Lewis Moody, the former England lock affectionately known as "Mad‑dog," recently shared a candid update on his health, saying with a warm smile, "I'm good at the moment." This reassuring reply came after he disclosed his diagnosis with motor neuron disease (MND) last October—a revelation that has inevitably prompted many to ask how he is coping. While the question is inherently difficult, Moody's calm and heartfelt response offered a glimpse of the optimism that now underpins his daily life. Moody's perspective on living with MND is both uplifting and purposeful.

He has set a series of personal and collective goals aimed at supporting his own wellbeing, his family, and the broader community of individuals affected by the condition. 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.

Inspired by the legacy of fellow rugby legends who have faced similar battles, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). The foundation was established by former Scotland lock Doddie Weir and former Leeds and Great Britain star Rob Burrow, both of whom turned their diagnoses into powerful campaigns that raised awareness and funds for MND research. By joining forces with MNDF, Moody hopes to continue the baton they have carried for years. In a bid to rally support, Moody has reached out to his former teammates from England's victorious 2003 World Cup squad, his old club Leicester Tigers, and even former rivals from the international arena.

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 merely a physical test; it is a symbolic gesture of solidarity, reminding fans and fellow players alike that the fight against MND is a shared responsibility. "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.

It felt natural to partner with them." Moody also reflected on the differences between his journey and those of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. "The landscape has changed," he said. "When I speak with specialists now, there is a real sense of hope that wasn't as prevalent when they were first diagnosed. Hope is essential, but I want that hope to translate into concrete actions and measurable outcomes." The timing of the ride is deliberate.

Moody wants to ensure he is physically capable of completing the distance while still respecting the limits imposed by his condition. He acknowledges that the relationship between high‑intensity sport and MND is still being studied, but he is mindful of his own fatigue levels and the need to balance competitiveness with caution. "The reason we are doing this so soon is to make sure I can actually contribute while I'm still able," he noted.

"For me, it's about reuniting with my mates. I loved the Ed Slater ride—he's another former Leicester player who was diagnosed with MND in 2022—and that sense of camaraderie, of pushing ourselves together, is incredibly motivating.

We're not racing; we're simply getting from point A to point B, but the shared challenge is what matters." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion must be approached carefully. "Doctors say stay active, but be wary of over‑exertion.

Fatigue sets in faster, so I have to respect new boundaries," Moody said. "Nevertheless, there is nothing like gathering with friends, feeling a little uncomfortable together, and removing the competitive pressure." Six months after publicly revealing his diagnosis, Moody described 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 daily challenge is noticing tiny differences—like a reduced grip when opening a bottle or using a fork.

These small setbacks are mentally taxing, but I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I can't." He emphasized that his goal is not to win a race against the disease but to demonstrate resilience. "I want to show that even as the condition progresses, I can still achieve things. It's about reaching the finish line, understanding my limits, and proving that with support and the right mindset, we can overcome adversity. Humans are remarkably resilient, and we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to." Moody's reputation as a fierce competitor and a respected teammate makes his involvement in the MNDF campaign unsurprising.

His nickname, "Mad‑dog," reflects the intensity he brought to the field, and that same intensity now fuels his advocacy for MND research. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he said.

"It brings a smile to my face. No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it has given me a strange sense of privilege—a clarity about how I want to live my life moving forward." For those interested in learning more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation, visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/. Donations to support Lewis Moody's 500‑mile challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.