Lewis Moody, the former England lock affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health, confirming that he feels "good at the moment" despite his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis disclosed last October. His calm, heartfelt reply resonated with fans and highlighted the emotional weight of such a question, yet also underscored his resilient spirit.

Moody's perspective on living with MND is both uplifting and purposeful. He has set personal milestones that benefit not only himself and his family but also the broader community of individuals battling MND and the scientists racing to uncover a cure.

Drawing inspiration from fellow rugby legends who turned their own diagnoses into platforms for advocacy—Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow—Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). By joining this organization, he hopes to continue the baton they passed, amplifying awareness and fundraising efforts. To achieve this, Moody has rallied his former teammates from England's 2003 World Cup‑winning side, his Leicester Tigers colleagues, and even past opponents who have become friends over the years.

Together they will undertake a 500‑mile cycling challenge, departing from Newcastle's northernmost club, the Newcastle Red Bulls, on June 14 and concluding at Twickenham on June 20. The ride will culminate in the delivery of the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final, a symbolic gesture that ties his sporting heritage to his charitable mission.

"We've spent a long time trying to understand where we could make the biggest impact," Moody explained. "When we looked at the landscape, the My Name's Doddie Foundation stood out as the leading force in MND support, so it made sense to focus our efforts there." His family, he added, also plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the disease and deciding how best to channel their energy.

Moody noted a distinct shift in the environment compared with the era when Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow first raised their voices for MND. "I feel a sense of hope that perhaps wasn't as palpable when they were diagnosed," he said.

"Specialists now speak about hope as a real possibility, and that optimism fuels my desire to turn hope into concrete action and measurable outcomes." While the link between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and MND remains an area of ongoing research, Moody is acutely aware of his own limits. He acknowledges that living with MND requires him to temper his natural competitiveness and monitor fatigue carefully throughout the 500‑mile journey. "The timing of the ride is deliberate," he remarked.

"I want to ensure that physically I can give my best, that I can contribute and see it through. It's also about reuniting with my mates. I loved the Ed Slater ride—the "4Ed" campaign—because it brought together a group of competitive, slightly mad individuals who thrive on pushing themselves. This time, though, it's not a race; it's simply getting from point A to point B while sharing the experience 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 to watch for rapid fatigue and to protect my remaining strength," Moody said. "There are new boundaries for me now, but I still relish the chance to feel a little uncomfortable alongside friends, as long as we keep the competitive edge out of it." Six months after publicly announcing his diagnosis, Moody reflects on how MND manifests uniquely for each individual. "The most noticeable change for me is in my hand," he shared. "My shoulder strength has dipped slightly, but not dramatically.

The real challenge is the daily micro‑adjustments—like a subtle loss of finger strength when opening a bottle or holding a fork. Those small hurdles can be mentally taxing, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't." Moody emphasizes that his goal isn't to prove he can defy the disease, but to demonstrate that even with progression, he can still achieve meaningful objectives.

"It's not about winning a race; it's about reaching the finish line, understanding my capabilities, and showing others that with support and the right mindset, we can still accomplish great things," he affirmed. His reputation as a fiercely committed player—hence the nickname "Mad‑dog"—makes his dedication to the MNDF cause unsurprising. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," Moody said.

"No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it does give me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have crystal‑clear clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." Moody's challenge invites supporters to contribute to the My Name's Doddie Foundation and his personal fundraising page. Donations can be made via the foundation's website (https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/) or directly to the cycling initiative (https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle).

By cycling 500 miles, Moody hopes to shine a brighter light on MND research, inspire hope, and demonstrate that resilience and determination can thrive even in the face of a life‑changing diagnosis.