boundaries for me now, but I still love the feeling of collective discomfort—just without the competitive pressure." Six months after publicly announcing his diagnosis, Moody described how MND manifests differently for each individual.
"The most noticeable change for me is in my hand," he explained. "My shoulder strength has dipped slightly, but not dramatically. The daily challenge lies in the small tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food. Those moments test my mental resilience, yet I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I’ve lost." Moody emphasized that his goal isn’t to win a race but to reach the finish line, to understand his capabilities, and to demonstrate that adversity can be met with determination.
"When faced with tough news, whether it’s MND or any other hardship, the right support and mindset allow us to be resilient," he said. "Humans are stubbornly adaptable, and if we set our minds to something, we can achieve it." Throughout his illustrious playing career, Moody earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflected his fierce commitment and intensity on the field. It is no surprise, then, that he approaches his charitable work with the same all‑in attitude.
"Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," Moody remarked. "It brings a smile to my face. No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective.
I now have crystal‑clear clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." For those interested in supporting the My Name’s Doddie Foundation or contributing to Moody’s cycling challenge, further information and donation links are available at the foundation’s website and the dedicated fundraising page.