Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," is taking on a formidable challenge to raise awareness and funds for motor neuron disease (MND). In a candid interview, he smiled and said, "I'm good at the moment," when asked how he feels after publicly sharing his MND diagnosis last October.
While the question is inevitably tough, his calm, heartfelt reply resonated with fans and fellow players alike. Moody’s perspective on living with MND is both realistic and inspiring. He has set personal goals that serve his own wellbeing, support his family, and, importantly, contribute to the broader fight against the disease. He hopes his actions will encourage others to join the effort to accelerate research and ultimately find a cure.
Drawing motivation from rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). The foundation was created by former Scotland lock Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed with MND, and later championed by Leeds and Great Britain great Rob Burrow.
Both men turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns that raised public consciousness and substantial funding for MND research. Moody sees himself as the next link in that chain of advocacy. To mark his commitment, Moody has rallied a group of former teammates from England’s triumphant 2003 World Cup squad, as well as old rivals and friends from Leicester and the wider international rugby community.
Together they will embark on a 500‑mile cycling trek that begins at Newcastle’s Red Bulls club on 14 June and concludes at Twickenham on 20 June, where they will deliver the match ball for the Premiership Rugby Final. The ride is not meant to be a race; instead, it is a symbolic journey that emphasizes camaraderie, perseverance, and the collective fight against MND. "We've spent a long time trying to understand the landscape of MND charities," Moody explained.
"When we looked at where to focus our energy, My Name's Doddie Foundation stood out as the leading force. It felt natural to partner with them." His family, he added, also wanted to ensure that any charitable work they pursued would have maximum impact, and MNDF’s reputation for delivering tangible results made it the obvious choice. Moody acknowledges that the environment surrounding MND research has evolved since Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow first entered the arena. "When I talk to specialists now, there is a sense of hope that perhaps wasn’t as strong back then," he said.
"Hope is vital, but it must be paired with action. My energy comes from turning that hope into concrete steps and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is deliberate. By scheduling it soon after his diagnosis, Moody aims to prove to himself and others that he can still contribute physically and mentally. He admits that living with MND forces him to temper his natural competitiveness and monitor fatigue closely, especially over a demanding 500‑mile distance.
"The reason we’re doing this now is to test my limits while I still feel capable of contributing," he noted. "It’s about reuniting my mates, reliving the camaraderie of the "4Ed" campaign that honored Ed Slater, and enjoying the shared challenge without the pressure of a race." Medical experts have cautioned Moody to balance activity with caution. While exercise is encouraged for people with MND, they warn against overexertion, which can accelerate fatigue.
Moody respects these guidelines, setting clear boundaries for himself while still embracing the discomfort that comes with pushing his limits. Six months after his public announcement, Moody describes the progression of his condition as subtle but noticeable. "The most significant change is in my hand strength," he said. "My shoulder strength has dipped a little, but not dramatically.
The daily challenges are the small tasks—opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food. Those moments test my mental resilience, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can’t." He emphasizes that his goal isn’t to win a race but to finish the ride, to understand his current capabilities, and to demonstrate that even with a serious diagnosis, people can still achieve meaningful objectives. "When faced with difficult news, whether it’s MND or any other challenge, having support and the right mindset allows us to be resilient. Humans are remarkably tough, and we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to," he affirmed.
Moody’s reputation for intensity on the field translates seamlessly into his advocacy work. His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflects the ferocious commitment he brought to rugby, and that same all‑in attitude now fuels his fundraising and awareness efforts. He feels a deep sense of purpose in being part of the MNDF campaign, noting that it brings a smile to his face despite the grim reality of the disease.
"No one wants an MND diagnosis," he said, "but it gives me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have crystal‑clear clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." This clarity, he believes, will guide his actions and inspire others to join the cause. For those interested in learning more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation or contributing to Moody’s cycling challenge, further information and donation links are available on the foundation’s website and the dedicated fundraising page.
By combining personal determination with the support of a passionate rugby community, Lewis Moody hopes to make a lasting impact in the fight against MND.