Lewis Moody smiles and says, "I'm good at the moment," when asked how he feels after publicly sharing his Motor Neuron Disease (MND) diagnosis last October. The question is inevitably difficult, but his calm and heartfelt reply offers comfort to anyone following his journey. Moody's perspective on living with MND is nothing short of inspirational. He has set personal goals that benefit not only himself and his family, but also the wider community of people affected by MND and the researchers racing to find a cure.
Drawing motivation from fellow rugby legends who have faced the same illness, Moody has aligned himself with the My Name's Doddie Foundation (MNDF). The foundation was created 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. Following their example, Moody has invited his former teammates from England's 2003 World Cup‑winning side, his old Leicester colleagues, and even former opponents turned friends from the international rugby circuit to join him on a 500‑mile cycling challenge. The ride will begin at the Newcastle Red Bulls club, England’s most northerly rugby team, on June 14 and will conclude at Twickenham on June 20, where the riders will deliver the match ball for the PREM Rugby Final.
Moody explains why supporting MNDF feels natural for him and his family. "We spent a long time trying to understand the landscape of MND charities," he said. "It quickly became clear that My Name's Doddie Foundation is the leading force in this space, so we wanted to focus our energy there." The connection feels personal, too, because Doddie Weir’s work has resonated deeply with Moody and his own hopes for the future. He notes a shift in the emotional climate surrounding MND since the earlier diagnoses of Weir and Burrow.
"When I speak to specialists now, they talk about hope," Moody says. "That optimism wasn’t as prevalent when those men were first diagnosed. Hope is valuable, but I’m more driven by turning that hope into concrete actions and measurable results." While the scientific link between high‑impact sports, intense physical exertion, and MND is still being explored, Moody is aware that his own condition requires careful management of energy and fatigue.
He admits that the timing of the ride is deliberate: "I wanted to start while I still feel physically capable of contributing and completing the challenge." The event is as much about camaraderie as it is about fundraising. "I loved the Ed Slater ride – the ‘4Ed’ campaign – because it brought a group of competitive, slightly mad friends together," Moody recalls.
"This time, we won’t be racing against the clock; it’s simply about getting from point A to point B, sharing the experience, and supporting each other through the inevitable discomfort." Medical advice has been clear: exercise is beneficial, but extreme exertion can accelerate fatigue for someone with MND. "Doctors say stay active but be cautious," Moody says. "There are new boundaries for me now, but I still relish the chance to push myself alongside people who understand the balance between challenge and safety." Six months have passed since Moody first disclosed his diagnosis, and he emphasizes that MND manifests differently in each individual.
"The most noticeable change for me is in my hand," he explains. "My shoulder strength is a little lower, but not dramatically so. The daily battle is with the small tasks – opening a bottle, holding a fork, cutting food – that become harder and test my mental resilience.
I try to focus on what I can still do rather than what I’ve lost, and so far the progression seems slow, which gives me hope." Moody also wants his story to serve as a broader message of perseverance. "I want to prove that I can still achieve things even as the disease progresses," he says.
"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 difficult news. Humans are remarkably resilient, and if we set our minds to something, we can accomplish it." Throughout his illustrious rugby career, Moody earned the nickname ‘Mad‑dog’ for his fierce commitment and intensity on the field. That same all‑in attitude now fuels his dedication to raising MND awareness through MNDF. "Being part of this campaign gives me purpose," he admits.
"No one wants an MND diagnosis, but it does give me a strangely privileged perspective. I now have clear clarity about how I want to live the rest of my life, and that clarity brings a smile to my face." Moody’s 500‑mile ride is more than a personal challenge; it is a rallying point for the rugby community and for anyone touched by MND. By cycling from Newcastle to Twickenham, he hopes to draw attention, generate donations, and inspire others to take action.
Those wishing to learn more about the My Name's Doddie Foundation can visit https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/, and contributions to Moody’s cycling challenge can be made at https://uk.emma-live.com/LewisMoodyCycle.