Lewis Moody, the former England flanker affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health following his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis disclosed last October. With a warm smile, he simply replied, "I'm good at the moment," a response that, while brief, resonated deeply with fans and supporters who have followed his journey. Moody's perspective on living with MND is both realistic and uplifting.
He has set a series of personal and charitable goals that aim to benefit his own well‑being, support his family, and, perhaps most importantly, raise awareness and funds for research into 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 charity founded by Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Great Britain star Rob Burrow. Both Weir and Burrow turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns that have generated substantial support for MND research, and Moody now seeks to continue that legacy. To that end, he has organised a 500‑mile cycling challenge that will see him travel from Newcastle to Twickenham.
The ride, scheduled to begin on June 14 at the Newcastle Red Bulls club—the most northerly rugby outfit in England—will conclude on June 20 at the PREM Rugby Final in Twickenham, where Moody and his companions will deliver the match ball. He has reached out to former teammates from England's 2003 World Cup‑winning side, current and former Leicester Tigers players, and even former opponents who have become friends over the years, inviting them to join the ride. "We've spent a long time trying to understand where we could make the biggest impact," Moody explained. "When we looked at the charities out there, My Name's Doddie Foundation stood out as the leading force in the MND space, so it felt natural to partner with them." Moody acknowledges that the landscape of MND research and support has evolved since the days when Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow first entered the public eye.
"The environment I find myself in now is filled with hope," he said. "When I speak with specialists, they talk about optimism and tangible progress—something that was less certain when those gentlemen were first diagnosed.
Hope is valuable, but I want to translate that hope into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is intentional. Moody wants to test his physical limits while he still feels capable of contributing meaningfully. "I chose to do this now because I want to ensure I can physically manage the challenge and still make a difference," he noted.
"It's also about re‑uniting with my mates. I loved the Slater ride—Ed Slater's 4Ed campaign after his own MND diagnosis—and the camaraderie of being surrounded by competitive, like‑minded individuals again. This time, though, we aren't racing; it's simply about getting from point A to point B together." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion must be approached with caution.
"Doctors told me to stay active, but also warned that I could fatigue more quickly and that I need to monitor my energy levels closely," Moody said. "There are new boundaries for me now, but I still relish the chance to share a bit of discomfort with friends, without the pressure of competition." Six months have passed since Moody publicly announced his diagnosis, and he emphasizes that MND affects each individual differently.
"The most noticeable change for me so far is in my hand," he described. "My shoulder strength is slightly reduced, but not dramatically. The real challenge is the daily observation of small losses—like a slight dip in finger strength when opening a bottle or cutting food.
Those moments can be frustrating, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't." Moody's personal motivation extends beyond his own capabilities. "I want to prove that I can still achieve things like this, even as the disease progresses," he said. "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 overcome adversity.
Humans are resilient, and we can accomplish anything we set our minds to." Throughout his distinguished career, Moody earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike for his relentless commitment and intensity on the field—qualities that now fuel his charitable endeavors. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he affirmed. "No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." For anyone interested in learning more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation, please visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/.
Donations to support Lewis Moody's 500‑mile cycling challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.