Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain affectionately known as the "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update about his health following his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis disclosed last October. When asked how he was feeling, he smiled and replied, "I'm good at the moment," a simple yet heartfelt response that resonated with fans and fellow players alike. While the question itself is fraught with complexity, his calm demeanor and emotional honesty offered a comforting glimpse into his current state.
Moody's perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting. He has set a series of personal and charitable goals aimed at supporting his own wellbeing, assisting his family, and contributing to the broader fight against the disease. Drawing inspiration from rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF).
The foundation was established by Scotland lock forward Doddie Weir, whose own MND journey sparked a nationwide campaign, and by former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow, another high‑profile athlete who turned his diagnosis into a platform for fundraising and awareness. In a show of solidarity, Moody has invited his former teammates from England's triumphant 2003 World Cup squad, current Leicester Tigers players, and even erstwhile opponents who have become friends over the years.
Together, they will undertake a 500‑mile cycling challenge that begins at the Newcastle 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 merely a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete effort to channel hope into measurable action, a theme Moody emphasized throughout his interview.
"We've spent a long time trying to understand where we could make the biggest impact," he explained. "When we looked at the charities out there, My Name's Doddie Foundation stood out as the leading force in the MND space. It felt natural to partner with them and carry forward the baton that Doddie and Rob started." He went on to note that the environment surrounding MND research has evolved since the earlier diagnoses of Weir and Burrow. "I feel a sense of hope that wasn't as palpable back then.
Specialists now talk about hope and progress, and that fuels my desire to translate optimism into clear, actionable outcomes." Moody also addressed the practical considerations of undertaking such a demanding physical challenge while living with a progressive neurological condition. He acknowledged that the relationship between high‑intensity sport and MND remains incompletely understood, but he is mindful of his own limits.
"I have to temper my competitiveness and listen to my body," he said. "The timing of the ride is intentional – I want to ensure that I am physically capable of completing it without compromising my health." His enthusiasm for the event stems from past experiences, particularly the "4Ed" campaign organized by former Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. "That ride brought my mates back together in a way that was both competitive and supportive," Moody recalled. "We weren't racing for a win; we were simply moving from point A to point B, sharing the strain and the camaraderie.
There's something uniquely bonding about pushing yourself alongside a group of friends who understand the stakes." Medical advice has been a cornerstone of Moody's preparation. Specialists have cautioned him to maintain regular exercise but warned against excessive exertion that could accelerate fatigue. "There are new boundaries for me now," he admitted. "But I still love the feeling of collective discomfort – the shared struggle that reminds us we are still capable of striving together." Six months after his public announcement, Moody described the subtle ways MND manifests in his daily life.
The most noticeable change, he said, is a slight weakness in his hand, while his shoulder strength remains relatively stable. Simple tasks such as opening a bottle, holding a fork, or cutting food have become minor challenges that require mental adaptation.
"I focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't," he explained, emphasizing a pragmatic mindset that keeps him engaged and motivated. Beyond the personal journey, Moody hopes his endeavor will send a broader message: adversity can be met with resilience, especially when bolstered by community support and a positive outlook. "When faced with difficult news, whether it's MND or any other challenge, having the right support network and mindset can make a huge difference," he said. "Humans are remarkably resilient, and we can achieve a great deal if we set our minds to it." Moody's reputation as a fierce competitor and a respected teammate adds weight to his advocacy.
His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflects the intensity and commitment he brought to the rugby field, traits he now channels into raising awareness for MND through the My Name's Doddie Foundation. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he affirmed.
"It brings a smile to my face, even though no one ever wants a diagnosis like this. It also provides a strangely privileged perspective – a clarity about how I want to live the rest of my life." For those interested in learning more about the foundation's work or contributing to Moody's cycling challenge, further information can be found on the My Name's Doddie Foundation website (https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/) and by donating directly to the campaign at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle. The 500‑mile ride stands as a testament to Moody's determination to turn personal hardship into collective hope, inspiring both the rugby community and the wider public to join the fight against MND.